Chereads / THE VEIL WOMAN / Chapter 17 - Chapter Seventeen: The Enemy Within

Chapter 17 - Chapter Seventeen: The Enemy Within

Ethan's investigation continued, but now, it was no longer just about business—it was personal. His world was beginning to fracture. The more he uncovered, the more uncertain he became about the people around him.

As the days passed, Ethan found himself spending more time with Mia, both in and out of the office. Despite their conflicting priorities, there was an undeniable chemistry that couldn't be ignored. The lines between their professional relationship and something more intimate blurred with each passing day.

But Mia was different. Ethan could see it—she was pulling away from him. Despite the moments of closeness they'd shared, something in her had shifted. And Ethan wasn't sure if it was because of the pressure, the investigations, or something else entirely.

One evening, as they poured over business plans in his penthouse, Mia turned to him, her eyes filled with something unspoken.

"You don't know everything about me, Ethan," she said, her voice low.

Ethan looked at her, his heart thudding in his chest. "I know more than I ever thought I would."

Mia shook her head, standing up from the table. "You don't get it. This isn't just business. It's everything. And I'm not sure if I can keep going like this."

Ethan stood up too, stepping toward her. "What do you mean?"

Mia backed away slightly, her hands trembling. "I don't know what you want from me, Ethan. You hired me for a reason. You know what I am. But I'm not just a pawn in your game. I'm not just a solution to your family's problems."

Ethan's chest tightened. "I never treated you like that, Mia."

"But you did," she said, her voice breaking. "You've been so focused on your own problems that you've forgotten that I have my own. And you've forgotten that I'm not just the girl in the veil."

Ethan opened his mouth to respond, but the words died in his throat. He had been so consumed by his own world that he hadn't even realized the toll it was taking on her.

Mia shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "I don't know if I can do this anymore. I'm not who you think I am."

Ethan reached out, but Mia stepped back, out of his reach. "Maybe it's time to let go."