Ethan turned to look at Sharon, his mouth opening as if he wanted to say something. But he changed his mind and started to walk away.
"What, cat got your tongue?" Sharon taunted, grinning. "You don't have to be shy. Just admit that I'm beautiful."
He paused, glancing back at her. "Yes, you're beautiful," he said, making Sharon blush.
Her smile faltered when he added, "But only in your dreams."
"What!" Sharon exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock.
Ethan scoffed. "I mean, have you looked at yourself? I get why men fall at your feet. It's not because they love you. They're just terrified of coming in contact with your face. There's no difference between you and Pennywise. You should get yourself checked."
Stunned, Sharon gaped at him as he walked away. "What a rude man!" she muttered, stomping her foot. "How did I end up with such a disrespectful jerk?" She hurried after him, seething.
Outside the mall, Ethan gestured to his bodyguard. "Vector, take her home. I'll go with Liam."
Sharon's face fell. "Aren't you coming home with me?"
"No. I have something important to do. I'll be back before my parents arrive." Without waiting for a response, he got into his car, and it sped off.
Vector helped Sharon into her own car before taking the driver's seat. As they drove, Sharon leaned forward.
"Vector!" she called.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"How long have you been working for Ethan?"
"About three years, ma'am."
She raised an eyebrow. "And how do you manage to put up with him? He's so infuriating. Haven't you ever felt like strangling him?"
Vector glanced at her through the rearview mirror, his expression guarded. "Sir is really a good person, ma'am. I've never had such thoughts."
Sharon scoffed, folding her arms. "You're lying. No way you've worked for him that long and haven't wanted to wring his neck at least once."
Vector hesitated, then replied calmly, "I'm just doing my job, ma'am."
Sharon huffed and leaned back, staring out the window. "Whatever. You're too loyal to admit it."
When Sharon heard Ethan's car pull into the driveway, she rushed to meet him. As he stepped inside, she took his suit jacket from him with a hesitant smile.
"You're back," she said softly. "How was work?"
Ethan raised a brow, his gaze cold. "What are you doing?"
She forced a smile. "I was waiting for you. I just wanted to—"
"Instead of wasting your time here, why don't you find something that actually suits you?" He eyed her and the jacket in her hands. "Bring that along with you."
He walked past her without another glance, and Sharon clenched her fists, biting back the sharp retort on her tongue. Catching sight of Maria and Lizzy watching from the hallway, she forced a smile and nodded before rushing upstairs, her heart aching.
Maria sighed, glancing at Lizzy. "Lizzy dear!"
"Yes, ma'am?"
Maria crossed her arms. "What do you think of those two? When you look at them, what comes to your mind?"
Lizzy smiled knowingly. "I see love brewing. Ethan sir has never paid attention to anyone, but I can tell he loves messing with his wife."
Maria nodded thoughtfully. "If you say so. Should I intervene and help them?"
"No, ma'am. I think we should let them figure it out on their own. They'll sort through their feelings sooner or later."
Sighing, Maria adjusted her scarf. "You're probably right. I better get ready for the reunion. I don't want anything to be a mess."
Lizzy nodded as Maria walked away, hoping that the stubborn pair would come to their senses before long.