Ethan sat in his luxurious apartment staring at a picture, a photograph.it was a picture of a stunningly beautiful woman- none other than the sleeping Arianna. He took this picture when she was fast asleep.
His meeting that day was hurriedly concluded, he so was eager to see her again but upon his return she was gone.
His mind preoccupied with thoughts of the mysterious woman who had somehow entered his mind and heart, filling every inch of his body.
It had been a month since their unforgettable night together; her sudden disappearance had left a void that no amount of happiness could fill.
Ethan Grayson, a young, successful bachelor in Florida known for his extraordinary experience in the business world was uncharacteristically restless.
The note she also left was useless, offering no clues to her whereabout. All it said was, "It was a mistake.".
Those few words creating a desperation he had never experienced before.
"Lucas, "Ethan barked, his voice deep and muscular, carried an undeniable authority. Within seconds, his assistant appeared in the doorway, holding a medium tablet in his hand while removing the hearing aid attached to his ear.
"Yes sir, Lucas answered, his voice calm and attentive, ready to follow and listen to everything.
"I need you to find her. What have those top-notch investigators I hired been doing? Ethan demanded, throwing the files angrily onto the floor, while pacing in the room. "The woman from that night. I don't care what it takes or how you're going to do it; just find her and bring her to me."
Lucas hurriedly nodded, already used to his boss's demanding nature.
"Do you have any leads on her family name or workplace, perhaps? ", to aid in our investigations? Lucas asked.
At that moment, Ethan's jaw tightened, recalling the events of that night, trying to recall everything he could remember.
All I remember is her, her long blond hair, pink lips, and hazel eyes, and... His voice trailed off as he tried to recall the way she spoke to him, so gently and naively, yet it was so appetizing to him.
Shaking off his fantasy, he continued, "She is just mine; that's all that you should know, so find her at all costs before I fire you all." Ethan declared possessively while throwing his hand in front of Lucas to show how impatient he is right now.
Understood, boss, replied Lucas while nodding his head to confirm his words words.
Few weeks into the search, a breakthrough came. One of Ethan's informants uncovered a piece of crucial information: Arianna's full name.
"Arianna Harrington," Lucas announced as he entered the room, his tone laced with a little bit of excitement.
Ethan's head snapped up. "Harringtons? As in those Harington's, we made a deal with 2 weeks ago?" Ethan asked, wanting to clarify his thoughts.
"Yes, sir. The family is well-known in the entire city. But…" Lucas hesitated, his expression darkening.
"But what?" Ethan demanded, his voice laced with impatience.
"The Harringtons claim she's a black sheep of the family who sleeps with men for pleasure. They say she ran away from home weeks ago, and since then they've never heard from her again. They also say she ran away from home to avoid punishments. It's as if they don't really care about her whereabouts."
Ethan's voice echoed in the building. I want their address now! His actions displaying faster than his words, which clearly shows how impatient he was.
Boss I don't think that's really good going there; if she clearly abandoned her parents, I don't think such a woman deserves you, declared Lucas.
"Ouch." A heavy blow was thrown back at Lucas immediately those words were heard.
Don't you ever say those words about her again. It doesn't matter if she's with someone or not; she will be mine forever immediately. I find her," proclaimed Ethan in an angry voice.
Prepare the car; we're moving to the Anderson house now! Hurry! shouted Ethan.
thirty minutes later, Ethan's sleek car arrived at the Andersons family house. He immediately stepped out, heading to the door with his long, stripped leg.
Inside the mansion, Ethan was welcomed by a middle-aged woman whom he presumed was the family's maid.
Sir, are you looking for Mr. Harrington?
I'm here for Miss Harrington, declared Ethan.
Ok, sir, she's upstairs; let me call her for you.
Few minutes later, Mr. Harrington was seen descending the stairs with Ivy.
"Mr. Grayson, this is my daughter Ivy Harrington. I know you came here for her today, said Harrington in a happy tone.
I'm here for Arianna, not Ivy. Where is she? I know she's your daughter, shouted Ethan impatiently while furrowing her brows, ready to hear a positive answer. Harrington's expression darkened, a flicker of disdain crossed his face. "Arianna? That rebellious girl? She's no longer a part of this family. She left the family a few weeks ago; only God knows who she escaped with, answered Serena descending the stairs elegantly.
Ethan's jaw tightened, his temper barely in check. "I didn't come here to discuss your family drama. Tell me where she is."
"We don't know," Harrington replied coolly. "And even if we did, we wouldn't even tell you. She's nothing but a disgrace to this family."
Ethan took a threatening step forward, his voice dangerously low. "Let me make something very clear, Mr. Harrington. Either you tell me where Arianna is, or I'll make sure the Harrington family disappears from this city. Your businesses, your reputation, everything you hold dear—it will all crumble."
Harrington paled, realizing the extent of Ethan's influence. The Harrington empire, while influential, was no match for Ethan Grey's vast network and resources.
Ethan's words develop an indescribable fear in them. The Grayson family was the second most powerful family in all of Los Angeles. If Ethan decides to wipe them out, it will be just a tip of his fingers.
I give you five days to tell me where she is, or you will know the consequences of disobeying me. "shouted Ethan angrily, walking out of the door".
Back in his suite, Ethan leaned against the glass wall, staring out at
the glittering city skyline. His mind raced with thoughts of Arianna—her defiant spirit, her enigmatic smile, and the way she had captivated him so completely.
"She's out there, ," he murmured to himself. "And I'll find her, no matter how long it takes."
Lucas entered the room cautiously, sensing his boss's frustration. "Sir, what's the next step?" Keep looking, he replied impatiently.
Ethan stared out at the city, his patience fraying with every passing second. Suddenly, the door burst open, and one of his investigators hurried in, clutching a folder.
"We found her last location, boss," the man said, breathing heavily. "She was last seen outside the city... but there was an accident."
Ethan's blood ran cold. "What kind of accident?"
The investigator hesitated. "You need to see this for yourself."
Ethan's glass slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor as the room fell into a tense silence. Could something bad have happened to her?