Chapter 104: Blast of Reality

Their eyes connected, locking in a shared gaze.

"The way you've always looked at me is intense. Even the first time we were together in London. And you act like you are jealous whenever I talk about Adrian."

"You're right, I am jealous of him."

"Why? You have no right to be. I am compensating you for a ser..."

"I like you, Jeanne," he blurted out, cutting her off. He didn't know where the courage came from, but he kept going. "I do care and I think…I might be in love with you."

Jeanne stood frozen. It couldn't be!

Her breath caught in her throat as Ethan's confession washed over her, a tidal wave of emotions and surprise she hadn't foreseen.

The foundation of their connection had been built on the premise of paid companionship, but now love had entered the picture, injecting complexity into their connection. Adding an unexpected and intoxicating twist to their story.

"Jeanne…" he continued. Hearing him call her name felt weird. "I liked you even before I met you. I couldn't help myself as soon as I saw your picture."

"You can't be serious, Ethan," Jeanne said.

"I am."

"You are paid to be with me," Jeanne said.

"Stop talking about money, we were supposed to meet somehow," Ethan said.

"No…no…" Jeanne said. "Stop whatever it is you're saying. Do you have any idea who I am? I am the only daughter of…"

"I don't care who you are, Jeanne, all I know is that I love the human being before me." he said, his eyes not wavering from hers.

She shook her head, dismissing his emotions, denying the truth he conveyed; rejecting everything.

"Do you have an idea how special you are, how precious you are? I know how lucky I am to be with you. I could hardly breathe the time we were in Rio. You make me call out your name in the heat of passion, I can only do that with you."

"That means nothing! It's just sex! There is nothing more to it."

"There is to me."

"Ethan..." Jeanne said, holding her hands up, and closed her eyes for a brief moment. "I am going to pretend like I heard nothing."

"You heard right. Not admitting it changes nothing."

"I have Adrian."

"No you don't. Adrian has nothing to offer you."

"You take that back!" she screamed at him.

"It's true. I'm a man and from what you've told me, he doesn't want you," he said.

What he said was brutal and cold, considering the fact that she was dreaming of a life that could never be. But it was the truth, and she needed to hear it. It was about time for a reality check.

He felt horrible as he saw tears swell in her eyes. He softened the tone of his voice before speaking again.

"It's been years…Adrian's never coming back."

"I'll make him come to me…Our parents will make us marry each other. My dad will…"

"Then what?" Ethan said, cutting her off.

"I'll make him fall back in love with me."

"How?"

"I'll remind him of the times we shared…"

"You cheated on him…he must have felt like a fool those times," Ethan reminded her.

"I'll apologize..."

"You already did! Many times! And he keeps kicking you to the curb!"

"He'll change."

"He won't! Even if you succeed in marrying him, it will be a loveless marriage. Can you live with that?"

She started crying.

"You need to let go, Jelly Bean. It's time to face reality and move on."

"I can't…I love him."

"You loved him. You are mistaking regret for affection," Ethan said, moving closer to her and holding her face in his hand. "Stop crying, look at me."

She looked up at him but was sobbing quietly.

"What you're feeling is guilt, and you want to make it better by being with him. He's done. A man who cares for you would never stay away for that long. Believe me, I'm a man, I know these things."

"Nooo…" Jeanne said, refusing to be persuaded.

"You're a smart woman. I know you are. You ought to have figured it out by now. Adrian is gone. He is really gone."

"Please don't say that…don't," she said, bursting out in fresh tears and holding the sleeves of Ethan's shirt with each hand and resting her head on his chest.

"How many times must your heart break before there are no fragments left to break?" he said, spelling it out for her.

Her cry intensified.

"Please don't cry, Jelly Bean. The truth is you've been heartbroken for too long."

"I'll forever be heartbroken if I don't end up with Adrian."

"Don't say that."

"He's the only one for me, the only one," she cried.

"What about me?" Ethan whispered.

She lifted her head up to look at him.

"What?" she asked.

"What about me?" he repeated. "You haven't been with anyone else but me since Adrian. Why?"

"Because I can pay for…"

"Stop using that as an excuse. The company can get you another guy if you request for one. Why do you keep asking for me? You can pay any other guy to be with you."

Her eyes widened in response to his statement. The truth was, she had never desired another man, there was no need for one.

He was the only one who could make her feel the way he did. He comprehended her body's needs and understood her on a profound level.

His sweetness and effortless companionship made him irreplaceable. Why would she seek anyone else? Moreover, being with him allowed her to embrace and appreciate herself. She liked who she was whenever she was with him.

"I…I…"

"Do you not feel anything for me?" he asked in a low tone. "Anything at all?"