The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 279

Ramona pressed a soft kiss to Ethan’s lips.

“Have you been eating candy? You’re so sweet,” she said.

The moment she pulled back, he leaned in again, this time for a gentle, lingering kiss.

“You’re welcome to have more.”

Ramona couldn’t take it. How could he, with that stern, handsome face, say things that turned her bones to jelly?

“I’m hungry,” she said playfully, blinking up at him. “But I… don’t want to move.”

The sky was dark, and they hadn’t even turned on the lights. Neither of them wanted to break the spell. Ramona was still in her work clothes, having only taken off her coat.

“Alright, I’ll cook for you.”

Ethan started to get up, but Ramona pulled him back down.

“You’re the patient. You can’t overexert yourself. It would break my heart to see you cook for me,” she whispered, nibbling on his earlobe.

A blush crept up his neck, and he grabbed her arm, pulling her on top of him. “Don’t worry about your heart. I’m willing.”

But though he said he was willing, he made no move to get up, his intentions clearly elsewhere.

Ramona knew he couldn’t handle much teasing. The doctor had been very clear: no strenuous activity.

She quickly rolled over and grabbed her phone. “Let’s just order in.”

Ethan, interrupted but not defeated, wrapped his arms around her again. “I want to help you choose.”

“What do you feel like eating?”

But as she scrolled through the options, he paid no attention to the food, his eyes fixed on her face as if it were the most delicious meal in the world. Whatever she pointed to, his response was the same: “That looks good.” “Sounds great.” “Perfect.”

At this rate, they would never decide, so Ramona took charge.

While they waited for the food, they continued to cuddle on the sofa. Ethan was so tall that lying together like this felt even more intimate than being in bed. At first, it felt a little cramped, but she soon found herself succumbing to the overwhelming sense of security. It felt as if he were trying to merge their bodies into one.

Winter was only a few months away. Maybe they should just sleep on the sofa from now on.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a text message. It was from an unknown number, and the preview on the screen read:

[Ms. Jarrett, you looked beautiful today…]

They both saw it. The atmosphere cooled instantly.

She turned to explain, but his finger had already tapped open the message.

“I’m older than you, too.”

“Well… he’s older than you and he looks old. And he’s not as handsome.”

“You seem to have gotten a good look at him,” Ethan said, his gaze shifting to her face.

Ramona was speechless. The more she said, the more jealous he became.

“Ethan, don’t be silly. You know I only have eyes for you.”

That was more effective than any explanation. Ethan glanced away, the corner of his mouth twitching into a reluctant smile.

“Gallop Inc.,” he said after a moment. “I don’t like that company.”

“I know. They’re a competitor, right? I heard they’re planning to open a branch here in Havencrest City.”

That was the first thing she’d asked him when she heard the news.

Ethan was indeed annoyed. Gallop Inc. was competing with them for a major international project. They had a slight advantage in the renewable energy sector, but it was a project Zadkiel Jordon had been targeting for a long time, and the Jordon Group had already invested too much to let it be snatched away at the last minute.

Just as they were talking, the doorbell rang. Their food had arrived.

Ramona slipped out of his embrace and padded over to the door.