The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 282

She secretly savored his fierce protectiveness, feeling that no obstacle ahead could possibly be too great to overcome. It felt a little unfair to feel this way while he was so dejected, so she gently took his hand and coaxed him to sleep.

Moonlight streamed in, turning his hair to silver snow. For a moment, she pictured them growing old together, their hair matching the pale light.

Ramona closed her eyes, Wilfred's words echoing in her mind. The truth was, she wasn't taking Ethan for another reason besides his health. Wilfred had been explicit…

“Come alone.”

He’d said he had something important to discuss with her privately, heavily implying that she shouldn't bring anyone from the Jordon family, especially not Ethan.

It sounded both normal and not normal. It was possible Wilfred had some Covington family secret to share with her. Or, it could mean he had some issue with the Jordons. But if that were the case, why would he have ever approved her marriage into their family in the first place?

Ramona couldn't get any more out of him over the phone. Wilfred had insisted they talk in person.

Perhaps she was just overthinking it.

...

That same night, after an industry dinner with Brantley, Brianna dropped him off at his hotel and drove back to Jotham's villa alone. She was leaving Havencrest City tomorrow, and she wanted to see Jotham one last time before she left. Eulalia had told her he’d been hurt, and she couldn't just ignore it. Besides, Liliane knew she had Gallop Inc. backing her now. They could finally talk things through and call off the divorce.

Brianna entered the security code several times, but each attempt failed.

He’d changed the locks that quickly.

A surge of anger shot through her. She immediately called Jotham's phone while repeatedly ringing the doorbell, but there was no answer. After waiting for half an hour in the biting night air, the cold seeping into her bones, she was finally about to give up and leave.

"What are you doing here?"

Just then, the door creaked open. Jotham stood there, draped in a loose, black cardigan, looking utterly haggard. His head was bandaged, and the bruises on his face, though faded, were still obvious. He walked with a pronounced limp. His hair was a mess, but he didn't look like he had just woken up.

Brianna immediately pushed past him and stepped inside. The overwhelming stench of alcohol hit her like a physical blow. "Have you been drinking?"

Jotham shot her a sideways glance, then staggered toward the fridge to grab a beer.

Brianna threw her arms around his waist from behind. "Jotham… I really can't let you go." Her voice cracked. "Even if Ramona doesn't want you, even if the Holt family is gone… you still have me. You have Milo. Have you forgotten all the good times we had? You promised me, you swore you'd never leave me. I know marriage has its obstacles, and love is never a smooth ride… But please, don't give up so easily. Please?"

Brianna felt like she was trampling on her own pride again, lowering herself to beg him. But after ten years together, she couldn't accept defeat. She refused to.

Why did the Holts only ever see the good in Ramona? Why did Jotham want to go back to her?

If their relationship had to end, it would be on her terms.

"Brianna. Are you done with the act?"

Just as Brianna was starting to be moved by her own speech, Jotham's cold voice cut through the air. She froze, and he pried her fingers from his waist.

He took a step back and turned to face her. His eyes were like bottomless, icy pools, devoid of any light.