Chapter 6: The Flashback

Chapter 6: The Flashback

As time went by, Lily found herself becoming more and more comfortable in her new role as Ethan's wife and business partner. She learned the ins and outs of the business and quickly became a valuable asset to the company.

Despite her strong beliefs, Lily couldn't shake the feeling that there was something wrong with her. She felt like she was getting to know Ethan better, but there was still a part of him that was closed off to her.

One day while they were working in the office, Lily decided to ask Ethan about his future. "Ethan, can I ask you a question?"

Ethan looked up from the newspaper he was reading. "Yes, Lily," he said. "What?"

Lily hesitated, unsure how to answer his question. "I'm just curious...what was your childhood like?" She asked. Ethan's expression changed, and for a moment, Lily saw a flash of pain in his eyes. "My childhood was... complicated," he said finally.

Lily's interest was piqued. "What do you mean?"

Ethan sighed and massaged his temple. "My parents... weren't there," he said. "They are always more interested in their own business processes than their own children."

Lily's heart ached. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to grow up without the love and support of his parents.

"I'm sorry, Ethan," she said. "This must be very difficult for you."

Ethan's eyes widened and he nodded. "That's it," he said. "But I learned to adapt and rely more on myself and less on others."

Lily felt great. She never knew that Ethan's tough exterior stemmed from a difficult childhood.

As they sat there in silence, Lily reached out and took Ethan's hand. "I'll be here for you, Ethan". "You no longer have to face anything alone."

Ethan's eyes met Lily's, and for a moment, Lily saw a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Ethan had begun to open it.

The rest of the day was spent working. Lily and Ethan are working hard to build their business empire.

But despite her busy business, Lily can't shake her attraction to Ethan. For the first time, she saw the fragility beneath his strong exterior.

As the sun gradually set, Lily and Ethan returned home. Although they were very tired, they were all very happy.

As they walked into the house, Lily looked at Ethan with a smile. "Thank you for talking about your childhood". Ethan's eyes met Lily's, and for a moment, Lily saw a flash of emotion. "Thank you for listening, Lily," he said.

As they stood there, looking into each other's eyes, Lily felt a strange feeling. What will their future be like?

Only time will tell us the truth. The next few days were spent in action. Lily and Ethan are hard at work building their business empire.

One day, while they were working in the office, Ethan came up to her with a smile. "Lily, I have a surprise for you," he said.

Lily's interest was piqued. "What?" She asked.

Ethan smiled. "You'll have to wait and see," he said. Lily smiled, feeling very happy. She loves surprises and can't wait to see what Ethan had planned.

At the end of the day, Ethan stood up, his eyes locked on hers. "Follow me, Lily," he said.

Lily shook her head, feeling strange. What is Ethan planning?

As they walked through the house, Lily's curiosity grew. Where are they going?

At last they came to a beautiful garden, full of flowers and trees. There is a beautiful fountain in the center of the garden, surrounded by a magnificent statue. Lily exclaimed, finding it very strange. "Ethan, this is beautiful," she said.

Ethan smiled and closed his eyes. "I'm glad you liked it, Lily," he said. "I made this just for you."

Lily's heart melted and she felt the love she had for Ethan. He was a complex, multifaceted person who she was grateful to be a part of.

As they stood there, looking at the fountain, Lily felt a sense of peace. She's exactly where she should be.