The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 96

Florence hurried to explain to Ethan, “I invited Ramona over for dinner tonight. When she heard something happened to you, she was really worried. Honestly, Ethan, you can’t just leave her in the dark every time you get busy. You two are engaged, and Ramona is your fiancée. Don’t make her worry like that, alright?”

Though she felt for her grandson, Florence couldn’t help but chide Ethan, thinking about how Ramona must feel.

“What are you doing—cough—”

Ethan had been annoyed by Florence’s fussing, but hearing that Ramona was worried about him, and seeing her watching the screen with tears shining in her eyes, his irritation evaporated. A hundred thoughts flashed across his mind, and he felt suddenly defenseless.

He dropped his gaze, unable to finish his sentence, a flush creeping up his cheeks.

If there was one thing Ethan dreaded, it was being fussed over.

As a child, he’d felt that being cared for was a sign of weakness, so no matter how sick or wronged he felt, he’d never let anyone see.

As an adult, with the weight of the family on his shoulders, he’d taught himself never to show any vulnerability.

But Ramona’s concern was so open, so direct. It pulled him back to those lonely childhood days, making him feel as exposed as an open wound. It wouldn’t hurt so much if no one noticed; it was only when someone saw that the pain became sharp.

Ramona peered at the screen, concern etched on her brow. “Mr. Jordon, are you running a fever? Your face is all red…”

“…I’m fine. It’s just a bit of a cold,” Ethan replied quickly, doing his best to sound normal, though he avoided meeting Ramona’s eyes.

“Did you see a doctor?” she pressed.

Florence was worried too, but she didn’t want to intrude. She quietly handed the phone to Ramona and slipped out of the room, taking the housekeeper with her.

The living room fell silent. Ramona’s gentle questions, one after another, made it harder and harder for Ethan to put up a front.

“Ramona.” His voice dropped, a hard edge to it. “Really, I’m fine.”

Only when he said her name did Ramona seem to snap out of it, her heart suddenly fluttering.

What was she doing? She was getting a little too involved.

“I’m sorry, I know I’m probably bothering you. But whether you like it or not, Mr. Jordon, I have to say this: your health comes first. If anyone should take care of you, it ought to be you. I don’t want to see you getting hurt over anything, because…”

She trailed off mid-sentence.

“Because what?” Ethan’s voice softened, his deep eyes fixed on the crease between her brows.

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