The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 210

Who would have thought that the workaholic who lived and breathed his job would turn into a lovesick husband after getting married?

Ethan was in a good mood. It was the first time Ramona had seen such a clear smile on his face. He told her that his work trip was nearly over. After a final ribbon-cutting ceremony the next morning, he would be heading back.

Ramona was thrilled and immediately asked for his return time so she could pick him up from the airport. But the exact time was still up in the air. There was a promotional video to shoot in the morning; if it went smoothly, he’d be back by the afternoon, but any delays could push his return to late at night. He didn't want her waiting around for him.

But on the video call, Ramona was insistent. “It doesn’t matter. No matter how late, I want to be the first person you see.”

A soft look entered Ethan’s eyes. Before he could respond, Ash appeared at his side, clearly needing to speak with him.

Ramona took the hint. “It’s getting dark, and the mountain roads are tricky. You should head back to the hotel.”

“Alright.” Ethan paused, then said her name, as if wanting to say more.

“What is it?” Ramona asked, puzzled.

“Nothing,” he said after a moment’s thought. “Get some rest tonight. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Okay.”

After hanging up, Ethan shot an annoyed glance at Ash.

In the distance, Nadia Shepard’s team was already setting up for a night shoot. The return journey also involved some filming, and Ash had to remind him before it got too late.

Although Nadia was on the same trip, they had been working separately for the past two days, and he hadn't seen her. But she would be present for the entire ribbon-cutting ceremony and interview session the next morning, making contact unavoidable.

He had wanted to tell Ramona about it, but the words felt forced and unnecessary. More than that, he didn’t want to give her any reason to feel uneasy.

Nadia’s shoot was brief, focusing on the crew and the mountain scenery at night. Ethan’s convoy was only needed for a passing shot. With her team’s help, it was over in less than an hour.

By the time they finished, the sky was completely dark.

Just as Ethan’s car was about to pull away, Nadia knocked on the window. Ash rolled it down, glancing at the man in the back seat who had his eyes closed. “Miss Shepard? Can I help you?”

“My car is full. Could I possibly catch a ride back to the hotel with you?” Nadia’s eyes darted toward Ethan. “Mr. Jordon, we could go over tomorrow’s schedule in the car. It would save me from having to disturb you in your room later.”

Just as Ethan turned to leave, Nadia called out, “Ethan, have you told Ramona the truth about yourself yet?”

Ethan stopped dead, his figure long and rigid in the dim light.

Nadia hurried around to face him, but Ash immediately stepped between them. “Miss Shepard…”

“I was wrong before. I didn’t have enough faith in us, I was hesitant. But I’m sure now. I love you, and I can accept all of you,” she pleaded. “But Ramona is different. If she knew the truth, do you really think she would stay by your side?”

This was her last chance, and Nadia was desperate.

“You’re right, she is different,” Ethan’s voice was cold and steady, but his back was ramrod straight. “She would never have abandoned me when I was at my most vulnerable.”

“Then do you dare to tell her, Ethan? Do you dare let her know that the man she’s sleeping next to might be an uncontrollable…”

“Shut up.” Ethan’s voice was a low, dangerous growl.