One step ahead

"Have any idea who this mighty CEO is? This is the junior ex-lover of mine whom you separated from me ten years ago..."

I peeked from the corner of my eyes, and Ethan's squeezed smirk was clearly visible to me as his sharp brown eyes narrowed. That was exactly what he wanted, to make me- who humiliated him reveal his identity to my father- who looked down on him. My inside burnt into madness since I had to play per his prediction. I rolled my eyes and glanced at my father to see his puzzled face.

"W-well...seems like you worked hard. It's a very admirable change." He nodded continuously while blinking his eyes. Seemed like it was a good offer since he stood still despite getting his pride shattered.

Letting out a sigh, I opened my mouth, "I see...Where's mom?"

Father pointed inside with his clumsy moves due to shock.

"T-they're all waiting inside."

Ethan and I gradually stepped towards our house, following my father from behind. My cornered glare met his smirking glare. His left hand on the button down his chest and his confident giant strides exposed his tricky personality.

"Welcome, Mr Marc. We're really honoured to have you here." The door opened, and I saw my mother standing with a smile. Her elegant wear and the pearl necklace made her skin lighten up. How long had it been since I saw her with that smile?

The bright shimmering chandelier lit up the whole dining, revealing the red table and candles decorated with flowers and food. They put a lot of effort to impress the CEO.

"Please sit down, Ms Eve. After all, we'll become family soon."

A generous smile was drawn on his lips as he spoke politely to my mom and pulled a chair for me. Getting no response, his eyes slowly turned towards me, and he slightly shook his head, pointing me to sit down. However, I stomped with my black heels and walked towards my mother with a smirk to sit beside her. He tilted his chin and raised his brows while looking at me as he sat down.

The lunch was over with a bit of chit-chat and consumption. My mother seemed genuinely happy, whereas my father looked twisted.

"I will get married like you wanted, but this will be the last! You will never be able to make me do anything against my will! Never again!" I whispered to my father, who seemed unfazed by the words.

"Well then, I'll see everyone at my wedding." A breeze of frustration flew by, making my hair flutter near my face as I turned around to Ethan. He was standing in front of the car while staring at me with his velvety eyes, which glistened more than usual under the sunlight that reflected on his face.

As I was about to sit at the back, he stopped me saying-"Your place must be beside me, Irene." A cheeky smile flashed on his lips. It's just a car. Did he have to act so dramatic? I thought as I rolled my eyes at him and sat in the front.

"How does it feel to kill two birds with one stone?" I said with my eyes looking ahead. "Make it three." I heard a scoff slipping out of his lips as he moved his hands closer to pull the seat belt around me. The mint-like fragrance of his cologne from his black suit smothered me again.

"Mother looked happy." My eyes widened, hearing his words as I swung my head towards him.

"Mother? That's MY mother!"

"We're getting married next week. I'm right either way."

"My my! Aren't you getting too comfortable with this?"

I glanced at his hands, and his veins were visible as he gripped the steering while slowly moving it.

With his sharp jawline and eyes focusing on the road, his side profile looked so

"...Sexy."

"Yes?" He turned to me in surprise, and I looked away instantly, thinking- Crap! I spoke out loud.

"Did you call me sexy?"

I cleared my throat and Changed the topic, "So, was the deal about getting back my father's company?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play with me. It's no use." I took a long breath.

"Was I found out?" He smirked.

"Yes, something like that!" He confessed without betting an eye as if It meant nothing to him.

"Hah!" I tilted my head upwards as a scoff came out of my cornered lips.

"Prepare to feel regret about today."

"I don't feel regret about my work. Especially if it's about you." He raised his brows and looked at me. His looks spoke, "It's no use. No matter what you do, I won't be fazed."

"We'll see about that. Right Mr Marc?"

"..Mr Marc? Isn't it about time you call me by my name? Honey and Baby will do too."

Hearing him say that, I frowned at him with my upper lip pulled upwards as I felt cringed.

After taking a peek at me, he shook his head and focused on the road while I watched everything passing by outside the window.