The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 168

They said she’d left the scene years ago for love, giving up her career, yet after all these years, she still ended up getting hurt by the wrong man...

Ramona’s heart sank. Last night, when they’d left, Nadia had been surrounded by her family, so how could something like this have happened?

She vaguely recalled Ethan’s phone buzzing late into the night.

Could it have been... Nadia?

Ramona hurried to change and stepped out of the bedroom. Ethan was sitting on the sofa, his posture as composed and dignified as ever.

“Ethan, something happened to Nadia...” She walked over to him, her words trailing off as her eyes shimmered with worry.

He nodded, hands clasped around his phone, deep in thought, his expression equally grim.

“I know.”

“Do you... want to go see her?”

They both understood all too well why Nadia had done this.

Ethan shook his head. “I already checked in. She’s okay.”

“If it’s because of me, you don’t have to worry. Nadia and her family have always been kind to you. I’d never hold this against you.”

Ramona could tell Ethan wasn’t as unaffected as he tried to appear. And who could blame him? When someone goes so far as to risk their own life for you, even if it’s extreme, that weight is hard to shake off.

She didn’t want Ethan to carry guilt.

“If Nadia has made up her mind, there’s nothing we can do to stop her. And I won’t let her actions affect me.” Ethan lowered his head. “But... do you think I’m heartless?”

Ramona’s heart stirred; suddenly, she understood the sadness in his eyes.

He always seemed immune to others’ opinions, but inside, he’d been shouldering that burden all along.

“Ethan.” Ramona sat down beside him, just as he’d always supported her. She took his face in her hands, making him look directly into her eyes.

“The way you handle things might seem cold to some, but it isn’t heartlessness, it’s just clear boundaries. And you know that, for Nadia, this is what’s best. If you believe you’re doing the right thing, there’s no need to care about anyone else’s judgment.”

Her voice was gentle, yet it carried strength. Her gaze was soft and warm, full of acceptance and understanding.

As Ramona spoke, the darkness on Ethan’s face began to lift. A faint smile touched his lips, and he pulled her into his arms.

With his voice clear again, he said, “As long as you’re here, none of the rest matters.”

“Mhm. No matter what happens, I’ll be by your side. Just like you said, you don’t have to pretend with me, either...”

Ramona leaned her head against his shoulder, letting her warmth flow through the embrace, hoping it might comfort him, even just a little.

“Ms. Shepard, do you know when a war is truly lost?” Holden asked.

Nadia stayed silent, so he answered himself. “A war is lost only when one side admits defeat. As long as you don’t give up, no one has really lost.”

Something in his words seemed to draw Nadia’s attention. She turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze.

Holden casually picked up a pastry from the table, took a bite, and offered it to her.

“Eat something, will you? Your body’s your only asset. If you fall apart now, the war’s over.”

Nadia ignored him.

Holden finished the pastry himself in a few bites. He brushed off his hands and stood up. “You know what Ethan likes about Ramona, and about you, better than anyone. Even the strongest dam can break from a single ant’s bite. Just because he didn’t come see you this time... doesn’t mean he’s unmoved.”

Holden saw the flicker he wanted in Nadia’s eyes and took his leave, offering a few parting words of encouragement.

After he left, Nadia finally reached out, picked up a pastry from the table, and bit into it numbly.

There was no denying it—Holden had a way of getting under people’s skin.

Nadia hadn’t eaten all day; neither her family nor the doctors could persuade her, and they’d resorted to IV drips. They thought she’d hold out for several more days, but by evening, she was already coming around.

The very next day, Nadia was discharged from the hospital.