Chapter 8: Ethan's POV

I woke up buzzing with anticipation for the day ahead. I had told Viv that I would be buried in meetings at the office, but the truth was, I had a different agenda—Clara. I needed to confront the feelings that had lingered since she vanished from my life. She had dropped off the radar without so much as a text, and now she was back, and I was determined to settle this once and for all.

After a quick shower and a careful grooming session, I slipped into a crisp suit that felt sharp against my skin. With one last glance in the mirror, I left for the office, my mind racing with possibilities.

When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was Clara seated in my office, chatting with my secretary, Maya. Her presence sent a jolt through me; she looked as stunning as ever, yet the tension in the air was palpable. I hesitated for a moment, weighing my options, then pushed open the door and stepped in.

"Come in and make it brief," I said, adopting a professional tone, though my heart raced. "You did come early; that's good."

"Good morning, Ethan. It's really nice to see you again," she replied, her voice smooth yet laced with an undertone of anxiety.

"I'm not sure I can say the same," I shot back, my irritation bubbling to the surface.

"It's okay. I deserve that, especially after the way I left things vague," she admitted, looking down at her hands.

"Hm," I responded, crossing my arms defensively.

"Listen, I just wanted to explain what happened," she continued, her eyes meeting mine with a hint of vulnerability.

"Go on," I urged, my patience thinning.

"I left for New York to get myself treated. I know it sounds cruel, especially because I should have told you. We'd been together a lot, and I didn't want you to worry. But I couldn't bring myself to say anything." She paused, her expression shifting. "I didn't think you had anything to worry about since you showed no signs of infection."

"What? What do you mean?" Confusion flooded my mind. "What infection?"

"Relax, Ethan. Please," she said, but the panic inside me flared.

"Relax? You must be insane!" I snapped.

"No, Ethan, just listen. I had it after I cheated on you. We didn't sleep together during that period, and I thought it would be easier to just disappear," she explained.

"Your story doesn't add up, Clara. First, you're sure I didn't contract anything? Now you're saying you cheated on me?" My heart raced with betrayal.

"Yes, I promise there's nothing wrong with you. At least you know that now. It's been two years!" she pleaded.

"Get out of my office," I commanded, my voice cold.

"What?" She looked taken aback.

"You heard me right. Get out," I repeated, my anger boiling over.

"Ethan—"

"I won't say it again. I'll call security," I warned.

With that, she left, muttering an apology that felt hollow. I couldn't focus on her regret; my thoughts spiraled into chaos. How could she think she could just waltz back into my life with excuses?

Nica's POV

I was finally ready to share my side of the story. As I walked down the steps of my modest home, my phone rang. It was Vivi, and my heart sank when I heard her voice.

"Hey, sis, what's up?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light.

"Please, I need you to pick me up at the hospital," she replied, her voice trembling.

"Are you okay? You're not due for another three months!" I exclaimed, panic rising in my chest.

"Just had a miscarriage, Nica, and…" Her voice broke, and I felt a wave of helplessness wash over me.

"I'm on my way," I said quickly, my heart racing. "Ethan could keep you company until I get there, right?"

"Yeah, sure," she replied, her tone barely above a whisper.

When I arrived at the hospital, the sight of my sister reduced to tears shattered my heart. Ethan had left her there alone? I fought to keep my fury in check as I embraced her, whispering soothing words. "You're going to be fine, sis. I'm here for you. Where's Ethan?"

"I don't know," she cried.

I later learned from the doctor that Ethan had dropped her off and left without a backward glance. The thought of him abandoning her when she needed him the most ignited my rage. What could possibly be more important than Vivi right now?

A few hours later, we were cleared to leave the hospital. I dropped Vivi off at home but returned soon after to check on her. She seemed a bit better but was still shaken, lost in her thoughts. Eventually, she opened up about what had happened and the conversation she had overheard. My fury boiled over, but she urged me to let it go.

"After all, you can't accuse a man of cheating without hardcore evidence," she said, trying to placate me.

But in my heart, I knew I couldn't let it go. The way he had treated her was unforgivable.

Time Passed

For two years, we bided our time. We hadn't initially planned to get back at Ethan, but that all changed when our aunt unwittingly hired him at her company. I often wondered how he didn't realize whose company he was working for. Maybe he was too distracted by Clara to connect the dots.

As I sipped my coffee on the way to the office, I could feel the excitement bubbling inside me. Today was going to be monumental. I stopped at a cafe, the smell of fresh coffee invigorating me.

After picking up my drink, I drove to the office and headed straight to the meeting hall. My heart raced as I thought about seeing Ethan. I scanned the room but noticed he was nowhere to be seen.

"Vivi? Where are you? The meeting's about to start," I called, hoping to catch her before it was too late.

"I don't think I can make it, Nica. Go on without me; I'm feeling a bit cold," she said, her voice unsteady.

"Cold? Vivi, get your ass here right now! It's over a hundred degrees outside! It's hot as hell, literally!" I replied, frustration mounting.

"No, Nica," she insisted before hanging up.

I was fuming, but I had to focus. Taking my seat, I prepared to open the meeting. My secretary began reading the minutes of the last meeting, and I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that this was all too perfect.

Then, just as I was about to introduce the next speaker, the door opened, and there he was—Ethan. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched him walk in, a look of confusion crossing his face when he spotted me. This was going to be the show of a lifetime, and I couldn't wait to watch him squirm.