Chapter 29 Broken Illusions, Midnight Fruit, and a Night Owl’s War…
Chapter 29 Broken Illusions, Midnight Fruit, and a Night Owl’s Warmth
The villa gates slowly shut behind them, and the tall and short figures inside disappeared from view.
Ethan turned around. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”
Tina nodded and headed toward the driver’s side. “I’ll drive. Mr. Ethan,”
Ethan waved her off calmly. “No need. I don’t feel like getting out.”
Soon, the black Bentley pulled up outside an old residential complex.
+5 Free Cons
Ethan rested his hand–bracelet and all–on the steering wheel, brow furrowed. “Why are you living in a place like this?”
A personal assistant’s salary, plus annual bonuses, was more than enough to afford a down payment on a mid–to–high–end. apartment in Ashford.
Tina smiled. “I live with my parents. Thank you for the ride, Mr. Ethan.”
Ethan didn’t pry He just gave a small nod.
Tina was about to leave, but then paused, leaned slightly toward him, and said, “Mr. Ethan… I’m sorry.”
And then she walked off, her tall, cool silhouette stretching long under the dim streetlight.
Ethan was stunned for a moment.
Then he realized–she meant sorry about Hannah.
She’d been referring to the fact that Hannah had used him.
And yeah, he had really liked Hannah.
He didn’t even know what had come over him–he’d been utterly fixated on her, thoughts full of her day and night.
But hearing her admit today that she’d only used him to provoke Lucas…
Yeah. That hurt.
His face darkened slightly, thick lashes lowering.
He took out his phone and opened WhatsApp, tapped into Hannah’s chat
Top right corner. Delete contact,
He was only twenty–six. Love could wait,
It was time to focus on building his career.
Nathan’s already wildly successful, he thought. And I’ve never seen him distracted by some roman
He should take a page from Nathan’s book.
Just then, a new WhatsApp message came through.
From a contact named “Learning Lesson by Fourth Marriage.”
“If you’re feeling down, talk to me. I’ll bring the booze, you bring the cash, and we’ll drink ‘til we forget!”
The cold–faced man smiled despite himself and typed:
“No need. Your little brother’s not that fragile.”
Learning Lesson by Fourth Marriage: “True. You’re not like me. I’m a delicate emperor!”
1/2
Chapter 29 Broken Illusions, Midnight Fruit, and a Night Owl’s War…
Seeing the ellipsis pop up on Ethan’s end, Stella burst out laughing from where she was lounging on the couch. ere she was lounging on the couch.
“Poor guy. Got dumped before he even started dating”
She shook her head dramatically.
“Who got dumped before dating?”
The voice dropped from overhead–mellow and clear.
Stella looked up and was met with a jawline so perfect it could’ve been carved.
+5 Free Coins
Nathan stood above her, still in a crisp white shirt, the collar slightly loosened, a sleek black Patek Philippe on his wrist. In his hand was a fruit planer–an elegant watch paired with a rainbow–colored plate. A strange kind of harmony.
He bent over slightly, placing the platter on the coffee table before sitting down beside her, his laptop resting on his knees “You’re such a gossip.” Stella muttered, even as her hand automatically reached for the fruit. “What kind of fruit needs Mr. Nathan himself to go fetch it? Guess I’d better do you a favor and destroy it.”
She popped a few raspberries in her mouth–sweet, tangy, and bursting with flavor.
Delicious
Last night she’d gotten home late and gone straight to bed.
But tonight, she’d arrived back before nine and, as usual, planted herself on the couch with her phone.
It had become a habit during her senior–year summer break. No school, so she’d just curl up here with a book or her phone.
The couch was soft and plush–sinking into it felt like being swallowed by a cloud.
She hadn’t noticed it last night, but now that she was here in the evening, something stood out.
During the day, the house was full of staff bustling around.
But now–nothing.
“No housekeepers?” she asked offhandedly.
Nathan didn’t look up from his screen. They all clock out at eight.”
Stella grabbed a slice of orange and asked curiously, “This villa has staff rooms. Why not have live–in help? Wouldn’t that make your life easier?”
Nathan’s deep, dark eyes flicked over to her from behind his glasses. “I’ve got two hands and two feet. I can take care of myself
A flicker of admiration flashed through Stella’s eyes.
Nathan might be wealthy now, but his lifestyle hadn’t become flashy or wasteful.
He still lived in this old villa, grounded and simple,
“That’s all well and good,” she said, chewing, “but what if you get hungry at midnight? Who’s going to make you a snack!”
“You want a midnight snack?” Nathan adjusted his glasses with a single finger, voice smooth and crisp.
