The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 236

“The last time was when you went to buy a house.”

Not long after reading about Benedict’s death, Ethan had learned that he had an illegitimate daughter who had inherited his estate. His interactions with Benedict had been brief, but he knew the man had longed for children. He must have only found out about his daughter shortly before his death.

Ethan had initially just wanted to find a way to repay his debt to Benedict through his daughter. He never imagined that his benefactor’s heir would be Ramona.

Running into a stranger three times was a coincidence. But with this connection between them, it felt like something more. Ethan, a man who had never believed in fate, destiny, or the supernatural, couldn’t help but feel a sense of predestination.

“So it was all because of a coincidence?”

Hearing the story, Ramona was struck by the strange twists of fate. She never would have guessed that Benedict had a connection to Ethan, or that she had crossed paths with him multiple times before. It was as if the gears of destiny had been turning to bring them together.

“There was coincidence, and there was a debt of gratitude,” Ethan said. “But my decision to marry was because of you. It could only have been you.”

At the time, he had told himself it was a calculated move, partly to honor Benedict, partly for business, and partly because his grandparents had been pressuring him to get married.

But looking back now, he knew the truth was simpler. He had just wanted her.

After their shower, Ethan had Ash bring Ramona one of his shirts to wear. She hadn't packed any clothes, and in this remote area, shopping was not convenient.

The shirt was huge on her, giving her a uniquely alluring look. It was so loose that a hand could easily slip underneath. The sight of her in it made Ethan’s blood heat up all over again. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, inhaling the scent of her hair.

“Don’t move. Your wounds are going to reopen… Shouldn’t we go back to the hospital?” Ramona said, trying to stop him from getting any ideas.

After their earlier activities, his face had grown even paler. He was acting fine, but she was worried he was pushing himself too far.

“Let them reopen. I don’t want to go back to the hospital. I just want to be with you,” he said calmly.

His words, however, made her snap.

She pulled away from him and turned, her expression serious. “If you say one more thing like that, I will never speak to you again.”

“I… I didn’t mean it like that.”

Seeing her upset, Ethan was at a loss. But she was right. He had always prioritized others over his own well-being. And no one… no one had ever been angry with him for it before.

“I don’t care what you meant. I’m very unhappy right now… unless you promise to behave and follow the doctor’s orders to the letter.”

“…However, Mr. Jordon, you have a slight fracture in one of your ribs. You need to stay in bed as much as possible and avoid any strenuous activity.”

The doctor seemed to have noticed something, his eyes flicking to Ramona as he gave his recommendation.

Ramona’s face paled with guilt.

Ethan just grunted in acknowledgment, his gaze on her as he gently squeezed her hand, silently telling her it was all right.

The moment the examination was over, he dismissed the medical team, as if afraid the more they said, the more she would worry.

But Ramona wasn’t reassured. She followed them out and spoke at length with Florence, Shelby, and the doctors. Ethan’s condition was stable, but his recovery would take time. The best course of action was to return home as soon as possible.

Shelby immediately ordered a helicopter for the next morning to fly them directly home.

Florence made a video call to Phineas to update him. He had been beside himself with worry, wanting to come, but Florence had dissuaded him, thinking too many people would be a hindrance.

Phineas saw Ethan on the video call but kept it brief, not wanting to tire him out. Half of his words were directed at Ramona. “My dear boy, you need to get well soon. You’re making my wonderful granddaughter-in-law worry herself sick. Look at her, she came all this way, and her beautiful face is all worn out.”