The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 288

The second Ethan saw Ramona, he couldn't sit still any longer and immediately came out to greet her. He watched as she took a small sip of the wellness latte Shelby had made, then moved closer. "You're back."

"Mm-hmm."

When it was just the two of them, their intense, loving gazes and sweet nothings were one thing. But with everyone watching, Ethan's unwavering, passionate stare made Ramona feel a little shy.

"Was today tiring?" Ethan, oblivious to her slight embarrassment, reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face.

"Not at all," Ramona shook her head.

Ethan said nothing, but everyone could see the raw hunger in his eyes, as if he could devour her whole. If Ramona hadn't instinctively pressed her lips together, he might have leaned in for a kiss right then and there.

"This latte is delicious. Want a sip?" Ramona quickly held the small cup to Ethan's lips. The liquid gently touched the corner of his mouth, its sweet aroma filling the air.

"Oh, wait, it's a little sweet. You probably won't like it." Just as Ethan's gaze dropped to the cup, Ramona playfully started to pull it away.

"I like it." Ethan caught her hand, his eyes never leaving hers, and took a sip. He guided her hand, finishing the rest of the latte in one go, his throat moving as he swallowed.

"Ah, young love. Newlyweds are just the sweetest," Shelby chuckled, turning to whisper to Florence.

"Of course they are," Florence said, beaming with pride. She and her husband used to be the most romantic couple in the Jordon family, but now she was officially passing the torch to her grandson and his wife.

Ethan's dependence on Ramona was startling, not just to outsiders, but to every member of the Jordon family. Florence still felt like she was dreaming. Her grandson, who had always been so quiet, stern, and rigid, was a hopeless romantic at heart. She had worried his cold, uninteresting personality would be unfair to any woman. Seeing them so affectionate now, she could finally rest easy.

After a few minutes, Ramona headed to the kitchen to help the staff. Ethan wanted to follow, but his grandfather was being clingy, trailing him from the living room to continue their discussion.

Even so, halfway through cooking, Ethan appeared at her side. He resisted the overwhelming urge to wrap his arms around her and instead quietly took the finished plates from her to set on the counter.

"You shouldn't be standing. Aren't you tired? Go sit down and rest," Ramona urged, her eyes on the stove.

As she spoke, Ethan gently wiped a bead of sweat from her temple, his brow furrowing with concern.

*A silent parting, a secret love.*

A line of poetry surfaced in Ramona's mind. No matter how sweet and passionate their love was, she could always sense a profound sorrow in him, a sorrow that was beginning to make her uneasy too.

"Shh, we have a long road ahead of us. I'll always be here," she soothed.

Her reassurance seemed to work. Ethan's mood lifted, and he nodded, rubbing his nose against hers.

At dinner, the atmosphere was joyous. Everyone raved about Ramona's cooking until she was blushing from the compliments. If she spent every day with the Jordons, her ego would soon be out of control.

Just as the mood was at its peak, the doorbell rang.

Before Ramona could get up, a housekeeper went to answer it.

Who could it be at this hour? Everyone looked at Ethan and Ramona. Seeing Ramona’s confused expression, Shelby's eyes flickered. She was about to stand up when she heard the housekeeper open the door.