The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 245

While she was in her meeting, Ethan had sent her a message. It was a simple question, asking what time she would be home so he could send Ash to pick her up. But he had asked the same question that morning and again at lunch. This was the third time.

Ramona knew it was his way of saying he missed her. He hadn't bothered her again after she said she was in a meeting, but thinking back, it was sweet how clingy he was being.

People who were clingy often felt insecure.

Though Ethan rarely expressed his needs outright, Ramona had come to understand this about him. She was insecure in relationships, too, but her way of coping was to swallow her feelings or push people away. She used to think Ethan was just as cold and distant as she was. But now she saw that the more insecure he felt, the harder he tried to hold on, giving everything of himself without reservation, even knowing he could get hurt.

When someone hands you their heart, you have to be careful to hold it gently.

Ethan answered almost instantly, as if he’d been sitting there waiting for her call.

“Ramona.” His voice was a little hoarse, but its deep, magnetic timbre was intoxicating. “Are you done with work?”

“I am,” she said, a smile spreading across her face at the sound of his voice. “I’m on my way back now. Should be about thirty minutes.”

“Good. Come to your place. I’m not at the estate.”

His words surprised her, and she frowned. “Who said you could go running around? Didn’t you hear the doctor? You’re supposed to be resting!”

The Jordon family estate had doctors and staff, and Florence was there to make sure he didn't overexert himself.

“They fuss too much,” he said, his voice growing softer as her concern mounted. “Besides, I wanted to be alone with you.”

“You are unbelievable…”

She was annoyed and exasperated, but what could she do? She couldn't very well make him go all the way back now.

“What did the doctor say? Did you have your bandages changed today? Never mind, I’ll take a look when I get there.”

Anxious to see him, Ramona got in her car and hurried home. Ethan refused to hang up, so they stayed on the line the entire drive. He didn't want to distract her, only saying, “Drive safely, no rush,” before falling silent.

Just as she pulled up to her building, her call with Ethan was interrupted by another one from Fenton.

With Ethan needing someone at his beck and call, he already had Ash running around a dozen times a day.

“Then,” Ethan conceded, realizing his oversight, “I’ll get someone else.”

Not wanting him to stand in the drafty hallway, Ramona quickly pulled him inside and shut the door. She noticed he was already putting on his shoes, and his car keys were by the door, even though he was still wearing the pajamas she had picked out for him.

“You weren’t actually about to come looking for me dressed like that, were you?”

“Yes,” Ethan replied calmly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Ramona gasped. “Ethan!”

“What is it?” he asked, his voice still gentle, his expression unchanged.

“I’m not speaking to you!” This time, Ramona was genuinely angry. “I told you to rest. Why are you so careless with your health? Don’t you understand how serious your condition is? Do you have to make me worry like this?”