Chapter 10: Ethan's POV

The next morning, I found myself back at home, lying on my bed. Home! How did I make it here? My memories of the previous day were a blur, obscured by the haze of alcohol and regret. My head throbbed like a jackhammer, a painful reminder of my choices.

I squinted at the cabinet next to my bed and spotted the pain relief pills. I fumbled for them, desperate for some relief. Just as I popped a couple into my mouth, Clara's voice sliced through the fog of my thoughts.

"Ethan, where were you last night?"

Ugh, not now. The last thing I needed was to deal with Clara and her questions while I was nursing this hangover. "Clara, please, it's really early," I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Ethan, you came home drunk! I have a right to ask!" Her voice was insistent, and I could hear the worry underneath her frustration.

I let out a harsh laugh. "A right? Really? As my what? Huh? My wife?" The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I immediately regretted it. I caught a glimpse of her face, hurt and bewildered, and it twisted my stomach into knots.

"Ethan, I don't know what's going on, but you need to talk to me. Please, what's happening?" Her voice softened, and I could see the concern etched across her features.

Damn it, she was persistent. I had to give her that. But this was my battle, and I was determined to fight it alone. "Clara, I need you to let me be right now." Hell, I didn't even want to be around myself.

Ever since my ex-wife had reentered the picture, I felt like I was losing my grip on reality. How was I supposed to explain this mess to Clara? The best course of action seemed to be pushing her away, at least until I could sort through the chaos in my mind.

Would I quit my job? I could, but it felt too rash. I had only just started, and resigning would mean notifying my boss, which would be effective in thirty days. A whole month of this torment? I couldn't survive that long.

Or maybe I could just pretend. Just like Clara seemed to be doing, playing the role of a supportive partner while I felt like I was crumbling inside. The thought stung. How could she act like everything was fine after everything we had been through?

I knew what I had to do. I'd show up to work on Monday, hold my head high, and act like I wasn't fazed. I hadn't done anything wrong—I had just returned to my true love. That was my mantra. If no one else would hype me up, I would have to do it myself.

"Get a hold of yourself, Ethan. You did nothing wrong," I muttered under my breath, trying to drown out the guilt gnawing at me.

Vivi's POV

I sat at my desk, staring at the wall for what felt like hours, my mind a swirling mess of thoughts and distractions. The interior decor around me morphed into whimsical shapes as my imagination wandered aimlessly.

Knock knock.

"Who would need my attention at this hour?" I muttered, slightly annoyed.

"Come in," I called out, and in walked the most striking man I had ever laid eyes on. My heart raced, and I couldn't help but ogle him unabashedly.

"Um, good morning?" he said, his voice smooth and warm.

I shook off my daze, trying to regain my professionalism. "Good morning! How may I help you?"

He introduced himself, and as he spoke, I felt a rush of excitement. "I sent a message via Gmail a few weeks ago and haven't received a response, so I came down here to check on it."

I racked my brain, but nothing came to mind. "I don't recall receiving your message. Can you fill me in on the details?"

"Of course! It was a request for collaboration with your company on a project."

My heart raced. "Really? Wait, you're the CEO of Dalongs?"

He laughed, a sound that sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. "Yeah, if you put it that way."

"Oh my gosh! I did receive a message but didn't realize it was from you. This is such a big opportunity!" I exclaimed, feeling the excitement bubble inside me.

"Really? Are you interested?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"Absolutely! But it's a decision the board will have to make. I'm not solely responsible for these kinds of decisions."

"Understood. When can I expect an answer?" he inquired, leaning slightly closer, his interest palpable.

"Why don't you leave your business card? We'll get back to you. I'm sure it'll be a positive response," I suggested, feeling my cheeks heat up under his gaze.

"Sure, I'll go ahead and start making plans," he replied, his smile making my heart race even faster.

"It was a real pleasure, Mr. CEO," I said, trying to keep my composure, though I felt like a schoolgirl crushing on her teacher.

As he left, I couldn't help but feel giddy. It had been so long since I had felt this excited about a man. My mind raced with thoughts of him, but I also felt a tinge of guilt, having been so focused on my work.

I picked up my phone and dialed Mia, unable to contain my excitement. "Mia!"

"Hey, what's up?" she answered, her tone less enthusiastic than I'd hoped.

"I'm really sorry about how things went down the last time we were together," I apologized, guilt creeping in.

"It's fine," she replied, but I could tell she wasn't convinced.

"No, it's not. This weekend, my treat," I insisted.

"Hmm, I'll have to check my schedule," she said, playing hard to get.

"Okay, busy bee, I'm sorry, and I love you. I'll see you this weekend?"

"Fine, I'll be there," she relented, and I could hear the warmth in her voice.

"Great! Also, please bring Evelyn. I really want to see her," I added, eager to catch up with both of them.

"If you're certain, then sure," she said, her tone brightening.

"Awesome! I have plenty of tea to spill!" I couldn't contain my excitement as I hung up, my heart fluttering.

I hadn't felt this excited about a man in ages. The thought of seeing him again filled me with a thrill I hadn't anticipated. Maybe, just maybe, I was ready to embrace this new feeling.