Bella's days became a routine of hospital visits and time spent with Henry, Ethan's grandfather. She found comfort in Ken's company, even though he was weak and struggling with his treatment. She read to him, held his hand, and listened to his stories.
Henry too, became a source of comfort and support. He shared stories about Ethan's childhood and Bella found herself laughing and feeling a connection to this kind and gentle man.
As she spent more time with Henry, Bella began to see Ethan in a different light. She realized that he came from a loving family and that his gruff exterior hid a deep sense of loyalty and commitment.
But despite her growing understanding of Ethan, Bella couldn't shake off the feeling that he was pulling away from her. She sensed a distance between them, a wall that he had erected around himself.
She tried to brush it off focusing on her brother's recovery and her time with Henry.
Bella was now accompanying henry which became her routine and henry was pleased with this granddaughter in law
Henry's eyes twinkled with excitement as he announced, "I think it's time we make your marriage public my dear Bella! We should celebrate and let the world know that my grandson has found happiness."
Bella's heart skipped a beat as she hesitated unsure of how Ethan would react to this idea. But Henry was undeterred already planning the party in his mind.
"A party, yes! We'll invite all our friends and family. It'll be a grand affair, just like the old days. Ethan will see how wonderful it is to have you by his side and you'll see how much he cares for you."
Bella couldn't resist Henry's enthusiasm, and soon found herself swept up in the party planning. But she couldn't shake off the feeling that Ethan would not be pleased with this idea.
As the party preparations went into full swing, Bella wondered how she would break the news to Ethan. Would he be angry, or would he see the sense in making their marriage public? She hoped for the latter, but deep down, she knew Ethan was a wild card.
Bella left Henry's family mansion with the driver already getting used to it and went home hoping to find him. She asked butler Jenkins and he said ethan was in his study.
Bella found Ethan in his study, staring at papers on his desk. She knocked softly on the door and he looked up his expression unreadable.
"Hey, Ethan. Can I talk to you for a minute?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Ethan nodded curtly, gesturing for her to enter.
Bella took a deep breath and launched into the conversation. "I went to see grandpa today. He's planning a party... to announce our marriage to the public."
Ethan's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. "What? No absolutely not."
Bella hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. "He's really excited about it Ethan. He thinks it's a great opportunity to celebrate our union and-"
"No," Ethan interrupted, his voice firm. "I won't do it. I don't want some big, flashy party drawing attention to us."
Bella felt a pang of disappointment. She had hoped Ethan would see the sense in Henry's plan, but now she realized he was still determined to keep their marriage private. After it wasn't a real marriage.
"Why not Ethan?" she asked trying to understand his reasoning.
Ethan's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a hint of warning. "Just drop it, Bella. Okay? This is not a real marriage, the only reason we had this agreement was for grandfather's sake"
Bella felt a sting from Ethan's words, like a slap in the face. She wondered why his words hurt her so much. She knew their marriage was a sham, an arrangement to make Henry happy. But somehow, Ethan's blunt reminder made her feel... unwanted.
"I know that," Bella said, trying to sound casual despite the ache in her chest. "I just thought maybe we could pretend to be happy for Grandfather's sake."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Pretend? You think I can just pretend to be in love with you?"
Bella felt her face heat up, embarrassed. "No of course not. I just meant... never mind."
Ethan's expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. "Look, Bella, let's just get through this, okay? We'll put on a show for Grandfather's party, and then we can go back to our separate lives."
Bella nodded, feeling a pang of sadness. She realized she had started to hope for something more, something real. But Ethan's words made it clear: their marriage was just a facade, and she was just a temporary fixture in his life.
The following day Ethan woke up early and left for the office.
Ethan's employees walked on eggshells around him, fearful of making even the smallest mistake. His usual calm and collected demeanor had given way to a short temper and a sharp tongue.
"Get it together, or get out!" he barked at a trembling intern who had misfiled a document.
His management team exchanged worried glances, sensing that something was amiss. Ethan's behavior was uncharacteristic and they knew better than to confront him when he was in one of his moods.
As the day went by the office atmosphere grew increasingly tense. People whispered about Ethan's behavior, speculating about the cause of his irritability.
Some said it was the pressure of the company's upcoming merger
Whatever the reason, one thing was clear: Ethan was not himself, and his employees were paying the price.
Meanwhile, Ethan sat in his office, staring out the window his mind consumed by thoughts of Bella and the party his grandfather was planning which was all over the media. He felt like his life was spiraling out of control, and he didn't know how to stop it.