Ethan was momentarily speechless.

He had always held control in this marriage, but now, he was no longer so sure.

After a long silence, his voice turned cold. "Do as you wish."

Then, he released her hand.

Clara said nothing. She turned and walked toward the door. Just as she reached it, she paused briefly.

"Don't worry. Until the baby is born, I'll keep playing the part of Mrs. Blackwood." Her tone was calm and steady. "Once the child arrives, we're finished."

With that, she gave a slight nod and walked out gracefully.

Ethan had begun to lower his guard, but her words snapped the tension back into place.

He stared at the now-closed door, then in a sudden burst of anger, swept everything off his desk.

Yanking at his collar, he tried to ease the tightness in his chest.

Just then, his phone rang-and just like that, his rage seemed to dissolve.

Clara, who had just stepped out, heard it too.

She didn't even need to look to know who it was-Fiona.

Over the years, she'd heard that ringtone enough times to recognize it instantly.

Ethan had set it specifically for Fiona.

The timing was bitterly ironic.

Still, Clara didn't hesitate.

And Ethan didn't go after her.

He stared at the caller ID, answered, but remained silent.

"Ethan." Fiona's voice came through, much steadier than before. "Thank you for earlier."

"Mm," he replied.

She was referring to when he took her to the hospital after her health scare.

"I was discharged today. Flying to Tokyo tomorrow for the movie premiere." Then, casually, she dropped the bomb: "I'm going alone."

"He's not accompanying you?" Ethan frowned, disapproval evident in his tone.

He hadn't expected her to return with her fiancé only to be left alone again.

"He's busy-always traveling for work." Fiona sounded almost dismissive, as if making excuses. "But he treats me well."

Ethan's eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

Then Fiona let out a soft sigh. "I just. suddenly missed you. So I called."

His grip on the phone tightened.

That one line-it got to him.

But outwardly, Ethan remained unreadable.

"Ethan," she continued, "will you come to Tokyo? I could use the company."

"Fiona, you have a fiancé. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to be there." His tone was cool and distant-a clear rejection.

She bit her lip. "So you're cutting me off now?"

"My wife wouldn't appreciate it," Ethan said calmly.

His long, slender fingers tapped a slow rhythm on the desk.

Fiona knew exactly which "wife" he meant.

But wait-weren't he and Clara divorced?

"Ethan, are you just saying this to upset me?" Fiona's voice trembled slightly.

But Ethan remained composed. "Am I? Fiona, you know what I wanted back then. But you kept pushing. You were always the one making the decisions. You're the one who walked away."

That silenced her.

"The divorce hasn't been finalized," Ethan added smoothly.

"You two." For the first time, Fiona sounded uncertain.

Then Ethan delivered the final blow: "She's pregnant. There's no need to file anything now."

Complete silence fell on both ends of the line.

After what felt like a long time, Fiona's calm voice returned. "Congratulations. Your grandfather must be overjoyed. I have to go now-my flight is waiting."

Without waiting for a response, she ended the call.

Ethan stared at his phone, his expression unreadable, but irritation was already resurfacing.

He didn't stay in the office. Grabbing his car keys, he left without another word.

.

Aurelux Sanatorium.

It had been years since Ethan had driven without a clear destination, yet somehow, he ended up here-at Clara's sanatorium. The realization unsettled him.

He had thought about chasing after Fiona.

But no-before merging onto the airport expressway, he turned the car around.

It was as if his body moved on autopilot, steering him straight to Aurelux.

Why?

Ethan didn't want to admit it, but he knew.

That woman, Clara, was stuck in his mind like a ghost he couldn't shake.

And right now, she was inside.

Brows furrowed, jaw tight, Ethan entered the facility.

The staff at Aurelux all knew him-after all, Blackwood Corp was its largest investor.

Naturally, no one stopped him.

But what he didn't expect was the scene that greeted him.

A tall man in a white coat-clearly a doctor, with a striking demeanor-was leaning close to Clara, saying something to her.

She looked up, smiling-a smile as bright as sunlight.

"Thank you, Dr. Griffith. I truly appreciate it. Looking forward to Monday," she said sincerely.

"It's no trouble," Nathaniel replied casually.

Just then, a nurse, distracted by her chart, pushed a cart straight toward them.

Clara gasped, and the nurse froze, but Nathaniel reacted quickly-wrapping an arm around Clara's waist to steady her.

"Careful," he said.

"Thank you," Clara murmured, still slightly shaken as she patted her chest.

Nathaniel didn't say more. He simply stepped aside, making way for the cart.

The nurse bowed repeatedly. "I'm so sorry, Miss Walton!"

"It's alright," Clara replied with a warm smile.

And then-the air turned cold.

A low, chilling voice cut through the moment. "Miss Walton?"

Clara's head snapped up.

Ethan stood there, his eyes locked on her, his expression icy.

The intensity of his stare made her scalp prickle.

The nurse stammered, clearly recognizing him. "M-Mr. Blackwood."

Nathaniel raised an eyebrow but remained composed.

"I wasn't aware my wife was considered single," Ethan said coolly.

The room fell dead silent.

Clara looked stunned.

They had kept their marriage completely private. Beyond Dr. Chin and a few higher-ups, no one at Aurelux knew she was Mrs. Blackwood.

And now. Ethan had just announced it to the world?

Clara was at a loss, unsure how to respond.

Nathaniel glanced at her, his eyebrow still slightly raised.

Clara forced a small, awkward smile but offered no explanation.

"Come here," Ethan said, his voice sharp and cold.

Clara didn't move.

Instead, Nathaniel stepped in to ease the tension. "Go ahead. Call me if you need anything."

"Okay," Clara replied stiffly.

With that, Nathaniel walked away without another word. He didn't even glance at Ethan, heading straight back to his office.

In an instant, only Clara and Ethan remained in the hallway.

Ethan stood with one hand still in his pocket. "Do I need to drag you over here myself?"

It was a clear, final warning.

Clara drew a slow breath, unwilling to cause a scene. She moved toward him, but before she could get close, he pulled her firmly in front of him.

He loomed over her, radiating the same suffocating presence she knew all too well. Being near Ethan always felt intense, overwhelming.

"You're carrying my child and still have time to flirt around?" His voice was low and dark, his grip tightening on her wrist.

Clara exhaled calmly. "If that's what you consider flirting, then I suppose I have been."

Ethan let out a cold, humorless laugh. "Since when did you become so sharp-tongued?"

"Better late than never," she replied flatly.

She tried to step past him, eager to leave.

But as she brushed by, Ethan suddenly pulled her back. Before she could react, his arm wrapped around her waist-a mirror of Nathaniel's gesture earlier.

"Trying to provoke me?" he asked, leaning closer.

"I wouldn't dare," Clara said stiffly, prying herself loose. "My mother is waiting for dinner. If I'm late, she'll worry."

Linda had struggled with depression for years, on top of her brain tumor.

With surgery scheduled for Monday, keeping her calm was crucial.

The reason sounded justified. Ethan said nothing, only watched her.

Clara gave a slight nod and moved past him.

What she didn't expect was for Ethan to follow.

Now she was truly thrown. She had no idea what he was planning.

Even as they reached her mother's room, he showed no sign of stopping.

"What are you trying to do?" she finally snapped, blocking the door and eyeing him warily.

Ethan remained unbothered. "Can't I visit my mother-in-law?"

His tone was casual, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Clara was speechless.

That. was not something she ever expected to hear from him.

Their marriage had always been transactional-he wanted to provoke Fiona, she needed funds for her mother's treatment. They'd never gone public. Not even Linda knew they were married.

If she found out, it could shatter her.

Linda despised the Barringtons. She knew all about Ethan and Fiona's history.

If Ethan walked in now, all hell would break loose.

"No," Clara refused immediately. "My mother doesn't know we're married."

"So I'm your dirty secret?" His words carried a quiet threat.

Clara fell silent.

The look in Ethan's eyes sent a chill through her-she didn't dare argue further.

"I asked you a question." His long fingers gripped her chin, forcing her to look up. It wasn't gentle.

Clara winced. "Ethan, we agreed-no going public."

"What did you call me?" he pressed.

Clara's voice went dry. ".Husband."

Clara Walton knew when to yield. When softness worked, she wouldn't push back.

She kept her tone gentle, almost coaxing. "My mother can't handle any shocks right now. Can we wait until after her surgery to discuss this?"

Her eyes were clear and pleading, though emotionless beneath the surface.

When Ethan didn't respond, Clara reached for his hand, stood on her toes, and gave him a quick, soft kiss. "Please."

Ethan had always been vulnerable to this side of her. She knew it well.

She felt his anger easing, his tension visibly dropping.

But his gaze remained dark, fixed on her. "I'll wait until next week," he said flatly.

Clara breathed a quiet "Okay."

From inside the room, Linda's voice called out. Clara didn't hesitate. She turned without another glance at Ethan and hurried inside.

.

7 p.m.

Clara had stalled until she was sure Ethan had left. Only then did she finally step out of the room.

Linda was fast asleep.

Clara was starving.

Her stomach growled loudly-a protest from the little one inside.

But to her surprise-

Ethan was still there, leaning casually against the wall, waiting.

The moment she emerged, he looked over. "If you'd taken any longer, I would've gone in and dragged you out."

Clara blinked. ".You're still here?"

Ethan didn't flinch. "Is it so strange to wait for my wife?"

His words unexpectedly brushed against her heart. Before she could react, he took her hand, calm and natural.

She froze.

In all their years of "marriage," Ethan had never held her hand like this. All his tenderness had always been reserved for Fiona Barrington.

All Clara ever received was passion behind closed doors.

She knew the truth-Ethan only saw Fiona's shadow in her. She was just a stand-in.

And now-

Clara looked up at him. "You're not pretending I'm Fiona, are you?"

Ethan frowned, his expression unreadable. For a long moment, Clara thought he wouldn't answer.

Then, in a low, calm voice, he said, "I can still tell you apart from Fiona. I just don't want my child going hungry. That's all."

The chill in his tone had returned.

They reached the car, and Ethan released her hand.

Clara was silent for a beat, then chuckled softly. "So this baby is what finally gives me value, huh?"

There was a faint bitterness in her voice.

Ethan didn't respond. He opened the door for her, then circled to the driver's side and pulled away from the hospital.

The drive was quiet.

Dinner was equally awkward and silent.

.

After the meal, Ethan drove Clara back to the rehab center.

In the elevator, he received a call from Lucy Hampton-an urgent company matter.

Clara was almost relieved.

But then-

With a loud thud, the elevator shuddered violently, and the lights went out.

Clara let out a sharp cry, dropping into a crouch, arms wrapped tightly around herself.

She was terrified of the dark. And she was claustrophobic.

"Clara." Ethan reacted instantly.

He ended the call.

Pulling her into his arms, his voice was low and steady. "I'm right here. Don't be afraid."

Clara Walton clutched Ethan Blackwood's shirt with both hands, her knuckles white, the fabric wrinkled under her desperate grip.

She was stiff with fear-even wrapped in his arms, she couldn't relax.

Ethan looked down, his eyes now adjusted to the dark. He could see Clara's tear-streaked face, her cheeks pale and wet with silent sobs.

"Don't cry. I'm right here," he said, his voice low and surprisingly gentle.

But Clara didn't stop. Her soft cries grew more pitiful, like a wronged kitten with nowhere else to turn.

The sound tugged at something deep in Ethan's chest-concern mixed with something unfamiliar. He'd never seen Clara like this.

"Stop crying," he repeated, this time with a slight edge.

Startled, Clara looked up. Her tear-filled eyes shimmered in the dimness, heartbreakingly fragile.

Seeing her like that made Ethan feel almost cruel.

"I said stop crying." His voice dropped again.

And just like that, she broke.

Ethan swallowed hard, sighed quietly, then leaned in and captured her lips with his.

The sudden kiss swallowed everything-her sobs, her panic, all of it vanished like smoke.

In that dark elevator, Ethan was her only anchor.

She clung to his arm as if he were her lifeline, responding with a desperation she'd never shown before.

His breathing grew heavier.

In such a confined space, the heat between them quickly took over.

What had been tension now snapped-chaos took hold.

They were like two trapped souls, every touch igniting something fierce.

Yet Ethan hadn't completely lost control.

But in Clara's mind, this wild moment felt like a twisted kind of balance-one she didn't want to let go of.

"Clara." Ethan breathed, barely managing her name.

Before he could finish, Clara pulled him closer again.

He gripped her waist, his eyes darkening. "You're really trying to test me right now?"

Clara only let out a soft, dazed sound.

Then, suddenly, the elevator lights flickered back on, and Ethan's phone rang.

Clara blinked in the brightness, looking disoriented.

When she realized how closely she was pressed against Ethan, her face flushed with embarrassment.

And echoing through the lit space was that familiar ringtone-Fiona Barrington.

That snapped Clara back to reality instantly. She quickly stepped back, trying to steady her breathing.

Her heart was racing, almost painfully.

Ethan glanced at his phone and casually released her.

Clara kept her expression neutral, and Ethan didn't bother hiding anything-he answered the call as if nothing had happened.

"Ethan, am I interrupting something?" Fiona's soft voice came through.

His breathing was still uneven. "No."

Fiona noticed but kept her tone smooth. "I'm having dinner tonight to discuss a film project. I believe you know him-care to join us?"

Classic Fiona-surface-level courtesy with the door left wide open.

That was her game.

Ethan didn't immediately agree.

Clara lowered her gaze, a bitter smile forming. It wouldn't be the first time she felt like a joke.

But in that moment, something rebellious stirred inside her-she didn't want Fiona to win so easily.

So she reached out, her fingers lightly curling around Ethan's.

He noticed immediately and glanced down at her as if asking what she was doing.

Then Clara's voice came through the speaker, soft and deliberately sweet:

"Babe, I'm still a little scared of the dark. Stay with me tonight, okay?"

Her cheeks were still flushed from crying, and that soft, pleading tone was borderline lethal.

It could melt anyone on the spot.

Ethan's eyes darkened as he watched her. He knew this wasn't accidental-he wasn't that oblivious.

And sure enough, a sharp intake of breath came from the other end.

"I. am I interrupting something?" Fiona's voice suddenly wavered, as if she might cry.

Clara stayed perfectly still.

She wanted to see what Ethan would do.

Before, the outcome would've been obvious-Ethan would've gone to Fiona.

But this time. what he said next completely threw her.

He didn't deny it. Just said flatly, "Yeah. You kind of are."

There was a pause. Then a flustered, rushed reply: "I'm sorry. I'll go by myself. Sorry for bothering you."

Click.

Fiona hung up.

Clara began to calm down.

She'd definitely overreacted-gone full impulsive. She'd actually tried to mess with Fiona right in front of Ethan.

And before, she'd always hidden that side of herself.

She braced herself for Ethan to criticize her.

But instead-he simply took her hand. It caught her completely off guard.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open, finally operational. The staff outside looked like they were about to faint when they saw who was inside.

"M-Mr. Blackwood." one stammered, visibly shaking.

Ethan didn't even flinch. He gave them a cold look and walked out, pulling Clara along with him.

She nearly stumbled, and he steadied her without breaking stride.

"Aurelux can't even maintain basic emergency lighting?" His voice turned icy, full CEO mode. "This better not happen again."

"Yes, sir," the staff replied in unison, standing at attention as if facing dismissal.

They wanted to explain it wasn't their fault but didn't dare.

I mean, what were the odds of Ethan Blackwood getting stuck in their elevator?

Worse than winning the lottery.

Clara bit her lip absently. Then Ethan's voice dropped again, low and firm:

"My wife is afraid of the dark. I don't want her frightened like this again."

"Yes, sir," came the immediate, hushed reply.

Clara didn't react much, but her fingers curled slightly.

He. actually said that for her?

But the real surprise?

She'd just humiliated Fiona. She'd heard the hurt in Fiona's voice.

And Ethan didn't even scold her for it?

-

Once outside, Clara had fully composed herself.

She stopped walking, and Ethan paused beside her, watching her.

"Thank you," she said after a moment, biting her lip slightly.

She didn't mention anything else.

Remembering what happened in the elevator, her ears grew warm.

Ethan kept his gaze on her, unreadable, then suddenly found her shy expression somewhat endearing.

Far better than the overly polished façade she usually wore.

But then, Clara spoke again-and what she said next completely shattered the mood.