The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 371

These two places, combined, were his second home.

“For lunch, Ash usually orders in a working meal for me. There’s a small kitchen, but I prefer to keep things simple,” Ethan explained, answering one of Ramona’s many questions. Being here, surrounded by traces of his life before her, made her curious about his daily routines, about every little detail she had missed.

“Your office is huge! It’s like a presidential suite. Compared to this, I don’t think I can ever go back to my office at Covington Group,” Ramona exclaimed as they entered. She marveled at the sheer scale of the international conglomerate. She sank into the sofa for a moment, then walked over to his desk, running her hand over the vast, cool black surface.

“This is my favorite part,” Ethan said, taking her hand and leading her to a balcony attached to a small side room.

Ramona looked out and saw a familiar sight. “Isn’t that… our home?” It was the very apartment Solenne had fought her for so viciously, all for the sake of its view. From the small balcony of Ethan’s office, looking across a few city blocks, she could see the living room window of her apartment.

“It is,” he said. “That’s why I felt it was destiny when you chose that apartment. Whenever I missed you, I could look out and see you. But…” Ethan trailed off. But since they had met, he found he preferred seeing her in person. When he wanted to see her, he wanted to see her immediately. To see her, touch her, kiss her. He would never again be content with just watching from a distance.

“It’s true. Looking back, it feels like our paths were always meant to cross,” Ramona smiled, leaning her head back against his chest. “Even after we move to Cloud Palace, I’ll have to come back here often. Maybe to check up on you from time to time.” The playful glint in her eyes was utterly captivating.

Ethan’s voice was soft. “Alright. From now on, I’ll work from this balcony, so you can check on me whenever you want.”

…………

“You’re Ethan, Zadkiel’s son?”

The familiar tone of the question transported Ethan back in time, to the dark room where he’d been held captive as a child. It was the first thing his kidnappers had asked him. The memory was fleeting. Before he could respond, one of his bodyguards snapped, “Cut the crap. What do you want with Mr. Jordon?”

“Who are you people?”

The two men exchanged a smirk.