But the image of Ethan remained, looking devastatingly handsome in a crisp dress shirt, the sleeves rolled up revealing muscular forearms. A mental groan escaped her. This couldn't be happening, not now, after she had finally managed to put that inappropriate dream about him behind her. "You can't just invade my thoughts whenever you want," Olivia muttered under her breath, glaring at Ethan's oblivious form. Is this some kind of cosmic joke? Am I being punished? She kept subjecting her to these torturous visions of her best friend's husband. Taking a deep breath, Olivia willed herself to approach the table, her steps feeling leaden. Up close, Ethan looked even more maddeningly attractive in his neatly trimmed hair, lines crinkling around his warm brown eyes as he glanced up at her. Olivia glided across the floor towards him, the deep red chiffon of her dress swirling around her toned legs with every step. The plunging neckline hinted at just a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage.
"Alright, you've got our attention," he said in a low tone, leaning in towards Mia. "So talk. Explain what… whatever this is you're suggesting."His wary glance flicked briefly to Olivia before focusing back on his wife. Outwardly, Ethan looked like a concerned husband. He sought clarification from his wife. But Olivia couldn't help wondering if a part of him was intrigued. It was an inappropriate feeling, but it was about Mia's proposition.Mia scolded them sternly, her voice carrying a mix of disappointment and frustration. "First of all, you two, what was that last night? I thought you two had chemistry between each other, and suddenly, what happened? You both behaved like you can't stand each other. Didn't you both know that last night was important to our plan? I wanted to test the waters with our family."Ethan's frustration boiled over as he looked at Mia. "It was her," he said, pointing at Olivia. "She's the one who treated me like I'm some kind of criminal." His accusing tone
Olivia’s expression softened, regret visible on her face as she turned to him. “Ethan, I owe you an apology. I’m sorry for speaking out of turn and making accusations without knowing your side of the story.” Her voice was gentle yet firm. She paused, weighing her next words.Leaning forward slightly, Olivia looks directly into Ethan’s eyes. “If you’re both open to it, I would really appreciate the opportunity to get to know you better, Ethan. Perhaps we could grab a coffee or a drink together soon?” A tentative smile played across her lips.“It’s clear I misjudged the situation,” Olivia continued earnestly. “And I want to make amends for that. You’re an important part of Mia’s life, and I’d like for us to start fresh, on a better footing if you’re willing to give me that chance.” She said with a genuine desire to mend fences and build a new understanding with Ethan. “What’s there to know about me in the future? I’m not going to be there in Mia’s life. She’s going to leave me, and I d
“It’s time to begin our plan. Now that we’ve found your mistress, Ethan, we’ll start the Mistress Act for our families.” A tense silence fell over the room as Mia’s words hung in the air. Ethan and Olivia exchanged an uneasy glance, their earlier banter replaced by anxiety. As their eyes met Mia’s determined gaze, they both had the same thought–she wasn’t going to back down until she got what she wanted. Her stubbornness was clear. Ethan opened his mouth, possibly to protest, but Olivia’s voice cut through the stillness. “So you’re not going to change your mind?” she asked Mia, a hint of resignation in her tone. Mia shook her head in open resistance, like a stubborn kid refusing to budge. Olivia studied her friend intently for a moment before turning her eyes to Ethan, silently seeking his reaction. As their gazes locked, Ethan felt a weight settle in the pit of his stomach. Olivia faced Mia with an intense stare, her expression a mix of confidence and concern. “Mia, did you ever
Ethan continued, meeting Mrs. Anderson's unwavering stare. "You know, since Olivia is so close to Mia, I didn't want there to be any awkwardness, Mom."Mrs. Anderson gets convinced by their words, her expression softening."Well, that certainly puts my mind at ease," she said with a warm smile. "I know how much Mia values your friendship, Olivia. And Ethan, it's good to see you looking out for my daughter, even when she's not around."Mia thought to herself, 'Mom, I know you trust Ethan. It’s going to take more than this to break that trust. However, I'm your daughter too, and I'm not going to back down until you admit that maybe Ethan isn't the right choice for me after all. That you made a mistake in letting me marry him?'Mrs. Anderson placed a hand on Ethan's arm, giving him an understanding nod. "Mia is so fortunate to have the two of you in her life. It's a comfort to know she has such a caring friend and husband looking out for her."Ethan's heart sank as Mrs. Anderson's words
Ethan's throat felt dry as he see Olivia's searching look ask him. How will you respond? What will you say to justify putting a career over family? After everything, can you still look her in the eye and lie? Ethan cleared his throat, avoiding Olivia's piercing gaze. "You're absolutely right, Mom. Starting a family is very important to me as well. It's just… a matter of timing." He gave a reassuring nod, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of discomfort."But I appreciate your wisdom. Mia and I will keep an open discussion about it."Mrs. Anderson looked at Ethan approvingly. "I'm glad to hear you say that, Ethan. It's not my intent to pressure you both. I just want to make sure you don't let this precious time slip away from you.""You'll make wonderful parents when the moment is right. A new baby would bring so much joy and meaning to your lives together." Mia's mom reached over and patted Ethan's hand warmly."Just don't wait too long. As your mother-in-law, I have to look out for
It was a crisp Sunday morning, Olivia's sneakers pounded against the gravel path as she pushed herself forward, her morning jog through the serene park usually a calming ritual. But today, a prickle of unease had settled under her skin, a nagging sensation that she was being watched, followed.Panic began to build within Olivia, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Her heart rate fastened, and her instincts took over, she quickened her pace and changed direction, determined to shake off her perceived pursuer. But the presence behind her refused to be stop, growing closer with each passing moment.Ethan had decided to take advantage of the crisp, Sunday morning and go for his usual jog in the park. It was a peaceful ritual he looked forward to, a chance to clear his mind and rejuvenate his body.As he made his way along the familiar path, Ethan's steps fell into a comfortable rhythm, his muscles warming up as he moved. In the serene surroundings and the fresh air, he had his earbuds i
"Idiots," Olivia hisses under her breath, then looks at Ethan with a piercing gaze. "Are you following me, Ethan? I thought you were a faithful husband."Ethan's eyebrows raise at her accusation, and he scoffs. "Well, I didn't know you owned this park, just like last time I didn't know you owned that restaurant. If I had known that this place belongs only to you, My Queen, I would've never even dreamed of trespassing into your territory."At his word, Olivia felt a surge of frustration and anger. I didn't know why, Ethan, you're effecting me so much that I forget about my surrounding. Shrugging her shoulders, she said, "Smartass."Ethan's eyes widened at her retort, and he ask, "Are you serious?"Olivia realizes her slip and quickly tries to cover up. "I was asking about your ass-phone. You said it broke, right?"She closes her eyes for slipping again, "I... I mean your smartphone." She felt flustered, her cheeks flushing slightly at her unintentional innuendo. "You said your phone br