The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 138

Ramona had grown up without parents, so she’d learned early on to make her own decisions about everything. But Ethan was different. His family must have been much more strict.

“Ethan, your parents and grandparents still don’t know about our marriage. Isn’t that a little rude?” Ramona’s voice betrayed her anxiety.

But Ethan seemed perfectly at ease. “My dad doesn’t meddle in my affairs, and Shelby has always let me make my own choices. I texted both of them as soon as we got married, and my grandparents already know.”

“They did scold me for not planning ahead, though. They think I didn’t do right by you and told me I’d better make it up to you. As for the Covington family, I’ll hold off for now. You don’t have any particularly close relatives there, so I’ll wait for the right occasion to announce it publicly.”

“And then comes the wedding celebration… This time, it won’t be rushed.”

Hearing Ethan’s words, Ramona finally felt her nerves settle.

Ethan had thought everything through, and as for the Covingtons, all she really needed was a formal introduction.

Right on cue, Florence called. She had timed it perfectly, figuring the two of them would have had enough time alone and should be heading home soon.

“Ramona, dear,” Florence’s careful, gentle voice came through the phone, “my beloved grandson can be so impulsive. He just up and decided to marry you without any warning at all. I hope you’re not upset that we didn’t prepare better?”

Ramona’s cheeks warmed, and she felt both shy and comforted. “No, really, I’m very happy.”

She could barely look at Ethan as she said it, her voice dropping to a whisper.

“Oh, thank heavens! My grandson is so lucky to have such a sweet wife!” Florence exclaimed, her tone both enthusiastic and sincere. “Why don’t you two stay here tonight? It’s Ethan’s birthday, and now you’re married. Our family should celebrate together! I’ve already prepared your room!”

Ramona’s heart skipped at Florence’s open warmth, and she stole a glance at Ethan behind the wheel.

Even though Ethan kept his eyes on the road, she noticed the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

He reached for the phone and spoke to his grandmother, his tone softer than usual. “Don’t scare her, Grandma. We’re already on our way.”

“Good, good! Drive safely, both of you,” Florence replied, her voice brimming with excitement.

Ethan handed the phone back to Ramona. She hesitated a moment, then asked quietly, “Are we… staying at your place tonight?”

He shot her a look, his eyes gentle. “It’s our place now.”

His words sent a shiver through her. He was right. Ethan’s house was now her home, too.

“Alright, let’s try Ramona’s birthday cake,” he said, breaking the emotional moment as he set the cake she’d made on the table.

Florence and Phineas lit up with delight and immediately asked the staff to bring plates and forks.

Ethan had never celebrated his birthday growing up. If anyone had ever brought out a cake, he would have just scowled, or worse, lost his temper entirely.

But now, with Ramona, he’d not only brought a cake home, he’d done so himself.

For Florence and Phineas, finally being able to eat their grandson’s birthday cake was a deeply cherished moment.

With the whole family gathered, the birthday celebration began in earnest. Ramona had brought candles for Ethan’s twenty-ninth birthday, carefully placing nine of them on the cake and lighting them herself.

“Ethan, you have to close your eyes and make a wish before you blow out the candles,” she reminded him gently when he made to cut the cake right away.

Ethan didn’t protest. He did exactly as she said, closing his eyes for a few seconds.

“Done.”