The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 90

Ethan quietly swapped his own cutlery with Ramona’s and, while waiting for the attendant to clear the table, poured her a glass of red wine.

Trying to hide her embarrassment, Ramona lifted the wine and knocked it back in one go.

“Ramona.”

Ethan, worried she was drinking too fast, tried to stop her, but before he could finish, she’d already downed the entire glass.

As she set the glass down, Ash arrived with fresh silverware.

Ramona quickly cut a small piece of cake and took a bite, stealing a glance at Ethan, who was still watching her, making her even more self-conscious.

Was she really acting this flustered?

She was a grown woman, for heaven’s sake. Why did she feel like a teenager on her first date? They were already engaged. Wasn’t it more awkward if they kept avoiding each other?

“Here, this is for you.”

Suddenly, Ethan handed her a sleek black and gold card. It was a secondary card from his exclusive account.

Ramona recognized it instantly: an invitation-only card, the rarest in the world. Not only did it require significant assets, but the status threshold was even higher. The card offered unlimited credit and access to the best services worldwide. Even the secondary card could only be issued to close family, and the annual fee was astronomical.

Even after they married, she hadn’t expected him to treat her with such generosity.

“Mr. Jordon, I’m not short on money, and this is just too much. I can’t accept it…”

“It was meant as a gift for Valentine’s Day. Unless, of course, you don’t like it.”

Ethan’s tone was cool, but there was no room for argument. His gaze was unwavering as he looked straight into her clear eyes, his reflection shimmering in them.

“I... I do like it.”

Maybe the wine was catching up with her, Ramona’s cheeks were flushed, and she felt a wave of warmth rush through her.

Just then, Ash hurried over.

He wore a wide grin, shot Ethan a knowing glance, and turned to Ramona. “Ms. Jarrett, wishing you and Mr. Jordon a wonderful Valentine’s Day.”

Ramona blinked in confusion, looking to Ethan for an explanation. He glanced down, motioning for her to check her phone.

As she lowered her head and lit up the screen, she was stunned—the date had shifted back to the previous day. The time, too: instead of past midnight, it was only around 11:30.

It was the time zone difference.

Ramona shook her head but still couldn’t bring herself to turn around. Crying in front of him felt so embarrassing.

Ethan grew more concerned. He got up and sat beside her, his tall frame wrapping protectively around her slight shoulders. He reached out, hesitant but wanting to comfort her. “I’m sorry. Next time, I—”

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Mr. Jordon. I just… I’m just so happy.”

Her voice trembled as she hurried to dry her tears. When she finally looked up at Ethan, her face was softly flushed, beautiful in the low light.

“No one’s ever gone to so much trouble to celebrate with me. I barely even had birthdays growing up… I’m just overwhelmed. Thank you, Mr. Jordon, for everything.”

Ethan frowned, heart aching at the sight of her teary eyes. He brushed his fingers gently across her cheek, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His Adam’s apple bobbed; the air between them grew warmer.

Ramona closed her eyes, fingers curling tighter around his shirt at his waist, her breath mingling with his, until his lips brushed softly against hers.

Ethan’s kiss was gentle at first, just a feather-light touch, then deepened, his nose brushing against hers as if he wanted to melt into her very breath.

Ramona grew weak in his arms, clutching his shirt even tighter. Only then did he finally stop, pressing his forehead to hers.

“Ramona…” His voice was rough with emotion, his fingers still caressing her face. “Let me hold you a little longer.”

Ramona lowered her gaze, lashes trembling, but said nothing. She loosened her grip on his shirt just a little, then let her hand rest there again, quietly leaning into his embrace.