Ethan's hand shook as he scrolled through the messages on his phone. Olivia had sent several texts, each one more concerned than the last. His heart sank as he read her final message from the night before:
Olivia: I don't know what to think, Ethan. Jenna just told me where you've been. I thought we were moving forward.
His head pounded, the remnants of whatever drug Jenna had given him still clouding his thoughts. He glanced over at Jenna, who sat smugly on the edge of the bed, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"What did you tell her?" Ethan asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Jenna leaned back, stretching her arms in a lazy fashion. "Nothing she didn't already assume. I just mentioned that we had fun last night, and she seemed to piece the rest together. I didn't have to say much."
Ethan clenched his fists. "Jenna, I'm engaged to Olivia. You know that. What you did—this—" he gestured around the hotel room, "is insane."
She stood, brushing off his words with a dismissive wave. "Come on, Ethan. You and I both know that this marriage is a business deal. You don't really love her. Why waste your time when we both know I'm better suited for you? I'm what your family wants, what they've always wanted. Your mother already knows what's best for you, and you're just too stubborn to see it."
Ethan stared at her in disbelief, his mind racing. Jenna's confidence was terrifying. She truly believed that by pulling this stunt, she could somehow take Olivia's place. But Ethan wasn't just angry; he was disgusted, both with Jenna's actions and with his own carelessness for letting it happen.
"I'm going to fix this," Ethan said, his voice firm.
Jenna's eyes flashed with anger. "Fix what, exactly? You think Olivia will just believe you over me? She saw the message. She thinks we spent the night together. You can't undo that."
Ethan ignored her and stumbled out of bed, his mind still foggy. He grabbed his jacket, shoved his phone into his pocket, and stormed out of the hotel room. He needed to get to Olivia, to explain everything before it spiraled any further out of control.
---
Olivia stood in her living room, pacing back and forth. The messages from Jenna still echoed in her mind, and no matter how hard she tried to shake off the doubt, it clung to her like a heavy weight. She had trusted Ethan, had started to believe that maybe they could make this marriage work. But now, she wasn't so sure.
When the knock came at her door, she hesitated. She knew who it was, but she wasn't sure if she was ready to face him.
Ethan's voice came from the other side, muffled but pleading. "Olivia, please. I need to explain."
She took a deep breath and opened the door, her eyes locking with his. He looked disheveled, his hair a mess, his clothes rumpled, and a haunted look in his eyes.
"Olivia," he began, stepping inside without waiting for her invitation. "I didn't—what Jenna told you—it's not what you think."
She crossed her arms, her posture stiff. "Not what I think? Then tell me what it is, Ethan. Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you spent the night with her."
Ethan ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "She drugged me, Olivia. I didn't realize it until it was too late. She took me to a hotel and kept me there all night. I swear, nothing happened."
Olivia's gaze was hard, her expression unreadable. "Why should I believe you? Your mother wanted this. Jenna has been after you for years. How do I know this isn't just a way to push me out of the picture?"
Ethan stepped closer, his voice soft but filled with urgency. "Because I don't want her. I don't want anyone but you. This wedding—it started as a merger, but I want more than that now. I want to make this work, Olivia. Please, just trust me."
For a moment, silence hung between them. Olivia searched his face, looking for any hint of dishonesty. But all she saw was sincerity, and perhaps a little desperation.
Finally, she sighed, her shoulders relaxing ever so slightly. "I don't know, Ethan. I don't know if I can trust you after this."
He reached out, gently taking her hand. "Then let me prove it. I'll do whatever it takes to make this right. But don't let Jenna or my mother ruin what we're building."
Olivia stared at their joined hands for a long moment, then slowly pulled hers away. "You have a lot to make up for, Ethan. This can't happen again. Ever."
Ethan nodded, his relief palpable. "It won't. I promise."
But as they stood there in the quiet of her apartment, both of them knew that the trust between them had been fractured. Whether it could be fully repaired remained to be seen.
---
Later that evening, back at the Pierce estate, Ethan confronted his mother. Martha sat in the grand living room, sipping tea as though nothing had happened. When Ethan stormed in, she looked up, her expression calm and poised.
"You knew what Jenna was planning, didn't you?" Ethan said, his voice filled with accusation.
Martha raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about, dear."
"Don't lie to me," Ethan snapped. "You knew she was going to pull something like this. You've been pushing her toward me for years, and now she's gone too far."
Martha set her teacup down, her calm demeanor never wavering. "I only want what's best for you, Ethan. Jenna is a far better match than that... girl you're marrying. Olivia isn't right for you. You deserve someone who understands our family, our traditions."
Ethan shook his head, furious. "I don't care about your traditions. I care about Olivia. And I'm marrying her, with or without your approval."
Martha's eyes hardened. "You'll regret this, Ethan. Mark my words."
But Ethan didn't stay to hear her out. He stormed out of the estate, his resolve even stronger. No matter what his mother or Jenna tried, he wouldn't let them come between him and Olivia.
---
Back at Olivia's apartment, she sat on the edge of her bed, staring at her phone. Ethan had left hours ago, but her mind was still spinning. Could she really trust him? Was he telling the truth about Jenna?
The doubt lingered, but so did something else—a faint glimmer of hope.
For the first time, Olivia realized that maybe, just maybe, Ethan wanted more than just a business merger. And that scared her more than she was willing to admit.