Chapter 6 BLUES
Ethan's plan was to return to work immediately, but Hugo was not having any of it. His ever controlling boss did not see any reason to stay away from work and he was having a really hard time advising otherwise.
"You can't possibly resume work two days after your wedding Ethan, the board and everyone else is expecting you to be absent and out of the country for at least a few weeks," Hugo said as they sat together in Ethan's home office.
"Well they shouldn't get their hopes too high, I'm not sick, just married. I don't need that much time away, and besides I have so much work to do" Ethan replied, not bothering to look at Hugo who was desperately trying to convince him.
"That is why I am here Ethan, I can do all the work and make sure you don't miss out on anything. I mean It's your honeymoon, go rest a bit in the Maldives or Paris or something, just do not be at work, please." he said again, sounding really stressed.
It had always been a hassle trying to get Ethan to do things he didn't deem necessary, and very rarely did it ever work.
"Have you forgotten this marriage is a contract Hugo, nothing more, nothing less? Stop saying the word honeymoon like I owe it her or anyone else" Ethan said again, getting up to pour himself a drink
"I'm not asking you to be all loved up on your trip man, all I'm saying is, take a few weeks off so people don't start talking. You can't have a wedding as big as that and not follow it up with videos and pictures of how real your love is" Hugo was making a whole lot of sense but Ethan refused to admit that Hugo was right; he hated the idea of having to leave work which he loved more than anything else, and the irritation was obvious in his expression. "Well I don't care, they should know by now that I take professionalism very seriously, so I don't expect anyone to be surprised if a man like me wants nothing to do with honeymoons and vacations." He was not convinced and this caused Hugo so much frustration.
He got up immediately and moved towards Ethan, scattering the perfectly made curls on his hair.
"Ok, what about Lena? What would become of her personal life when the press makes her out to be the pathetic wife of a narcissist who thinks of no one but himself? This affects both of you in more ways than one, just think about it for a minute." He grabbed a cup and poured himself a drink, downing it all in one go.
"You are beginning to get too comfortable, don't you think? Since when did you care about my wife?" Ethan asked, raising an eyebrow at Hugo who was now beside him.
"Common Ethan, it's you I care about. Take two weeks off and then come back like you have just had the best honeymoon anyone could dream of. That's the only way the board will buy into this facade." Hugo poured himself another glass and gulped it. With the look on Ethan's face, he knew that he was still not doing enough to convince the iceberg.
"Look Ethan, it didn't just end with the wedding alright, they are watching you now more than ever, waiting for the slightest mistake to crush you. You have to play your cards well like the smart man that you are, that's all I'm saying" Hugo added, staring at Ethan without blinking, he had to convince him somehow, he had to try.
"Fucking board of directors, they can't let me breath for a second".
"How do they have so much power over my company anyways!" Ethan asked rhetorically, filling his cup with more whiskey and pouring it all into his throat.
"We just have to endure a little bit more, till the company becomes fully yours. For now, focus on your honeymoon and try to have fun with Lena".
"I don't know about fun Hugo, but if we really want any of this to work, then we would have to spice things up a bit on our end. I would need you to get enough paparazzi, have them fly discreetly with us, all expenses paid."
"I need them to take pictures of us from every angle and make it the hottest news. The talk should be about how romantic and lovely my honeymoon is, and keep everyone on their toes. That would be the best way to keep them quiet for good." Ethan stated, being as authoritative as always, while Hugo nodded in silence, taking in every bit of information.
"One last thing, book a trip to Rome, we would be staying at my vacation house, and call Genevieve, tell her to get everything ready." He added, speaking so effortlessly because he didn't care.
"How many weeks will she be preparing for?" Hugo asked, quickly taking out his phone to make preparations
"One week, although I'll definitely be back before then." Ethan replied, he still did not buy the idea of spending time away from work, but he had not much of a choice.
"Ethan" Hugo called out in shock at the change
"Hugo that's enough, you should be grateful I am agreeing to any of this, because I don't owe anything to anyone and you know that"
"But" Hugo tried again to persuade, but was cut short by Ethan who was already fed up.
"We signed a contract, you can never ever forget that" Ethan said one last time, before pouring himself another drink and walking out the room.
Hugo finally left the house and Ethan made his way to Lena's room to tell her about the new development. He didn't bother to knock on her door as he got there, or even ask questions before going in, as it was his house and he cared less for courtesy or the privacy of others except his.
He pushed the door open in an instant, barging in on her with nothing but only panties on.