"Ethan!" In her urgency, Shawna clung tighter to Ethan's arm, preventing him from leaving.
Ethan's body stiffened, his gaze piercing as he looked at Shawna clinging to him, causing her to realize how inappropriate her actions were, a stark contrast to the refined image she typically portrayed. Sheepishly, she released her grip, fabricating an excuse, "No, Ethan, I don't want you to leave because what I came here to discuss is related to you…"
Upon hearing this, Ethan’s face remained cold as he shook off her hand. Shawna expected anger, but instead, he moved to sit on a nearby single-seater sofa. "I'll listen here."
Though not as Shawna intended, she had managed to keep him, indicating her words still held sway over Ethan. This realization brought a flicker of satisfaction.
Soft-hearted. Vivian inwardly chuckled, simultaneously finding herself helpless against this man who easily succumbed to appeals.
Just as Shawna began to revel in her small victory, she caught Vivian's knowing smile, igniting a flame of resentment within her. Unable to contain herself, she deliberately addressed, "Ethan…"
Noticing Ethan and Vivian’s attention on her, Shawna pretended to have just realized something, fumbling, "Ah, sorry, I should call you brother-in-law, but sister... I've known brother-in-law longer, it's a habit hard to break, do you mind?"
This time, Vivian burst out laughing. Having heard Shawna call Ethan 'Ethan' multiple times since entering, Shawna's sudden concern about etiquette seemed overly contrived!
Vivian was aware her laughter was impolite and quickly covered her mouth, shaking her head, "It's not up to me, if Ethan is fine with it."
Having lived amidst warfare in her past life, Vivian found the petty jealousy and rivalry of peaceful times novel and amusing.
"As long as you doesn't mind…" Shawna seethed inwardly at Vivian’s laughter, but dared not show it, feigning the end of the topic before turning to Ethan to reveal her purpose, "Then Ethan, I—"
"Call me brother-in-law." Ethan interrupted Shawna coldly, stunning her and earning a raised eyebrow from Vivian.
"Huh?" Shawna stared at Ethan's icy face, startled, "But Vivian said she doesn't mind…"
"I mind," Ethan’s face was stern, his tone ruthless, "Regardless of the reason, I am Vivian's husband now, and you should address me as brother-in-law, not by my name. Moreover, you should maintain a respectful distance and not casually cling to me."
Yes, he minded. Minded why Vivian didn't mind? Ethan was also angry at himself for needing a reminder to maintain distance. Why could Vivian remain calm when she clearly saw everything? It was he who lost his composure first.
"But... we used to do this all the time?" Shawna was startled by Ethan's harsh demeanor but still tried to justify herself.
Surely getting married didn't change everything?
A sharp glance from Ethan sent shivers down Shawna's spine, making her hesitant even to breathe.
Shawna had seen Ethan stern many times but never directed at her. Though he rarely smiled and was dull, Shawna sensed his leniency towards her, which allowed her to push boundaries. But now, Shawna could tell Ethan was different, genuinely angry.
"That was before we were married. I tolerated your whims and our playful flirtation. But remember, I'm married now, and I don't want anyone misunderstanding." Ethan straightened his suit, brushed his sleeve, and left.
Shawna felt a thunderbolt strike, collapsing on the sofa, unable to regain her senses.
Why did everything change after marriage? Did she no longer hold a special place in his heart? Had she made the wrong decision?
Shawna's remorse was palpable, even stirring pity in Vivian.
That soft-hearted CEO could be quite intimidating when angry. Vivian thought, puzzled as to why Ethan was upset over being called Ethan when Vivian herself didn’t mind.
"Alright, what did you come here for today? Tell me…" Shawna appeared so pitiful that even Vivian relented.
Snapping out of her daze, Shawna glared at Vivian, the root cause of her plan’s derailment and Ethan’s newfound dislike.
"It's all your fault! You're useless! You didn't answer your phone! Now I'm laughed at and disliked by Ethan! It's all because of you!"
Forced by her parents to seek Ethan's favor for a business matter due to Vivian’s unavailability, Shawna didn’t anticipate being rebuffed by Ethan before she could even mention the business.
Humiliated by Ethan's rejection, Shawna, disregarding her dignity, lunged at Vivian, intent on striking her, only to find her hands swiftly restrained behind her back, causing her to cry out in pain.
"It hurts! Let go of me!"
At Shawna’s cries, Ethan returned to the living room, only to say with resignation, "Vivian…"
Vivian innocently released Shawna, explaining, "She hit me first."
...Are you a child tattling?
"Ethan!" Shawna brightened upon Ethan's return, instinctively moving closer to pour out her grievances.
But before she could reach him, Ethan distanced himself, his face still cold. "Call me brother-in-law, and I don't appreciate you getting so close. If this happens again, perhaps we shouldn't meet anymore."
Heartbroken, Shawna left in tears.
Vivian, stunned, continued to stare at Ethan long after Shawna departed.
Feeling uncomfortable under Vivian's gaze, Ethan frowned, "What are you looking at?"
Vivian's eyes sparkled as she casually stepped closer to Ethan. Despite his guarded expression, he didn't evade her like he did with Shawna.
Vivian grinned, unexpectedly leaning in to whisper next to Ethan's ear, "Actually, I don't mind who you fuck with your penis. I just want your anus!"
"Vivian!"
Ethan roared as he clutched his ear where Vivian had blown air, his face flushed with embarrassment.
Vivian giggled, turning back to her room, leaving him flustered and in her wake.
