Ethan woke up early with a slight smile on his face thinking about last night, acting like a teenager in his school who kissed his crush. He looked at Bella who was sleeping so he got ready not wanting to disturb her and went downstairs.
Ethan's smile grew wider as he descended the stairs, his heart still buzzing from the previous night's kiss. He found his grandfather sitting in the breakfast room, sipping a cup of coffee and reading the newspaper.
"Good morning,l Grandfather," Ethan said trying to sound casual despite the excitement coursing through his veins.
His grandfather looked up, a knowing glint in his eye. "Good morning, Ethan. I see you're looking particularly pleased with yourself today."
Ethan's smile faltered for a moment but he quickly recovered. "Just feeling a bit more optimistic about things that's all."
His grandfather nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I think I know what might be behind that optimism. You and Bella seem to be getting along quite well, don't you?"
Ethan's heart skipped a beat as he wondered how much his grandfather knew. "We're managing," he said, trying to downplay the situation.
His grandfather chuckled his eyes twinkling with warmth. "I'm glad to see you so happy, marriage suits you Ethan."
Ethan's smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Yes, Grandfather. We're...adjusting."
His grandfather nodded, his expression pleased. "You and Bella make a great couple, she's a very sweet girl so make sure you treat her right plus you complement each other well."
Ethan felt a pang of guilt knowing that their marriage wasn't as genuine as his grandfather believed. But he pushed the feeling aside, not wanting to ruin the moment.
"Thanks Grandfather, Bella is sweet" he said trying to sound sincere. "We're trying our best."
His grandfather patted his hand, his eyes shining with happiness. "I know you are, Ethan. And that's all that matters."
Ethan felt a surge of affection for his grandfather, grateful for his unwavering support. He hoped that one day he could tell him the truth, but for now, he was content to bask in his grandfather's joy.
"Where's Bella by the way?" his grandfather asked, looking around the room as if expecting her to appear.
Ethan smiled. "She's still sleeping, Grandfather. She was pretty tired last night."
His grandfather nodded, a knowing glint in his eye. "I'm sure she was. You two must have had a lot to....talk about."
Ethan's face grew hot as his mind wondered to the kiss last night but he quickly pushed the thought aside. "Yeah we did," he said, trying to sound casual.
His grandfather smiled, his expression warm. "I'm glad to see you two are 'communicating'. That's important in a marriage."
Ethan nodded, feeling a pang of guilt again.
"Would you like some coffee Ethan?" his grandfather asked, breaking the silence.
Ethan nodded, grateful for the change in subject. "Yes please Grandfather." Soon a cup of coffee was llsid out.
Upstairs Bella woke up to an empty room, Ethan's side of the bed cold. She felt a pang of disappointment especially after what happened last night she had hoped to find him beside her. She tried to shake off the feeling, telling herself she was being silly. It's not like she was in love with Ethan, infact she didn't need him.
As she stepped into the shower, the warm water cascading down her skin, her mind began to wander back to the kiss. She couldn't believe it had happened, couldn't believe the way she had felt.
Ethan's lips had been soft and gentle, yet passionate and intense. She had felt like she was melting into his touch, like nothing else mattered.
Bella's cheeks flushed as she remembered the way Ethan had looked at her, the way he had held her close. She felt a flutter in her chest, her heart racing with excitement.
She tried to push the thoughts aside, telling herself it was just a kiss but she couldn't shake off the feeling that something had shifted between them.
As she got out of the shower and began to get dressed, Bella couldn't help but wonder what the day would bring. Would things go back to normal, or would something more develop between them?
She went downstairs where she found Ethan with Henry.
Bella's heart skipped a beat as she entered the breakfast room and saw Ethan sitting at the table with his grandfather. Their eyes met, and she felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. She couldn't help but blush, remembering the kiss they had shared the night before.
Ethan's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled before he looked away, trying to hide his own reaction. His grandfather, oblivious to the tension greeted Bella warmly.
"Good morning, Bella! Come join us. Ethan and I were just discussing some business"
Bella nodded, trying to compose herself as she took a seat beside Ethan. She could feel his eyes on her but she avoided his gaze, not wanting to reveal her true feelings.
As they ate breakfast, the conversation was light and easy but Bella couldn't shake off the awareness of Ethan's presence beside her. She felt like she was hyper-sensitive to his every move, every glance.
Ethan's grandfather excused himself, leaving them alone at the table. Ethan turned to her, his eyes locking onto hers.
"Hey," he said softly. "How are you today?"
Bella's blush deepened as she met his gaze. "I'm fine," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Ethan's smile grew wider wanting to tease her so he reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm glad," he said, his voice low and husky.
Ethan's eyes sparkled with amusement as he gazed at Bella, her cheeks still flushed from blushing. He found her behavior adorable, the way she avoided his gaze, the way her voice trembled slightly when she spoke.
He leaned in closer, his voice taking on a teasing tone. "You're really cute when you're flustered Bella."
Bella's eyes darted up to meet his, a hint of embarrassment still lingering. "I'm not flustered" she protested trying to sound convincing.
Ethan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, really? Then why are your cheeks still pink?"
Bella's blush deepened and she looked away, trying to hide her smile. Ethan laughed, reaching out to gently turn her face back towards him.
"I like it when you blush," he whispered, his eyes locked onto hers. "It's adorable."
Bella's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze, feeling like she was melting into his eyes. She couldn't help but wonder if Ethan was feeling the same way she was – if he was developing real feelings for her too.