Chapter Twenty-Three

At Val's Desserts, Evening

Mae and Mark sat in their usual spot by the window, the soft hum of the café blending with the occasional clink of spoons against cups. Mae absentmindedly twirled her straw in a glass of orange juice, while Mark, with his typical fondness for ice, had a Coke in front of him.

"You're freaking me out, Mae," Mark said, leaning back in his chair, eyes narrowing at her uneaten dessert.

"How so?" she asked, her tone light, though her gaze was distant.

"You didn't order anything sweet. You always order something sweet."

Mae exhaled sharply, her fingers brushing the edge of her glass as she looked down. "I messed up, Mark. Big time."

He tilted his head, frowning. "What happened?"

"I told Ethan I love him," she admitted, her hands covering her face in a gesture of utter self-doubt.

"And...?"

"He's giving me the cold shoulder. Total silence. I should've kept my mouth shut. I can't undo it now. It's all ruined."

Mark shook his head, trying to hide his concern. "Mae, you're overthinking it."

She shook her head slowly, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. "I'm serious. I really thought we had something, but now... now it feels like it's all slipping away."

He sighed, unsure how to respond, but his voice softened. "Okay, well... let's at least make the night better. Order whatever you want. The bill's on me."

"Are you sure?" Mae glanced up, her expression half-hearted but grateful.

"Of course. But you need to take a deep breath, alright? It's not the end of the world."

Mae gave him a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm going to drown my sorrows in orange juice. Like, a lot of it." She flagged the waiter down.

"You're not really going to drink all that, are you?"

"Why not?" Mae shrugged. "At least it's healthy. Orange juice won't kill me. The emotional toll of Ethan's silence might, though," she added with a faint, self-deprecating smile.

Mark's eyes softened, but his voice remained steady. "Mae, don't joke like that."

"I'm fine," she said, her smile wavering as she glanced at the waiter. "Can I have, like... five more glasses of this or maybe the whole thing? Yeah just bring the whole thing"

The waiter blinked, unsure how to respond, but Mae was insistent.

"Mae," Mark warned, but she simply shrugged.

"I can't die from orange juice. But if I do die, I'll be at Ethan's hands, so don't worry too much. I'll be okay." She grinned faintly.

At Ethan's Apartment Later That Night

Mark had to practically carry Mae up to the door of her apartment. She was dazed, her eyes half-lidded, but she still managed a weak smile when she felt him stop.

"We're here," Mark said softly, tapping her lightly.

"Is that you, Ethan?" she murmured, blinking as she tried to focus.

"No, it's Mark," he replied, trying to keep things light.

Mae frowned, a confused expression washing over her face as she cupped his face gently with her hands. "Why are you angry with me? You kissed me so passionately yesterday, and now you're giving me the cold shoulder."

"Mae…" Mark began, but she was too caught up in her emotions to listen.

"Do you love me? If you do, I want you to kiss me again."

Mark shook his head, his voice low. "Mae, I can't."

Mae, her face filled with confusion, looked at him. "I love you, Ethan. Why can't you love me too?"

"I'm not Ethan," Mark whispered, his words tinged with regret.

"But you do love me?" she asked, her voice small, uncertain.

"I do, Mae," Mark said, his eyes locking onto hers with a rare intensity. "I shouldn't be saying this now, but I am falling in love with you. I know I came too late, and I'm sorry for that. But I want you, Mae. I want to be with you."

"Mark?" she breathed as he leaned in, closing the distance between them, and their lips met in a kiss that burned with unresolved emotions.

But the kiss snapped her back to reality. She pulled away sharply, panic rising in her chest.

"Mark, why did you kiss me?" she demanded, her hands trembling as she backed away.

"I love you, Mae," he answered, voice barely a whisper.

She shook her head, her heart racing. "Put me down," she said firmly, her face flushed with confusion and hurt.

Mark did as she asked, gently placing her on the floor. "I'm so sorry."

"I appreciate everything you've done for me, but I love my husband. I love Ethan," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "I can't cheat on him."

Mark's face twisted in pain. "He's cheating on you, Mae."

Mae's lips pressed together tightly. "He has his reasons."

"What reasons could he have?" Mark demanded, frustration bubbling in his voice.

"Please, Mark. Just go home," she whispered, avoiding his gaze. "I'll call you later. I promise."

"I'm sorry," Mark said again, but it was futile. The door clicked shut behind her, and he stood there, feeling the weight of his own words and her refusal.

He turned away, lost in thought, only to bump into someone.

Looking up, he saw Ethan standing in front of him, a quiet tension in the air.

"I'm sorry," Mark muttered, stepping back.

Ethan's gaze was unreadable. "It's fine. I was the one who stayed out here... rather than going in," he said, his voice low.

Mark nodded, unsure of how to continue. "Are you new here?" he asked, trying to break the silence.

"No," Ethan replied, his expression blank. "I just dropped a friend off."

"Nice to meet you," Ethan said, before turning away and walking off without another word.

Mark stood there, his thoughts a whirlwind. "Who was that?"

The following day at RX Hotels in the women's restroom…

Mae found herself inside one of the toilet stalls, desperately trying to steady her breathing. The secret of her pregnancy was becoming increasingly difficult to conceal. She had resorted to wearing long, oversized gowns paired with flats and sneakers, a look that made her feel utterly ridiculous. Her appetite had surged, leading to the oddest cravings. During meetings with the staff, she often embarrassed herself as she munched on snacks, leaving her colleagues visibly concerned for her well-being. Additionally, her bladder had started to betray her, becoming alarmingly unpredictable. She endured sharp pains in her back and feet, the discomfort overwhelming her. She longed to voice her struggles, but the fear of exposure kept her silent. She would have preferred the torment of menstrual cramps over the burden of being pregnant. 

Lost in her thoughts about the waves of pain coursing through her, the restroom door swung open, and Brooke sauntered in. She made her way to the sink, dropping her handbag with a soft thud. She retrieved her phone, quickly dialing Bella and switching to speaker mode.

"Hey, Brooke! What's going on?" Bella's voice crackled through the speaker.

"Hi Bella! Sorry for not answering earlier—I was stuck having lunch with some of my ridiculous coworkers."

"I've got some exciting news."

Brooke leaned back against the sink, her arms crossed. "I'm all ears."

"I think Ethan is going to pop the question!" Bella's voice was full of excitement.

"What makes you say that?" Bella asked, her tone laced with curiosity.

"He booked a reservation for us at Starlite, and I overheard him chatting with a friend about buying a ring."

"How can you be sure he didn't purchase that for Mae? Why would he propose while still married to her?"

"He doesn't need to be divorced to propose to me."

"Seriously? Are you really considering marrying him?"

"Not at all. Shaun and I have plotted to stand him up on the wedding day. That'll leave him utterly humiliated."

Brooke paused, feeling the weight of Bella's words. "That's a clever plan, but have you thought about what Ethan might do when he finds out you've been playing with him?"

Bella laughed, clearly unbothered. "Ethan can handle it. He's an adult. He'll get over it."

"But what if he has real feelings for you?"

"That's on him. I just need him as a means to an end. This isn't about love."

"Just don't provoke Ethan. He can be more dangerous than you think."

"Come on, he's just a secretary. What's the worst he could possibly do?"

"Remember, he's the stepson of Mr. Grayson. He's not as forgiving as Shaun. I've seen a side of Ethan that's far from pleasant."

"That's identical to what you said about Mae."

"Trust me, Ethan is more formidable than Mae. Once he uncovers your true motives, he won't hesitate to come after you and Shaun."

"Brooke, I'll deal with the fallout later. Right now, I need to prepare for my date with Ethan."

"Best of luck, Bella."

"Thanks."

With a sigh, Brooke ended the call, frustration flickering across her face. Bella was stepping into a minefield, entirely oblivious. Ethan was not someone one could toy with and simply walk away unscathed; he had a way of getting his pound of flesh in return. After this, Brooke resolved not to assist Bella with her plans if Ethan was involved. She was already grappling with Mae's other side and she didn't want inviting more trouble. She tucked her phone into her bag, lifted it, and exited the restroom.

Meanwhile, Mae, having overheard the entire conversation between Brooke and Bella, emerged from the stall, her mind racing. How could no one know that Ethan and Shaun were siblings? Curiosity gnawed at her as she pondered the inheritance Bella had mentioned. Suddenly, pieces began to click into place. Bella's interest in Ethan wasn't merely a revenge plot; it was driven by her own selfish motives. Whatever Bella sought from Ethan surely had significant value, and Shaun's involvement indicated that Ethan possessed something precious and coveted. 

Mae struggled to understand what that could possibly be. Despite being Uncle Alex's stepson, Ethan was merely a secretary at SJ Group. What could a secretary have that someone like a CEO would fight to acquire? There was an undercurrent of intrigue in the Grayson family that had gone unnoticed. Determined to thwart Bella and Shaun's intentions, Mae resolved to sabotage Ethan and Bella's dinner date that evening. 

The thought of Ethan proposing to Bella twisted a knife in her heart. She had just confessed her feelings to him a day earlier, only to find out he was now planning to ask her ex-best friend for her hand in marriage. Right then and there, she decided she would put an end to this insanity today. She was set on reclaiming her contract husband. Turning on the faucet, she washed her hands, drying them with paper towels, and caught her reflection in the mirror. A determined smile graced her face. Today, she would fight to win back Ethan at any cost.

Discarding the paper towel in the waste bin, Mae walked out of the restroom with newfound resolve. It's time to get Ethan back.

Later That Evening

6:00 PM

At Starlite Restaurant

Mae rushed through the quiet corridor of the fourth floor, determined to confront the truth and put an end to the game Bella had been playing. Her heart raced as she neared the door. She reached for the handle, took a deep breath, and threw it open. But the moment she stepped inside, her legs buckled beneath her. She managed to catch herself on the doorframe, her breath coming in sharp, unsteady gasps.

What she saw made her world tilt on its axis.

Ethan, down on one knee, held a small velvet box in his hand, and inside it rested a sparkling diamond ring. Bella, sitting across from him, was barely able to contain her excitement. She leapt to her feet, her face alight with joy. Without hesitation, she said yes.

The room seemed to spin as Ethan slid the ring onto Bella's finger and stood up to wrap her in a hug. Mae's heart shattered in a thousand pieces. She didn't need any more confirmation. It was real. Ethan was in love with Bella. Every word, every confession, every moment she had clung to, hoping for something that wasn't there—it all came crashing down around her.

Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she could stop herself, they started to fall. She quickly wiped them away, but it was no use. Her vision blurred. Ethan kissed Bella, and it hit Mae like a punch to the stomach. She had been a fool to think he'd ever been anything but kind to her out of obligation. He had never loved her the way she had loved him. He was never hers to begin with.

She couldn't bear to watch another second. She turned on her heel, walking swiftly out of the room. Ethan, noticing her presence just before she left, gave her a remorseful glance. But it was too late. She didn't need his apology or his pity.

Mae stumbled through the corridors, lost in a haze of anger and heartbreak. She found herself slumped against a wall, her body shaking as sobs wracked her chest. The pain was unbearable, but there was no one to lean on. The tears came in torrents, as though they would never stop.

She wasn't sure how long she stayed there, crying in solitude. After some time, she pulled herself together. She wiped her face, gathered her things, and stood tall. She couldn't let Ethan ruin her anymore. She had to stay strong, not just for herself, but for the babies. One day, she would get her revenge. She would have the last laugh.

Mae picked up her bag, wiped her eyes once more, and walked away, determination setting in. The night felt colder now, but she wasn't about to let Ethan's choices define her anymore.

The Next Day

Mae didn't show up at work. Becca took care of everything at the office, but Mae stayed at home, in her room, grieving the loss of something she had never truly had. It was all too much to process. The thought of the wedding on Saturday, Ethan's words to her, and the baby growing inside her... It all felt like a tangled mess that she couldn't unravel.

The Following Week

Monday Evening

7:00 PM

At RX Hotels in the private grand hall

RX Hotels and Winter Garden Hotels were celebrating their merger, a grand event attended by all the major players in the hospitality industry. Mae had opted out of attending, citing feeling unwell as her excuse. Everyone believed it, but deep down, they knew something was off.

In the corner of the hall, Ethan was surrounded by high-ranking executives, proudly announcing his upcoming wedding.

"I'd like to let you all know that I'll be getting married this Saturday," Ethan said, his voice filled with pride. "It'll be a public celebration of what we didn't get the chance to do last time. It's a fresh start."

One of the executives, smiling warmly, nodded. "Aren't you already married?"

Ethan chuckled, glancing around at the group. "Yes, but the last time it was just a court wedding. This time, we're making it public, and we'd love for you to be there."

The congratulations and well-wishes came flooding in, but as Ethan thanked them, his mind wandered to Mae. Was she happy for him? Was she angry? Was she even still in love with him?

Meanwhile, Shaun and Bella exit the grand hall and check into a hotel room. They make their way to the suite, shutting the door behind them as they settle in.

Bella grips a flute of champagne tightly, the effervescent bubbles reflecting the light, while Shaun meticulously pours a generous measure of scotch into a tumbler.

"Ethan's informed me that we are getting married this Saturday, and he's already sent invitations to all the key executives from both hotels," Bella said, her voice laced with skepticism as she takes a hearty gulp of her drink. "I can't believe he's so naïve and easily misled. He acts all tough, but deep down, he's just weak."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet, Bella," Shaun cautioned, his tone serious. "While we have managed to manipulate him, Ethan isn't as dim-witted as you think. He's the reason Winter Garden Hotels thrives post my parents' divorce."

"What are you implying?" Bella asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"We mustn't underestimate Ethan until we've achieved our objectives," he replied, a glimmer of caution in his eyes.

"Fine, I'll hold back on my underestimations," Bella conceded.

"Now that we've successfully removed Ethan from Mae's life, we need a strategy to insert myself into hers," Shaun declared, downing the scotch with a swift motion.

"That's going to be quite the uphill battle," she remarked.

"Why's that?"

"If you were Mae and your husband left you for someone else, would you have the urge to seek comfort in the arms of that person's ex-boyfriend? The same one who belittled you? Mae may be desperate, Shaun, but she's no fool. And on top of that, she's pregnant with Ethan's child."

"I can persuade Mae to like… wait, did you just say Mae's pregnant? And it's Ethan's?"

"Mae rushed over to confront Ethan the day he proposed to me, and I caught sight of her baby bump," Bella explained.

"How can you be sure it's Ethan's?"

"Remember when Kelly came to stay at the hotel for a week?"

"Yes, I recall."

"Well, I might have... enhanced the circumstances with a little something to ensure Mae and Ethan spent the night together," she admitted, with a hint of remorse.

"You did what?!" Shaun gasped, almost dropping his tumbler onto the table.

"I was in a fragile state and acted out of anger," she replied, her voice shaky.

"So, you're saying the only reason they got married is that she didn't want to have a child out of wedlock?"

"Essentially, yes."

"So you're telling me she doesn't love him?" Shaun's excitement grows palpable.

"Why are you so thrilled?"

"This simplifies our plans," he stated, a sly smile creeping across his face.

"How is that possible? They're still married."

"Easily. We'll create a rift between them."

"And how exactly do you plan to achieve that?" Bella asked, her curiosity piqued.

"We'll take away what binds them together."

"I'm not following," Bella stated, confusion clouding her expression.

"We have to eliminate Mae's pregnancy."

"You want to kill the baby?" she gasped in horror.

"It's the only way to demolish what they have. It's the only path that leads to getting what's rightfully mine," he responded, a malevolent grin spreading across his face.

Meanwhile, after the party, Ethan invites Mae's family and his own to the wedding on Saturday. Both families are delighted, believing their children will finally receive the wedding they've always dreamed of, unaware that a shocking revelation awaits them.

The next morning, in Ethan's apartment, Mae lies peacefully asleep when her phone alarm blares to life. Groaning, she rolls over to silence it, only to discover it's already 7 a.m. Before she can set her phone down, a notification interrupts her—a new message from Mark. She taps on it, wondering what he wants now.

"Hi Mae. I hope things are resolving with your husband. I regret making a move on you. No apology can truly amend my actions. The truth is, I started falling for you the minute we met, but fear held me back. Bella's actions made me poorly judge you, a mistake I deeply regret. I lost a chance with you to a man who doesn't deserve you. I know your plate is full—you have a husband who strayed, and you're likely grappling with how to deal with it after you give birth. Yes, I know you're expecting, Mae. It was evident with your weight gain and cravings for sweet treats. I refuse to destroy your family through selfishness, so I'm stepping away. I have a concert far from here, and then I'll spend time with my family. My hope is that when we cross paths again, you will be far happier than when we parted ways. Please don't let tears stain your cheeks after reading this; it would defeat the very purpose of my being in your life—to uplift you. Thank you for being my friend. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me eventually. Before I bid farewell, remember this: you do not have to endure that toxic marriage just to create a family ideal you never experienced growing up. The truth is, that would only bring you misery, and that's worse than being a terrible mother. You can raise your child alone without Ethan. Ask yourself why you married him. Was it out of love or fear that your child wouldn't have the family you lacked? Take time to ponder this, and know I'll wholeheartedly support whatever decision you make. My love for you endures, Mae. Yours, Mark."

As Mae absorbs his final words, tears spring to her eyes. He knew she was pregnant with another man's child, yet he still harbored feelings for her. Had she made a grave mistake marrying Ethan? Was Mark truly her soulmate? He seemed to understand her wholly without uttering a word. Mark's keen insight exposed Ethan's reality. The truth was, she married Ethan primarily for the babies. Neither of them loved each other. What she felt for him—was it love, or something else entirely? Confusion swirled in her mind. Was it possible to genuinely love a man who treated her poorly, especially while knowing she was carrying his child? Was she really choosing Ethan over Mark, who had shown her nothing but kindness and unwavering support? Mark was everything Ethan was not; he cared for her and the children, willing to step in as a father figure even to a child born of betrayal. Why were feelings so confusing? Why couldn't her heart simply adhere to what it should? The heart always seems drawn to the most complicated love stories. With a sigh, she tossed her phone aside and yawned, deciding against making hasty decisions. She needed to consider her own future and that of her children carefully. In due time, she would make the right choice. Clutching a pillow close, she slowly closed her eyes and let sleep envelop her.

Meanwhile, Bella sends Mae a lavish wedding invitation, asking her to be the maid of honor—a gesture meant to mend their rift and bury the hatchet. Along with the card, she includes a beautiful dress. Excitement buzzes in the air as everyone eagerly anticipates the wedding on Saturday, especially Caleb. Days pass, and at last, the moment arrives—the day everyone has been waiting for—a day destined to be unforgettable for all involved.