Chapter 17: Ethan's stepmother

"Yay! We're going shopping!" Mia shouted with boundless excitement in the car, bouncing from one seat to another. Her hands, though, never left Emily's, which left Ethan grumbling and mumbling to himself at how his daughter had changed.

In Emily's mind, a whirlwind of thoughts swirled. "I'm getting married tomorrow! So fast, am I dreaming? I haven't invited anyone, and I didn't even expect it to be so soon. This Ethan guy is heartless," she pondered as she tried to process the sudden turn of events.

Suddenly, the screeching sound of brakes filled the air, and the car came to an abrupt halt. Emily snapped out of her daze, her heart racing as she realized something was amiss.

"What happened?" Ethan asked, his tone tense.

"Sir, a car just parked in front of our car, blocking our movement," Mike, Ethan's bodyguard, replied. "And it seems like someone is stepping out of it."

Emily's eyes widened as she glanced outside the window and saw a woman dressed in all black, exuding an air of wealth and sophistication. Her accessories and jewelry oozed opulence, and Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

Ethan's bodyguard greeted the woman with a polite, "Good morning, Mrs. Dante," as she stepped out of the other car, the one that had blocked their path.

"What do you want?" Ethan asked curtly, his tone revealing his lack of interest.

The woman, seemingly used to this, responded calmly, "That's no way to greet your mom who came to ask how you and my grand daughter is doing?."

But before she could complete her sentence, Ethan cut her off sharply. "point of correction you are my step mother and there is no need check on us , don't worry yourself I can take very good care of myself and my daughter. Goodbye," he dismissed her with a sense of finality and moved to get back into the car.

The woman, undeterred by Ethan's brusque manner, tried one more time. "Are you still looking for a mother for your daughter? I might have a suitable person for you."

Ethan's irritation was evident as he ended the conversation. "There is no need. Don't worry yourself," he repeated, his patience wearing thin.

Emily observed the exchange, noting the tension between Ethan and his stepmother. It was clear that they didn't get along, but the reasons behind their strained relationship remained a mystery to her.

As they finally resumed their journey, Emily couldn't help but wonder about the significance of this encounter and how it might impact their impending marriage.