The first few days of staying in Ethan's penthouse were tough. Claire never thought she'd live with someone she hardly knew, especially someone like Ethan Blackwood. He seemed so distant. At first, it sounded good when he suggested it, but now it felt complicated.
The penthouse matched what she thought it would be: sleek and modern. Glass walls and minimal furniture gave it an almost sterile vibe. It felt like a business space—not a home at all. It was a world full of control, just like Ethan.
Claire didn't want to move in, but she didn't have much choice. Ethan said it was smarter for work, especially since the media was all over their partnership. But there was more to it. This living situation was part of their deal. He wanted her close and available for work, day or night.
Those first days were awkward. Ethan stayed in his office, talking on calls and holding meetings. He barely looked at her. When he did, it was all business. Claire felt like an unwanted roommate, not a partner.
Mornings were the worst. Claire tried to stick to her routine, but there was none here. The penthouse felt cold and lonely. She would make her coffee in silence, trying to avoid Ethan.
One morning, she walked into the kitchen and nearly dropped her mug. There was Ethan, leaning against the counter, scrolling through his phone. The tension was thick, and they stood there quiet for a bit.
"Morning," she finally said.
Ethan just nodded and returned to his phone. "Coffee's on the counter."
And that was it. Claire felt the weight of the silence. Each moment seemed filled with unspoken rules. They were both careful, unsure of how to act.
Sometimes Claire wished she could say something about it. Maybe they could try to be less stiff. But Ethan was all about the deal, not feelings. There was no space for personal stuff with him.
Evenings were no better. After a long day out, she'd come home hoping for some time to relax. But Ethan was usually working late, lost in his laptop. He was stressed about the deal, and Claire felt more like just a piece of it.
After a tough media meeting one night, Claire walked into the penthouse, feeling drained. She had put in so much effort in the interviews about the deal and Ethan, yet there was no sign he noticed. It always seemed to go back to him. Was she just there to fill a role?
She found Ethan sitting at the kitchen table, papers everywhere. The chandelier's harsh light made him look more tired.
"Long night?" she asked, trying to start a conversation.
Ethan didn't look up. "You could say that."
She sat across from him, letting silence fill the space. She wanted to ask if he ever took breaks, but instead, she picked up a paper and pretended to read it.
Eventually, Ethan spoke up. "How are you holding up?"
Claire blinked, surprised. This was new. "I'm fine," she replied. "Just… adjusting."
Ethan just nodded. The silence returned, thick with unspoken words. She wondered if this was their new normal. Would they ever connect, or was it always just business?
As days went by, the tension grew. Claire started spending more time in her room or wandering around the city to escape. She wanted to focus on work, but it was hard when Ethan felt so far away.
One evening, she decided to clear her head with a walk. She needed space from him. Lost in thought, her phone buzzed with a text from her mom.
"How are you doing, honey? I've been thinking about you."
Claire smiled, feeling comforted. She quickly replied, "I'm okay, just a little overwhelmed. It's a lot to adjust to."
Almost instantly, her mom texted back. "I know, sweetheart. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. We're here for you."
Those words felt like a warm hug. Claire missed her family, their chats, and their support. She wanted to feel heard and understood again.
When she got back to the penthouse, Ethan was already home. The lights were low, and he sat on the couch with his laptop still on.
Claire walked in carefully. She hesitated but finally spoke. "Ethan, I've been thinking."
He looked up, his expression as cold as ever. "About what?"
"About us. It feels a bit tense, doesn't it?"
Ethan didn't change his face. "It's business, Claire. No personal feelings here."
Her heart sank. "But it's hard. I didn't expect to feel like just… a business asset."
He stared for a moment, then sighed and closed his laptop. "I'm not here to be your friend. I'm here to make this work. If that means keeping it professional, then that's what it will be."
His words hurt more than she thought. She hoped for some understanding, but it was clear he wanted to keep it cold and distant.
Claire felt like the walls between them were only getting higher. She wanted more from this living arrangement, but it seemed the deal took priority. Now, she had to decide if she could stay in this cold space or if she needed to find a way out. The more she tried to connect with Ethan, the more he pushed her away.