Forbidden Romance

Episode 7-Coincidence 2

Ethan's POV

I've never been more upset. How could she? She wasn't even curious how I had ended up there; she just stood and headed out like she was expecting me to show up and save her. I hit the wheel in anger.

Then my head starts to spin—shocking that the hangover suddenly sets in. I felt the urge to puke but I made sure to get my ass home.

I hastily climbed down and threw my key to the butler, who caught it immediately, knowing what to do. I had only managed to get my car in. All he had to do was take it to the garage and park it well.

I ran across the sitting room in a daze and found myself throwing the contents of my stomach into WC in my bathroom. I felt so much better after that. I hit my face with water a few times and sighed, but I jumped to see my brother standing right in front of the toilet door.

"Dude...can't you knock?" I asked coldly and he knocked on the wide-open door, still standing.

"Too late," I muttered out loud, brushing my shoulders with his as I entered my room.

"Where the heck have you been?" My brother queried; his tone didn't show worry, but it expressed a bit of anger that wouldn't have been obvious if he wasn't wearing a frown.

"And why do I have to report my movements to you?" I shot up a brow at him in question.

"You disappeared with a girl last night Show up here reeking of alcohol and you have nothing to say about it-

"Stop acting the all-caring brother Eric...doesn't suit you-

"Ethan?" He called with a warning gaze.

"Come to think of it, when did you ever care about my movements? I've disappeared for days before, remember? Upon seeing me, what did you say, Eric? You had no f*****g idea I wasn't home. You said that right to my f*****g face when mom was scolding me. So why would you start to care now, huh?" My voice was harsh as I glared at my brother, staring into his eyes.

"Ethan, your marriage has been announced; all eyes are on you. How would you deal with the press if someone had reported you being with another girl while you have a marriage to deal with in just a month away?-

"Excuse me?" I said at once.

He's got to be f*****g kidding me right now.

"Yeah...that's right, Ethan. You are getting married in a month; better get used to it and quit your immature ways!" Ethan snapped loudly.

"Excuse me?" One of the housekeepers called just when I was about to retort my brother.

"Sorry to interrupt but your father ordered you to come immediately." The servant relayed, facing me as if I hadn't got enough already.

"Dad is mad at you and it'll do you good to keep your damn mouth shut but make sure to apologize and keep your freaking head down," My brother advised lamely.

"Why?" I asked. I know the question was stupid but I just wanted to get on his nerves though he sighed instead and looked at me with a frustrated expression.

"It's okay. Look at me like I'm a disappointment. I've always been," I said slyly.

"You'll keep your goddamn mouth shut Ethan and apologize to Father; that's it," Ethan said, leaving after throwing me a scornful look.

I stood and looked at my overall mirror. I'm a mess, I thought as I quickly changed, hoping that was enough to mask my smell...I know... I reek, but I don't have the time to get myself in the shower, not when dear father wants me to show up immediately; he hates when he makes his urgency known it was ignored.

"You called for me, dad," I said slowly as I entered his study to see my brother resting against the plain wall facing Dad's bookshelves, which stood opposite to a large desk and chair where dad was seated.

He scanned me thoroughly with blazing eyes, ready to boom at me but couldn't blame him.

"You stayed out last night?" Dad questioned. Well, this is getting interesting...my existence has never really mattered as long as they are considered; I've always been the odd one out of the family, the difference in their picture.

Why do they suddenly care if I spent the night in or out? Oh, I get it. They have to keep me in check so I wouldn't ruin their reputation since I was obviously getting married? I almost scoffed, but I suppressed the urge and meet my father's burrowing eyes.

"I'm sorry, dad." I apologized like a 10-year-old—something I wouldn't do in normal situations because I kind hate listening to my brother but in this situation, It was unavoidable.

"You'll behave from now on, Ethan...Stop feeding the public ideas. I thought 8 years out of watch would have molded you enough. Don't know you still behave like a rebellious teenager...I hope this never happens again." He reprimanded not meeting my eyes.

"Yes, Dad," I muttered calmly and turned to go, glad that was all only to hear him speak again.

"We have to be somewhere by 12 Ethan; I hope you'll be ready before then." My dad said and I couldn't hide the shock on my face. Well, that was just new...now my dad's taking me out? I can't remember the last time that happened, I nodded and exited his study quietly.

I did make sure to have a nice bath, nice food, and rest well before my brother came knocking; well, he had never waited for my reply before coming in. Though I pretended to still be in bed, what he said had me sitting up.

"We are going to the Wright's golf course; Dad and your fiancee's father will be playing. Ariana will be there; make sure to present yourself well and dress well for the event. Also, it's already 11," my brother informed before heading out of my room.

Why do I suddenly have a headache? Maybe the thought that I'm meeting my fake future father-in-law bothers me or because I'm meeting the rude spoilt b***h that was supposed to be my wife. I groaned in frustration.

I was upset and I felt the urge to cry into my mom's arms...I head to my mom's room immediately—not to cry though but rather to ease my worries. Emily was there with an exhausted look. She looked bored at first but her eyes lit up in excitement on seeing me.

"Mom...Ethan's here. I should excuse you two." She announced with a smile which I returned warmly, realizing she was stuck with mom again and was glad to seize the opportunity to escape.

"Uncle" Erica called happily running to me, wrapping her tiny hands around my legs, I picked her up and smiled at her excitement.

"Thanks, Ethan," Emily whispered as she tried to leave unnoticed.

"Come back before sunset Emily," my mom's sudden statement stopped her.

"But mom—" she tried to protest but mom gave her a look that says, 'I'm done talking' making my little sister storm out in anger.

"Mom," I called with a smile, placing Erica down. My mom gave me an upset look immediately.

"Not you too, mom," I said, taking my seat next to her bed, where she rested against a pillow on the headboard, knitting as usual.

"Why did you?-

"Mom, please...I just...need a break right now," I said, placing my head on her legs and turning my face to face her. She smiled, stroking my head soothingly but I gotta admit...I felt my tension ease away.

"You still behave like a kid, do you know that?" My mom asked, pinching my cheek slightly and I could only nod. Erica's sudden laugh reminded me she was there. I sit properly to face her and she quickly places her head where I had left as she sprawled on the bed next to mom with her stomach down.

"See this little-" I said, faking a frown, though shocked but Erica giggled, making my mom laugh. I smiled looking at her; seeing my mom smile made me happy.

No matter how I got... I'll forever be a kid to her...I thought as she suddenly reached for a fabric box next to her bed, she gave it to me and I looked at her with a surprised look that already asked what was in it.

She urged me to open it and I did, Inside was milk-coloured soft silk with rose flower embroidery at the edge, which looked like lace.

"It's beautiful," I said warmly.

"Give it to Ariana. It's a nice thing to give to her on your first meeting. I'm sure she'll like it. It's better to win her before getting married, don't you think?" My mom smiled warmly and I felt tears welling up my eyes.

Not because of the thought that Ariana doesn't deserve it but the fact that mom was making a huge effort for me...I smiled and nodded, trying to stop the tears.

"Now run along. Your father won't like you to be late." She said, reminding me it's almost time to leave for the golf course. I smiled at my mom rushing out immediately.

ARIANA'S POV

I tried calling Bethany after leaving the motel but my battery was out, reminding me I haven't charged at all since yesterday...I sighed a little frustrated as I headed to Bethany while driving.

I couldn't get my mind off the recent event, and I started to wonder, How did Ethan see me? How did he know I was in trouble? Was he stalking me? was he there with someone else and had come to my rescue? My thoughts got crowded and the headache wasn't helping; all I wanted now was to get to Bethany.

I'll get to the bottom of it later, I thought, stepping on the gas as I head to Bethany's, who looked like hell on seeing her. She ran to me with a jacket in her hands as if knowing I was coming.

She carried a fierce expression and I could swear she would slap me but she sighed and relaxed, covering me with the jacket.

"Don't you ever...don't you ever do that again!" She warned and I nodded.

"Yeah, right, she's here." She said into the receiver that on getting to her apartment, she made me realize her boyfriend had volunteered to look for me at the club.

That must probably be him, I thought.

"I don't know what happened but I'm sure you've got a whole hell of explanation to do," She said, throwing me a glance once in a while as I sipped a terrible-tasting coffee, which she had said was good for hangovers. She was about to set the phone down when another call came in.

"She's fine. She just got here," She told whoever was at the other end of the call.

"She hasn't explained yet but I don't think she's got into any trouble. She'll be fine. I'll send her on her way once I fix her up." She said, glancing at me again...I was hella uncomfortable; who the hell was she speaking to? As if reading my mind, Beth spoke up.

"That was your brother Danny... he called to make sure you were alright. They covered up for you with your dad...told him you were crashing at my place...for the night." She made known, exhaling deeply.

"Now...I need a goddamn explanation for what happened last night. Do you have any idea...how worried I was? You could get me in one hell of trouble if something had happened to you, Ariana. Do you really want me rotting in jail for trying to help?

"Bethany, I'm sorry," I simply said...I was frustrated and I just need a good bath and a rest at the moment. Bethany sighed, realising she was being a little hard on me. She sat across me, looking at me.

"Ar, what happened?" she asked calmly.

"Got drunk and ended up at the motel," I explained simply but with Bethany's, I knew she needed more than just that so I explained in detail and her jaw dropped.

"Ethan McCain was there? Like really there? did he come for you or was it just a big coincidence?" She said, blinking several times.

"I mean...how on earth did he get there?" Beth rained her questions on me at once.

"I have no idea, Beth...I was dumb not to ask. I was just too worried about you that I quickly tried to make my way out," I started and immediately explained the scenario to her.

"He must have felt bad since he called you 'ungrateful,'" Beth finger-quoted.

"I need to apologize to him... but first... I need to get dressed and go face my worried sick brothers," I scowled.

"They'll probably yell at you," Beth said and I couldn't have agreed more. I cleaned up and get dressed at Bethany's before heading back home.

Well thankfully, none of them was home except for Damien, which was weird as he was the busiest of them all. His expression was unreadable and I wasn't sure if he was mad at me for staying out and getting missing to top it. He just stood with hands akimbo, facing me as if waiting for an explanation for my stupidity.

"I'm sorry," I apologized instead, looking like a 13-year-old in front of her parent. He only sighed and headed in checking his wristwatch.

"Dad will be expecting you at the golf course; get dressed for the game, and find a way to hide the bags under your eyes," He pointed out and I almost smirked in annoyance.

"You've got an hour and 10 minutes," He said, looking at his watch.

"But dad always prefers to have the family golf by 1 and he would never play golf on Tuesday. What's the occasion?" I was kind of surprised at the sudden change.

"Dad will be playing with McCain Donald...Ethan and his brother will be there and I expect you to present yourself well and be there before the time. Dad won't appreciate lateness." My brother firmly instructed and I quirked a brow.

"Wait what?" I asked, trying not to act too shocked by the news.

"You should get to know the man you're paired with for seven months-

"So dad figured this is the way?" I scoffed.

"Not really. He just wanted to talk the details of the agreement with McCain Donald but he realized it's time you got to know each other. Since you'll be getting married in a month," Damian said, putting his hands in his pockets.

"A month?" I exclaimed, my eyes bulging in disbelief.

"Ariana, why act so surprised? You knew about this, don't you?" He asked like I really was supposed to know.

"No!" I answered sharply and straightforwardly.

"Ariana...I know you don't want to do this but it's very important-

"Why? Why is it so important...because it's a contract worth billions?"

"It's not just because of that... getting to work for the president is a privilege and honour every businessman would die for. The job can only be done by one of the three biggest organizations in the whole country. Starlight Group was at an advantage. That's why this collaboration had to take place. To throw him off track but not even the president believed Dad and Donald can work together. That's why this marriage is taking place." Damian tried to make me reason with him but of course, it wasn't working.

"Looks like a game to me," I muttered in response.

"Yes, it is... a game anyone is ready to do anything to win. Dad believes Starling Cooper would be making move to ruin the marriage and stop the collaboration but he's laying low for a while. That's why everything's in a rush. So brace yourself," My brother said before removing his hand to check his Rolex.

"Oh sh*t, I'm already late." He cursed, running towards the underground garage, I sighed in exasperation, wishing things didn't have to get so complicated.

This is why I was never interested in business; I thought heading inside, the house was a little bit quiet.

The kids must be in school and mom probably went out to perform her chairwoman business I huffed on getting to my room.

Thinking I have to meet Ethan again brought a bad taste to my mouth—not that he wasn't good. He looked like someone who cares about being grateful when favoured; how on earth was I supposed to know that? How can I make him understand I wasn't someone into wildlife and I wasn't ungrateful? I just have so much to worry about...I sighed again.

Oh please, why does it matter now, how I appeared to him? He wasn't my boyfriend. I rolled my eyes at the thought, Oh, speaking of boyfriends...I thought picking out my phone to dial Stefan's cell, he picked up after the third ring.

"Hey," I said into the receiver.

"Why did you call?" His voice was cold and bitter and I could sense his anger over the phone.

"I'm sorry, Stefan-

"For what, Ariana...for making a fool out of me all these years...didn't know you were desperate for marriage," He gritted.

"I'm not... but Dad insisted and I tried to inform you you didn't pick up my calls...I wanted to tell you:

"So it's all my fault now-

"Why don't you get it, Stefan. I have no say in this. It's all on my dad, Stefan," I voiced grimly.

"I get it, Ariana-

"Now you're mad. Was it my fault that my dad found you unworthy? He had pictures of you with another girl in so many pictures, Stefan." I said feeling my anger kick in. Dad would have considered him a little; maybe tell him the reason why this is compulsory.

"What are you-?"

"Who's that blonde that's always hanging around you anyway?" I asked, not masking the hurt in my voice at the slightest.

"She's my partner...not like it matters anymore-

"Of course it does," I retorted.

"Why? you're getting married, Ariana. There's nothing left for us. I'll take this call as goodbye." Stefen's voice fell flat.

"Stefan!" I called out loud.

"I loved you, Ariana but you messed this all up," He said before the line went dead, I tried to fight back my tears but I couldn't.

I didn't know when I drifted off but when I checked the time after waking, I gasped, rushing everything. I got to the golf course 20 minutes late; I know my dad's regular spot and of course, I don't bother checking in.

I just ask for one of my golf cart keys. Yeah, Dad got me that before I left; it was different with more taste to be precise, and though I had not been around, it was well taken care of. I smiled and hopped in. I drove as fast as I could, and I saw all eyes on me on getting there; the only thing I had on me was my golf club because it's special.

Then I saw Ethan..in a white polo, white cap, and white canvas to go with everything, He was looking...standout. I shook my head and made my way forward.

"You're late," Damien whispered as he came to welcome me with a peck.

"There comes my princess." My dad announced my arrival and I feel like a 12-year-old all over again. Maybe because that was the last time Dad called me a princess.

"Sorry, I'm late," I apologized with a coy smile.

"Donald," Ethan's old man introduced, taking my hand.

"Eric," the older Ethan introduced as well, except for the pricked nose, more height... He had no difference from Ethan at all.

"Ethan," Then it was Ethan's turn and he introduced himself without a smile. Of course, I know the reason.

"You look so beautiful in person," Donald complimented, and I smiled.

"I'm flattered, Mr. McCain." I welcomed the compliment politely.

"Pretty and confident...that goes well." He stated his observation and I laughed.

The old man asked some questions, which I answered sincerely, I was glad Dad was impressed with the impression I was leaving on Donald and Eric, but Ethan had no contribution.

After a while, the old men started their game and I was forced to stay next to Ethan as our brothers were too busy talking business. He wasn't looking impressed at all; in fact, he looked extremely bored.

"Hey," I greeted casually, not meeting his eyes.

"You don't have to convince them we are having a good time," Ethan muttered before meeting my gaze, I felt my cheek reddened as his gaze travelled down.

------------------