CH 09: NO ROOM FOR DREAMS

Chapter Nine: No Room for Dreams

Kiara's POV

The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Dave was pacing back and forth, running his hand through his hair while Tasha leaned casually against the doorframe, arms crossed and smirking.

"I'm telling you, Kiara," Dave said, his voice rising. "You can't accept this job."

I folded my arms, trying to keep calm. "And why not? It's a legitimate job offer, Dave. I didn't even apply, but maybe this is my chance to do something meaningful."

"You don't need to do anything meaningful," he snapped, spinning to face me. "You're going to be a CEO's wife. How would it look if people found out you're out there working a nine-to-five?"

I blinked at him, stunned. "Are you even listening to yourself? You think my entire purpose is to sit here and look pretty while you climb the corporate ladder?"

"Exactly," Tasha chimed in, her voice dripping with mock concern. "It's embarrassing, really. A CEO's wife cleaning desks or typing reports? Pathetic."

I shot her a glare but kept my focus on Dave. "This isn't about you, Dave. It's about me. I want this job."

"You don't need this job!" he shouted, slamming his fist on the table. I flinched, my heart racing.

For a moment, silence hung between us. Then he sighed and rubbed his temples. "Look, I'm sorry for yelling, okay? But I need you to understand that this isn't just about you. It's about us. About how people will see us."

I stared at him, the weight of his words sinking in. "You care more about what people think than what I want."

"Kiara," he said softly, stepping closer. "I'm doing this for us. Please, decline the offer."

Tasha smirked from the corner. "Go on, Kiara. Be the obedient little girlfriend we all know you are."

I wanted to scream, but instead, I grabbed my phone. My hands shook as I opened the email.

Dave watched me like a hawk, his expression softening as I hovered over the "Decline" button. "Thank you," he said quietly.

I took a deep breath and clicked it. The confirmation popped up, and with a single tap, the opportunity was gone.

"There," I said, my voice trembling. "Happy now?"

"Good," Dave said, pulling me into a hug. "I knew you'd understand."

I stood stiffly in his arms, feeling the weight of my decision settle in my chest.

Tasha's voice cut through the moment like a knife. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?"

I pulled away from Dave and walked to the window, staring out into the night. A part of me wanted to cry, but another part of me burned with anger.

What had I just done?

BACK TO ETHAN'S POV

AT THE BLAKES MANSION

Ethan's POV

The soft hum of the fireplace filled the elegant living room as I sat with my mother, Margaret, sipping on tea she insisted we have together. She had been lecturing me about "responsibilities" for the past hour, her voice calm yet commanding as always.

But my phone buzzed, interrupting her speech. I glanced at the screen, and without hesitation, excused myself. "I need to take this."

Margaret gave me a disapproving look but waved me off.

I stepped out into the hall, away from prying ears, and answered the call.

"She declined the offer," the voice on the other end said without preamble.

I froze, my grip tightening on the phone. "What do you mean, she declined it?"

"Just that. She clicked 'decline.'"

Fury surged through me. "Are you telling me she'd rather stay unemployed than take an offer from me?"

The caller hesitated. "That seems to be the case."

I didn't even wait for an explanation. I ended the call, shoved my phone into my pocket, and grabbed my car keys from the side table.

Margaret appeared in the doorway, her sharp eyes narrowing as she took in my demeanor. "Where do you think you're going, Ethan?"

"To Lakewood," I snapped, moving toward the door.

She blocked my path, standing firm. "No, you're not. You will not go and disturb Amelia there."

"This has nothing to do with Amelia," I growled, but her gaze only hardened.

"It has everything to do with her. She's your wife. You need to respect the boundaries we've set, especially with the Clarke contract still hanging over us."

"Mother, this is about the woman I—" I stopped myself, shaking my head. "This is about the company."

Margaret crossed her arms. "You think I don't see what's going on here? You're losing focus, Ethan. Amelia's presence in Lakewood is strategic, and we cannot afford any distractions. You agreed to the terms with Lucinda Clarkes, and we're going to fulfill them, no matter what."

"This isn't about Lucinda!" I barked, my voice echoing in the hall.

Her expression didn't waver. "It is about everything, Ethan. This family, our empire, and the promises you've made."

We stared at each other, the air thick with tension. My fists clenched, and for a moment, I considered ignoring her completely. But Margaret was never one to back down, and deep down, I knew she wasn't wrong.

After what felt like an eternity, I let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine. I won't go."

She nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now, sit back down and think carefully about your next move. The Clarke family isn't known for their patience."

I turned away, jaw tight, and stormed back to my office instead of the living room. I couldn't shake the image of Kiara's name on that job offer.

Declined.

But this wasn't over. Not by a long shot.

As soon as the door clicked shut, I grabbed my phone and dialed Marco.

"Marco," I said, my voice low and controlled.

"Yes, sir?"

"Kiara Daniels declined the offer. I want you to keep tabs on her—quietly. And find out if there's any connection between her and Lakewood."

Marco hesitated for a moment before replying, "Understood, sir."

I ended the call and leaned back in my chair, my mind racing.

Kiara Daniels was slipping through my fingers, and I wasn't about to let that happen.