Chapter 24 The Weight Of Words

“I genuinely care about you!” Ethan’s voice echoed through the vast study, his frustration boiling over. “This isn’t just about duty, Emily. I need you not just for the cameras, not because I signed some contract, but because I can’t control how I feel about you. Every day, it grows, and I don’t know how to stop it.” Emily stood frozen in place. His words crashed over her like a wave, threatening to pull her under. She had spent so long building walls, refusing to let anyone in after Jason whatever his name was. After the damage he had done to her trust, to her heart, she had sworn never to believe words so easily again. But now, Ethan stood before her, raw and open in a way that terrified her.