The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 58

Ramona kept her head down, not saying a word until she’d finished the last bite of her small pastry. Only then did she finally speak up.

“Um…”

“You.”

They both spoke at the same time, and Ethan paused, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. “You go first,” he conceded.

“I just wanted to say, I got a little out of hand last night with the drinks. If I did anything inappropriate, Mr. Jordon, I hope you won’t take it to heart.”

Her voice was gentle, like a soft breeze drifting by—polite, distant, but tinged with cautious sincerity.

Ethan didn’t look at her. His tone was cool as he shot back, “And what exactly did you do that I’m supposed to overlook?”

“It’s nothing, really. I just worried—”

“There’s nothing else you want to say to me?”

When Ramona simply looked at him, puzzled, Ethan spelled it out more plainly. “I thought after seeing me again, you’d at least mention what happened last time.”

“Last time?” Ramona blinked, recalling the dinner party with the dancing. She really should have explained.

“I was there that night, but there was a small accident—my dress tore, so I left early.”

Ethan nodded, glancing down at the platinum watch on his wrist, clearly distracted.

Ramona had half a mind to mention she saw him dancing with someone else, but when he didn’t follow up, she thought better of it. She didn’t want to make things awkward, especially since he’d finally met up with his childhood friend.

“Anything else?” After a moment, Ethan broke the silence.

He had a way about him—intense, almost intimidating. Talking to him, Ramona felt as if she were being interrogated.

“Oh.” She paused, then added, “I also wanted to thank you for the gift last time. But it’s really too generous, and I think it’s better if I return it to you in person.”

She hadn’t even finished speaking when the sound of a plate being set down rang out, and Ethan’s gaze locked onto her.

“Return it? You didn’t like it?”

He was so direct that Ramona hesitated. “It’s not that I didn’t like it. It’s just… given where we stand right now—”

“I’ve never taken back anything I’ve given,” Ethan interrupted, his voice low, a hint of chill in the air.

“Then…”

“If you don’t like it, just throw it away,” Ethan said, his tone flat but carrying the weight of someone used to being in charge.

Ramona quickly relented. “Then I’ll keep it. The ring is beautiful, more brilliant than anything I’ve seen at those jewelry exhibitions. Thank you, Mr. Jordon. I really do like it.”

“But… since you gave me something so precious, I feel like I should at least give you something in return. Is there anything you like, Mr. Jordon? I’d love to pick out a thank-you gift for you as well.”

Worried she might sound too formal, she added, “Even if this is an arranged engagement, I don’t want to always feel indebted to you. A little give-and-take just makes things more comfortable, don’t you think?”

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