The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 126

“Changed into your pajamas?”

His question was oddly specific, instantly sparking all sorts of secret, suggestive thoughts. Warmth rushed to Ramona’s face. She glanced down at the soft silk pajamas she’d just put on, a faint blush coloring her voice. “Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”

There was a pause on the other end, then Ethan’s deep, gentle voice came through, soft as a feather brushing her heart.

“Open the door, Ramona. I want to see you right now.”

Surprise flashed in her eyes, her heart skipping a beat.

She didn’t hesitate. Like a startled butterfly, Ramona leapt off the couch, dashed barefoot across the room, and hurried to the door.

As soon as she opened it, she saw Ethan standing there in the warm glow of the hallway light.

He still carried the cool, damp air of the night on his coat. His tie was loose, jacket draped over his shoulders, a hint of weary relaxation in his posture.

But his eyes—those deep, striking eyes—were impossibly bright, as if holding all the starlight in the world, impossible to ignore.

“Ethan, what are you—”

Before she could finish, he smiled—a soft, tender curve that melted every hard edge from his face.

He stepped forward, slipped his arms around her waist, and pulled her into his embrace, guiding her gently back inside as the door closed quietly behind them.

Ethan bent down, resting his chin on the top of her head, breathing in the fresh scent of her hair. For a moment, it felt like all the exhaustion and longing of the day simply melted away.

“I just wanted to see you,” he said quietly, voice rumbling against her hair. “I came straight here from the airport, but I didn’t want to disturb you, so I didn’t call right away… But in the end, I guess I couldn’t help myself.”

His words were muffled and affectionate, full of longing and quiet contentment.

Ramona was stunned for a moment, but then she wrapped her arms around his back. “You idiot. Next time, just knock or call me. Don’t stand outside for so long.”

She didn’t need to ask, she already knew he must have been waiting outside for quite a while.

It was late, but seeing Ethan, Ramona felt wide awake.

Ethan had started coming over more often lately, so she’d stocked the guest room with everything he might need: fresh toothpaste, a razor, two sets of pajamas, and other toiletries.

“I noticed you like black silk pajamas, so I bought two different sets,” she said, gently handing them to him. She’d always been good at looking after people; this sort of thing came naturally to her.

But she hadn’t expected Ethan to fall silent when he saw them, his movements pausing.

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