Chapter 3 A Rude Awakening

Ethan’s POV Waking up in a strange bed was bad enough. Waking up wrapped around Zara Windsor like we were a couple straight out of a romance movie? That was a whole new level of nightmare. The moment my brain caught up with reality, my body stiffened. My arm was draped over her waist, her back pressed against my chest, and worst of all, my face was buried in her damn hair. I pulled away instantly, like I’d been electrocuted. “What the hell?” I muttered, blinking rapidly as the events of last night flooded back. The horrible plane ride, the ridiculous argument, the shouting match over the room, and then pure exhaustion knocking us both out. Just as I was about to sit up, I noticed something odd. Zara wasn’t asleep. She was staring at me. For a long moment, neither of us moved. Her hazel eyes were fixated on my face, almost like she was studying me. “What?” My voice was hoarse from sleep. Zara’s eyes widened as if she’d been caught red-handed. She jerked back so fast she nearly rolled off the bed. “I—I wasn’t staring at you!” she blurted out. I scoffed, rubbing a hand over my face. “You totally were.” “No, I wasn’t!” she snapped, getting defensive. “Oh really?” I arched a brow. “Then what exactly were you doing?” Zara opened her mouth, then closed it again, clearly struggling to come up with an excuse. “I was checking if you are dead.” I let out a short, humorless laugh. “Right. Because staring at my face for a full five minutes is a normal way to check for a pulse?” She huffed and folded her arms. “Whatever. It’s not like I enjoyed waking up to you either. You were the one all over me.” I rolled my eyes. “Yeah? Pretty sure it was you who clung to me in your sleep.” Zara scoffed, clearly offended by the very idea. “As if! I’d rather die than cuddle you!” “Good. The feeling is mutual,” I shot back. We glared at each other for a long second before I finally got out of bed, shaking my head. “Let’s get one thing straight, Windsor. This or whatever the hell this is it’s just a contract. No strings. No emotional attachment. And definitely no accidental cuddling.” Zara rolled her eyes dramatically. “Trust me, Carter, you couldn’t pay me to fall for you.” “Good.” I grabbed my clothes and stormed into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me. Chris Montgomery’s POV The second my private jet landed, I checked my phone. The usual flood of business emails and messages from socialites trying to get my attention. I ignored them all. My mind was on one thing Zara. I had been gone for two months on an international deal, and now I was finally back. Back for her. Zara Windsor wasn’t just a childhood friend. She was mine. Well, not officially, but she had always been within reach. A spoiled, temperamental brat? Yes. But she was my brat. And more importantly, I had control over her. That’s why when I walked into my father’s office and heard the words “Zara Windsor is married,” I nearly choked on my whiskey. “What did you just say?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at the man sitting across from me Leonard Windsor. Leonard smirked, swirling his drink. “You heard me. Zara is married.” I felt my fingers tighten around the glass. Married? No. No way. Not possible. “To whom?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. Leonard leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying my reaction. “Ethan Carter.” I froze. Ethan Carter? That nobody? That pathetic excuse for a businessman? I clenched my jaw, forcing a casual chuckle. “Interesting. So, she settled for a peasant?” Leonard’s smirk didn’t fade. “She didn’t settle. I forced her. It’s a business move, Chris. You know how these things work.” I leaned forward, lowering my voice. “You should have told me. You know I wanted her.” Leonard’s expression darkened slightly. “And yet, you never claimed her. You had years to marry Zara, but you didn’t. You were too busy playing games.” I hated that he was right. But now that Zara was married, I had lost my control over her. And I hated losing. I smirked, leaning back in my chair. “Well, I hope she enjoys being married to a loser. Because this? This isn’t over.” Lisa Carter’s POV I sat across from my father, arms crossed. “So let me get this straight,” I said, raising a brow. “You forced Ethan into a marriage with a spoiled princess because you couldn’t handle your own business failures?” My dad sighed, rubbing his temples. “It’s not that simple, Lisa.” “No, I think it’s exactly that simple,” I shot back. He frowned. “You know how much this family means to me. I did what I had to do to save it.” I shook my head. “Yeah? And what about Ethan? Did you think about what you were doing to his life?” “Ethan will understand one day,” my father said, sounding tired. I scoffed. “Yeah, well, I don’t think he’ll ever forgive you.” My father looked away, guilt flashing in his eyes. But I wasn’t about to let him off the hook. After a moment of silence, I pulled out my phone and called Ethan. He picked up after two rings. “What?” I grinned. “Wow, you sound thrilled to hear from me.” “Lisa, I’m in hell. What do you want?” I bit back a laugh. “Just checking in on my big brother. How’s the honeymoon?” “Don’t. Even. Start.” I couldn’t help but chuckle. “So, how’s married life? Are you and Mrs. Carter enjoying your romantic getaway?” Ethan groaned. “I hate you.” I grinned wider. “Love you too, bro.” Ethan’s POV After hanging up on Lisa, I ran a hand through my hair, already exhausted. Then I heard Zara’s voice from the other room. “Carter! If you don’t come here and fix this stupid air conditioner, I’m going to throw something at your head!” I sighed heavily. This woman was going to drive me insane. But one thing was certain, this marriage was going to be a war. And I never lost any wars.