Chapter Fifteen
In Ethan's apartment, the atmosphere in the living room was charged with a certain quiet urgency. Ethan walked in, a worried look on his face, guiding Mae gently to the couch. She sank into the cushions, clearly weary.
`"Are you feeling any better?" Ethan asked, concern lacing his voice.
"Not really," she replied, a tinge of disappointment in her tone.
"Maybe you should get some rest," he suggested softly.
"I'm so sorry for making you leave the party early," Mae said, her voice filled with remorse.
"You're my top priority right now," Ethan reassured her. "And honestly, leaving early helped me dodge a conversation with my mother."
"Thanks for saving me," Mae said, gratitude shining through her weariness.
"My pleasure," he smiled.
"I hope my mom and Liam are doing okay," she said, a worried frown creasing her brow.
"Your dad isn't a bad guy," Ethan said, trying to offer some comfort.
"I know, but I don't trust Emily," Mae replied, her tone revealing her deep-seated concerns.
"How about I take you upstairs to rest, and then we can continue this conversation later?" he proposed, hopeful.
"That sounds perfect," she said, a smile finally breaking through as he helped her to her feet and they made their way upstairs.
A few hours later, the living room was quiet as Ethan conversed with the family doctor.
"Is she alright?" Ethan asked, anxious.
"She's a bit worn out from stress, but she should feel better after some sleep," the doctor replied reassuringly.
"Did you give her sleeping pills?" Ethan inquired, visibly worried.
"No, that could harm the baby," the doctor said, shaking his head.
"How will she manage to sleep regularly in her condition?" Ethan pressed.
"She's set up for therapy, which should help her sleep without pills," the doctor explained.
"Thanks for your help, Doctor," Ethan said gratefully.
"I need to return now for some tests," the doctor said, standing up.
"Alright," Ethan replied, opening the door for him.
"Goodbye, Ethan," the doctor said as he stepped out.
Just then, Nicole and Alex arrived at the apartment, catching Ethan off guard. He shut the door behind them.
"I don't want to be rude, but what are you two doing here?" Ethan asked, still a bit shocked.
"Your mother insisted I come with her," Alex replied.
"Ethan, why did you leave your wedding reception without talking to me first?" Nicole questioned, concern etched on her face.
"I'm sorry, Mom, but Mae was feeling tired, so I took her home," Ethan explained, his tone sincere.
"Is it serious?" Alex probed.
"The doctor said she's just a bit worn out," Ethan clarified.
"Ethan, what's really happening here?" Nicole pressed further.
"What do you mean?" Ethan responded, puzzled.
"You've known her for only three weeks, and now you're getting married?" Nicole raised an eyebrow.
"I don't see the problem with that," Ethan said defensively.
"Ethan, you ended your relationship with Kelly over a proposal, and since then, you haven't dated at all. Now, after so many years, you're marrying someone you barely know. I sense there's more to this," Nicole said emphatically.
"Mom, true love still exists," Ethan replied, his voice firm.
"That's exactly what I mean, Alex. Tell him to bring my son back from wherever he is," Nicole insisted, frustration bubbling over.
"Nicole, stop exaggerating. Ethan says he's in love, so let's give him a chance," Alex responded calmly.
"I simply don't believe him," Nicole said sharply.
"I would love to answer all your questions, but I can't right now. I need to look after Mae," Ethan said, determination in his voice.
"Are you asking me to leave?" Nicole asked, taken aback.
"I would never suggest that, Mom. I just need you to wait here while I attend to Mae," Ethan replied gently.
"You haven't even been married a day, and she's already your top priority!" Nicole complained, her voice tinged with jealousy.
"There's no need for jealousy, Mom. I love you too," Ethan said, planting a quick kiss on her cheek before heading upstairs.
"Why do I feel like I'm about to lose him to someone else?" Nicole questioned anxiously.
"You feel insecure, Nikki. Ethan loves you, and nothing can change that," Alex reassured her while pulling her closer.
"I'm just scared he'll change," Nicole admitted, leaning into Alex.
"He will change, but he will never forget you," Alex promised, kissing her softly.
A few hours later, Mae walked out of her room and found herself alone. She ventured through the apartment searching for Ethan, finally heading downstairs where she discovered him focused on his laptop.
"You're the first person to work on your wedding night," she said, a teasing glint in her eye as he turned to acknowledge her.
"Thanks for the compliment," he replied, a hint of pride in his voice before returning his attention to his work.
"I wasn't complimenting you," she countered, settling on a couch across from him.
"How are you feeling now?" Ethan inquired, genuine concern evident in his eyes.
"Much better, actually," Mae said, allowing a small smile to cross her lips.
"Glad to hear that," he replied, closing the laptop lid.
"Is everything okay?" she asked, sensing a shift in the mood.
"Yes, but we need to discuss living together," he said, his tone serious.
"Do you have an issue with me staying here?" Mae asked, a little defensive.
"Not at all, but I have a few ground rules," he stated.
"I'm listening," she replied, curious but wary.
"I won't always be home because of my job, so I've hired a personal bodyguard for you. He's a good friend, so I trust him to take care of you while I'm away," he explained.
"I don't need a bodyguard!" Mae protested, annoyed.
"Mae, my work often takes me out of the country. I can't let you stay home alone without someone checking on you," Ethan explained firmly.
"Bella can always come by," she suggested.
"Mae, I really don't want Bella around," he said, frowning.
"Why not?" she pressed, confused.
"I just don't trust her, and quite frankly, I find her distasteful," he remarked bluntly.
"That's my best friend!" Mae exclaimed, indignant.
"She *was* your best friend," he shot back.
"Ethan, you can't dictate my friendships just because we got married!" she insisted.
"You made a huge decision for me when you agreed to marry me," he countered.
"That was for the baby!" she said, exasperated.
"And this is also for the baby," he replied, his tone unyielding.
"Ethan, I've known Bella since childhood. I'm not just going to cut ties with her because you think it's best for the baby," Mae insisted resolutely.
"Looks like we have a trip to the courthouse tomorrow," he said calmly.
"For what?" she asked, incredulous.
"To sign our divorce papers," he stated flatly.
"You're joking, right?" she replied, wide-eyed.
"If you can't live under my conditions, then this marriage can't work," Ethan replied matter-of-factly as he rose from the couch with his laptop in hand.
"Ethan, you're going to leave me to raise our child alone?" Mae asked, fear in her voice.
"I will still fulfill my responsibilities as a father, but my responsibilities as your husband end tomorrow," he said, walking away.
"Ethan, I can't do this alone," she pleaded.
"You're not alone. You've got your childhood friend," he said mockingly.
"Please don't do this," Mae begged, her voice trembling.
"To everyone, we're married and in love, but we both know this is just a contractual agreement that can end whenever. If we want to keep this going, we need to meet each other's needs," he said, his voice steady.
"I don't understand," she replied, bewildered.
"I'm willing to compromise on some things, but only if you're also willing to do the same," he explained.
"What changes?" Mae asked, her brow furrowing.
"I want Bella out of your life and for you to resign from your job at RX Hotels…"
"You want me to leave RX Hotels?!" she interrupted, incredulous.
"I know you were bluffing during the meeting, but I want you to actually do it," he replied, unwavering.
"Ethan, are you out of your mind?" she exclaimed.
"Not exactly. I know my conditions may sound extreme, but I have justifications for them," he said.
"They don't just *sound* extreme; they *are* extreme!" she retorted.
"I've laid out my terms; now it's your turn," he pushed back.
"I didn't agree to anything you've stated," she countered defiantly.
"Mae, they're called conditions for a reason," he reminded her.
"Do you really want to play this game with me?" she asked, a glint of determination in her eyes.
"What's the worst that could happen?" he challenged, crossing his arms.
"Fine! I want you to be with me at every hospital visit while I'm pregnant," she declared.
"That's impossible," he said, shaking his head.
"But I'm not finished! I also want you available whenever I need you," she added.
"I can always hire a butler or maid for that," he replied dismissively.
"A butler or maid isn't the father of this baby!" she shot back.
"Mae, do you honestly expect me to be at your beck and call...?"
"Why not?" she interjected.
"I have a job that requires my presence," he reminded her.
"Well, I have a job too, but you want me to give it up to be a mother!" she pointed out, frustration bubbling to the surface.
"Can we just act like mature adults and resolve this calmly?" he asked, trying to keep his composure.
"What if we sleep on this and talk about it tomorrow?" Mae suggested, hoping to de-escalate tensions.
"That's the best idea I've heard all day," he admitted, visibly relieved as she rose from the couch.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said as she headed up the stairs.
As Mae walked away, Ethan couldn't shake off the anger brewing within him, vowing to make her family pay for what they put her through.
The following day, Ethan and Mae sat down to exchange their lists of conditions. With a mix of apprehension and determination, they signed a contract outlining their limits and stipulations, ensuring that neither could breach them.
Ethan's demands included that Mae could not work until she gave birth, that she cut off all ties with Bella and her family, that she must stay home unless visiting the hospital, and that she had to keep him updated about the baby's well-being. Mae's conditions revolved around Ethan attending every prenatal appointment, reducing his work hours, being available whenever she needed him, and dedicating weekends to outings together.
After signing the contract, Mae called RX Hotels to resign from her position. She also arranged to meet Bella to end their friendship. Upon hearing of Mae's resignation, Mr. Wilson stepped down and appointed Michael as the new CEO.
In the days that followed, Ethan adhered to Mae's conditions, coming home early—a shift that frustrated Shaun. They started to resemble a couple more and more, going on dates and accompanying each other to prenatal visits. Yet, the question loomed: how long could they maintain the façade? Would Ethan tire of Mae, or could he develop genuine feelings for her? And could Mae ultimately find love in a marriage that started out as a mere contract? Only time would tell.