Chapter 5 Disaster Of A Marriage

Lisa’s POV The second my father called me into his office, I knew we were going to talk about Ethan and his disaster of a marriage. I sat on the edge of his desk, grinning. “So, how’s the love story going?” My father sighed, rubbing his temples. “Lisa, don’t start.” I pouted. “Oh, come on! I want updates! Is Zara making his life miserable yet?” He gave me a look. I gasped. “She is, isn’t she?” “She’s…” He sighed again. “She’s Zara. What do you expect?” I burst out laughing. “This is gold. Absolute gold.” My father shook his head. “I don’t know why you find this so amusing.” I grinned. “Because Ethan finally met someone who can match his stubbornness. And it’s hilarious.” He sighed. “I just hope they don’t kill each other before the contract is up.” I picked up my phone and dialed his number. Lisa. He groaned. Great. He answered. “What do you want?” My voice was already filled with amusement. “Oh, just checking in. How’s married life?” He only sighed. “Go away.” I cackled. “Marriage life is bad, huh?” “You have no idea.” “Oh, I do. Father just told me Zara’s been making your life hell.” “Of course he did.” He hummed. “So, have you two fallen madly in love yet?” “Not even in your dreams.” his voice was so loud Jesss I giggled. “You sure? I mean, technically, you are her husband. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll wake up and…” He cut me off. “Not happening. Ever.” I just laughed harder. God, I hated my sister, his voice echoed and he hung up. I just continued laughing my laugh in peace. Chris’s POV Zara was acting different today. Normally, she’d let me flirt with her without a second thought. But today? She seemed…distant. And I didn’t like it. I poured myself a drink, deep in thought. Ethan Carter. That bastard was in my way. I never wanted to marry Zara, but that didn’t mean I wanted someone else to have her. Especially not him. My fingers tightened around the glass. I needed a way to remind Zara who she belonged to. Luckily, I knew exactly how to do that. Let the games begin Ethan’s POV I wasn’t sure when it started, but suddenly, I wasn’t as alone in this ridiculous mansion anymore. Her name was Mia, one of the housemaids. She was young, sweet, and genuinely enjoyable to talk to, which was a miracle considering the nightmare I lived with. At first, it was just polite small talk whenever I ran into her in the hallways. But then, we started talking more, about life, about nonsense, about anything but my insane wife. And before I knew it? Mia and I were always seen together. It didn’t mean much to me. But to Zara? Oh, she was losing her mind which was so interesting to watch. Zara’s POV I wanted to rip my hair out. Ethan and Mia were always together. At first, I told myself it didn’t matter. I didn’t care. But then I saw them laughing in the garden. Then I saw them whispering in the hallway. Then I saw them sitting way too close and eating together. And that’s when I lost it. I slammed the door to my room shut, pacing back and forth. Why was I so mad?! It’s not jealousy, I told myself. It’s just… it’s just annoying! That’s all! And I refused to let that stupid man think he was getting under my skin. So? I came up with a plan. A stupid, ridiculous, desperate plan. Ethan’s POV I was sitting in the lounge, minding my own business, when suddenly… “Ethan, come here!” Zara’s voice cut through the room. I barely looked up. “Busy.” She marched over and grabbed my arm. “No, you’re not. I need you to help me pick a dress.” I blinked. What? “Why the hell would I do that?” She huffed. “Because you’re my husband, duh.” I raised a brow. Duh? Zara never used dumb words like that. She was up to something. I folded my arms. “Why do you need my opinion?” She tossed her hair dramatically. “Because I want to look good for my husband. Can’t have other women drooling over you, can I?” Bingo. There it is. Jealousy. A slow smirk crept onto my lips. “You’re jealous.” She froze. “What?! No, I’m not!” I leaned closer. “Yes, you are.” She scowled. “I don’t care what you do, Ethan.” I tilted my head. “So if I have dinner with Mia tonight, you wouldn’t mind?” Her eye twitched. I grinned. “Well, I guess I better get ready,” I said, turning toward the stairs. BAM! Something hit my head. I spun around, Zara had thrown her heel at me. “Oops,” she said, crossing her arms. “Hand slipped.” I burst out laughing. She was so obvious it was hilarious. I officially had her weakness. ********** LATER THAT DAY I sat across from my father-in-law, pretending to listen. But in reality? I was still laughing at Zara’s outburst earlier. Leonard cleared his throat. “Ethan, are you listening?” I quickly straightened. “Uh, yeah. Of course.” He sighed. “Good. Because I need you to represent me in a meeting tomorrow.” That got my attention. “What?” “I have two important business meetings at the same time. I can’t be in both, so I need you to attend one for me.” I frowned. “Why me?” He gave me a look. “Because you’re my son-in-law, and you’re part of this family now.” I tried not to gag. Great. Just great. “What’s the meeting about?” I asked. “A potential business merger. You just have to go, sit there, and make sure they don’t try anything stupid. Think you can handle that?” I shrugged. “Yeah. Sure.” “Good,” Leonard said, standing. “I expect you to be professional.” I rolled my eyes. As if I had a choice. Zara’s POV I wasn’t done with my revenge plan. Oh no. Ethan was smug, and that pissed me off. So? I upped my game. That night, as Ethan was about to leave for dinner with Mia, I suddenly appeared in the doorway. Wearing the shortest, tightest dress I owned. His eyes immediately snapped to me. I saw his jaw clench. Ha. Success. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked. I gave a fake innocent smile. “Oh, nowhere. Just thought I’d go for a drink.” He narrowed his eyes. “Alone?” I shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not.” His grip on the doorknob tightened. Then? He did the most unexpected thing. He walked over to me, slow, calculated steps until he was right in my face. His hand lifted, trailing his fingers down my bare arm. “You know,” he murmured, “if you wanted my attention, you could’ve just asked.” I froze. Because suddenly, I was the one getting played. Damn it. I had won, Zara you are jealous, he said walking away. And now? I was trapped in her own game. Oh, this wasn't going to be fun as I wanted.