He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 85

The heavy scent of smoke swirled inside the car.

Rose watched Houston skillfully blow a smoke ring, then suddenly lunged forward and yanked the cigar from his mouth, hurling it out the window.

“Don’t you know smoking’s bad for your health?”

Houston stared at her in stunned silence.

Then, without warning, he pinned her against the seat and kissed her fiercely.

“Houston! This is the hospital parking lot!” she gasped, struggling. “Someone might see—”

“Rose,” he murmured lowly, “don’t shut me out. I know you care about me.”

Rose didn’t respond. But in that moment, something hit her—something unavoidable.

Yesterday, when she saw Ethan smoking, she’d felt nothing. Not even the urge to stop him. But now? Seeing Houston smoke made her heart race with anxiety.

God.I think I’ve fallen for him.

Outside the car, two pairs of eyes locked on the scene.

One belonged to Ethan. He had just returned to the hospital—and now, here he stood, seething. Rose was actually scolding Houston for smoking? Clearly, she cared. The realization tore at him.

The other belonged to the chauffeur of a nearby Rolls-Royce. He grimaced as he watched his stoic, famously cold boss lose himself in a passionate kiss.

So much for being aloof and immune to women.

…

By the time the kiss ended, Rose’s clothes were rumpled, and Houston’s typically crisp shirt had come undone.

Blushing furiously, Rose reached out to button him up.

Houston grinned. “Rose, your sleeve tore. I’ll buy you a new one.”

She looked down, face burning with embarrassment.

“Did you really have to kiss me that hard?” she muttered.

“I had to hold myself back somehow,” Houston said with a wounded look. “Otherwise, things might’ve… gotten out of hand.”

Flustered, Rose pushed him away and bolted out of the car.

Houston watched her go, laughter bubbling under his breath.

Just then, Daniel approached from the Rolls-Royce. “Sir, the meeting’s about to begin. I came to fetch you.”

Houston gave him a sharp glare, clearly displeased at being interrupted.

He reluctantly changed vehicles and slumped into the back seat. Daniel, seeing the cold shadow return to his boss’s face, couldn’t help but wonder what that beat-up Mercedes had that the Rolls didn’t.

Social anxiety? But she talks to patients all day long! That’s not anxiety—it’s disinterest. Which means… she just doesn’t love him enough.

If you know, why not convince her?

That’s… unbelievably soft of you, sir.

…

Meanwhile, Rose hurried back toward her office, cheeks flushed, head down. But she wasn’t fast enough—she ran right into Ethan.

He was leaning against the wall, face dark as a thundercloud. “Didn’t expect it, Rose. Turns out you’re just another gold digger.”

She froze. “What…?”

“You wouldn’t even let me touch your hand back then,” he spat. “Wouldn’t kiss me, wouldn’t live with me. Now you’ve got yourself a rich man, and you’re playing house in less than a month. Rose, you had me fooled.”

It clicked. He must’ve seen Houston kiss her. And the villa. And now, he’d twisted it all in his head.

Rose began to tremble with anger. “No, Ethan. You’re the one who sold out for power and money.”

She stood tall. “You left me to chase a cushy job. You got with my best friend because her dad could help your career. So who the hell do you think you are, judging me?”

With that, she turned and walked away without looking back.

Ethan had no comeback. His face was dark, twisted with frustration.

Just then, from behind a large column, a graceful woman stepped into view. She strolled up to Ethan, eyes fixed on Rose’s retreating figure.

“Tsk tsk,” she said, smiling. “Dr. Ethan, you know her?”