Mine…
But Not Mine The latest issue of Voyage & Haven Magazine was released three days later.
To everyone’s surprise, Hawthorne Grand Hotel occupied the front cover.
The headline read: «”Where Hospitality Feels Like Home.”» Inside were photographs of the hotel, the restaurant, the rooftop garden…
…and one picture that quickly caught everyone’s attention.
Ethan stood beside Ava on the rooftop, one hand firmly around her wrist as he stopped her from falling.
Neither of them was looking at the camera.
They were only looking at each other.
The picture spread across social media within hours.
The comments came flooding in.
«”Are they dating?”» «”The chemistry is insane!”» «”Who is Ethan Hawthorne’s secretary?”» «”She looks adorable next to him.”» Employees couldn’t stop talking about it.
— Ava, however, wanted to disappear.
She covered her face with both hands as Mia held up her phone.
“You two are trending!” “I know.” “People think you’re a couple!” “I know!” “They’re making fan edits!” “I KNOW!” Mia laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone.
“You look so good together.” Ava buried her face in a cushion.
“I can’t work like this anymore…” — At that exact moment…
Ethan was suffering just as much.
Lucas walked into his office holding the magazine.
Without saying a word…
He placed it directly on Ethan’s desk.
“…” “…” “…” Lucas finally spoke.
“So.” “So?” “You’ve officially become half the internet’s favorite boyfriend.” Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose.
“I’ve already received seventeen calls from Mother.” Lucas burst into laughter.
“What did she say?” “She asked why I hadn’t introduced her to her future daughter-in-law.” Lucas laughed so loudly that people outside the office looked through the glass wall.
“I’m serious.” “I know!” “That’s why it’s funny!” — That afternoon…
A charity luncheon was being hosted at the hotel.
Several business partners, investors, and media representatives attended.
Naturally…
Ethan had to be there.
And naturally…
Ava had to accompany him.
She wore a simple cream-colored dress beneath her blazer.
Elegant.
Professional.
Beautiful.
Ethan had noticed the moment she walked into his office.
He simply hadn’t said anything.
— The event progressed smoothly.
Business discussions.
Laughter.
Champagne.
Introductions.
Everything was going according to plan.
Until…
A young businessman approached.
He couldn’t have been older than twenty-eight.
Confident.
Well-dressed.
And smiling directly at Ava.
“Excuse me.” She turned politely.
“Yes?” “I don’t believe we’ve met.” “My name is Adrian Carter.” He extended his hand.
She shook it.
“Ava Bennett.” “I’ve heard quite a lot about you.” She blinked.
“You have?” “I think everyone has after that magazine article.” He laughed warmly.
“I was hoping I could steal you for a conversation.” “Me?” “If your boss doesn’t mind.” Ava looked toward Ethan.
He was speaking with several investors across the room.
“…It’ll only be for a moment.” Adrian smiled.
“I promise.” — Across the ballroom…
Lucas quietly sipped his drink.
Then…
He noticed something.
Ethan’s eyes.
They hadn’t left Ava once.
Lucas slowly turned to see who she was talking to.
“…Oh.” A grin spread across his face.
“So that’s what’s happening.” He casually walked over to Ethan.
“Interesting conversation she’s having.” Ethan didn’t answer.
Lucas looked at him.
“You know…” “He’s been smiling at her for almost five minutes.” Still…
No response.
Lucas couldn’t resist.
“I wonder if he’ll ask for her number.” Silence.
“…” “…” “…” Lucas slowly looked at Ethan again.
His older brother was still smiling politely while talking to investors.
But…
The glass in his hand had cracked.
Very slightly.
Lucas immediately took it away.
“…Okay.” “Maybe I’ll stop talking now.” — Meanwhile…
Adrian laughed at something Ava had said.
“You have a wonderful smile.” Ava smiled politely.
“Thank you.” “And…” “I was wondering if you’d allow me to take you to dinner sometime.” Her smile immediately disappeared.
“Oh…” “I’m really sorry.” “I’m not looking to date anyone.” “Not even coffee?” She shook her head gently.
“No.” “I appreciate the offer, though.” Adrian smiled.
“I had to try.” Before he could say another word…
Someone stepped beside her.
“Mr.
Carter.” Adrian turned.
“Ethan.” Ethan smiled politely.
“I hope my secretary hasn’t been neglecting her work.” Adrian chuckled.
“Not at all.” “We were only talking.” “I’m afraid I’ll have to borrow her.” “There’s something I need her assistance with.” “Of course.” Adrian stepped aside without protest.
As Ethan and Ava walked away…
Neither of them spoke.
Not until they reached a quiet hallway.
Ava looked at him.
“…Was there actually something you needed?” “No.” She blinked.
“…Then why?” He stopped walking.
“…” “…” “…Because I didn’t like it.” She tilted her head.
“Didn’t like what?” “The way he was looking at you.” Ava stared.
“…Huh?” Ethan let out a quiet sigh.
“I know.” “It isn’t reasonable.” “And I know I have no right.” “But…” “I was jealous.” For several seconds…
Ava simply looked at him.
Then…
To Ethan’s complete surprise…
She laughed.
Not loudly.
Just enough to make her shoulders shake.
“I’m sorry.” “I’m not laughing at you.” “It’s just…” “I never imagined someone like you could get jealous.” He looked away.
“I don’t enjoy it.” “I think…” “It’s a terrible feeling.” She smiled softly.
“…Good.” He looked back at her.
“Good?” “It means you like me enough to be honest.” Ethan couldn’t help smiling.
“I suppose it does.” For the first time…
Neither of them realized how close they were standing.
Close enough that if either one moved just a little…
Everything might change.
Then…
Lucas’s voice echoed down the hallway.
“ETHAN!” Both of them jumped apart immediately.
Lucas rounded the corner, looked from Ethan…
…to Ava…
…then grinned.
“I interrupted something, didn’t I?” “No.” “Absolutely.” Lucas nodded dramatically.
“I believe exactly one of you.” Ava covered her burning face with both hands.
And for the next ten minutes…
She refused to look Ethan in the eye.