Claire's pov
Ray of light invaded the cozy space between the window blinds as I struggled through the fluffy bedspread and adjusted my eyes to the brightness.
Are couples not meant to spend their nights together? Mine was different, I didn't even get to see Ethan nor was he picking my calls. I became a bit worried since we exchanged rings and greeted a few guests including his parents which I shielded away from and till now have not heard or seen him.
I waited all night for him hoping we could talk at least about the important meetings tomorrow but then I realized I'm just on my own. I spent all night going through the proposals and forwarding all the necessary documents to each department for final review and mailings to the Insurance committee including the investors.
This is supposed to be done by Ethan but lately his focus has shifted on the wedding preparation and now that the wedding didn't go as he wished I doubted if would be willing to go through it.
Being his secretary for years I know exactly how to cover up for the interest and growth of the company and to be a step ahead of our opponents but tonight I felt overwhelmed. I'm not just Ethan's secretary anymore, I am also his new bride and I really wanted this.
I thought to myself with a satisfactory smile. I was willing to support him at work and prove my worth as his wife and not just as a substitute bride.
It's almost morning and I have barely slept well with my stomach grumbling. I haven't had anything to eat since I agreed to marry Ethan. I rumbled myself out of the bed while glaring around to appreciate the Opulent decor in the room. The interior design is a testament to refined taste, with lavish furnishings, exquisite artwork, and sumptuous textiles. I fed my eyes with the view briefly before dashing into the bathroom. It's a big one almost the size of my room.
I didn't bother sleeping after my cold bath. I hope to see Ethan this morning before leaving for work. I had planned to make him breakfast this morning as I dressed up earlier to get myself ready.
I thought of getting few of my things before coming here but Daniel insist I spent the night here only if he had knows I have worked all night without even seeing Ethan
"Good morning mistress!" The maids and the chefs in his forties acknowledge my presence showing some respect. Perhaps David told them I am the new mistress now.
"Good morning, call me Claire please "! I responded softly. I wasn't used to being respected, not even from elderly men.
They seemed reluctant but then I informed them I would love to make breakfast. I was told Ethan had stopped eating breakfast for several months now.
What then is the chef's duty if he stopped eating and kept paying. Such a waste. I thought to myself
I was really famished yet determined to make breakfast for Ethan. I can't wait to perform my duty as his wife but guess what? All hope shattered this morning
Good morning Ethan". I greeted him cheerfully observing his features. He looked tired but little did I know he was brewing in anger.
"You're not my wife nor my cook_ Claire Lawson you are my secretary; that's what I paid you for"! Ethan blasted out.
I felt like I forced myself on him. I have not even take a bite from the delicious breakfast when I heard his maids greeting him in unison
His eyes were fiery. I didn't even realize when he covered the distance between us.
"Consider yourself fired if I lose that deal!
I tried to speak but I couldn't find the right words. I can't believe Ethan didn't trust my credibility. Is that why he was mean to me? Would I have really allowed him to lose a billionaire dollars insurance investment ?
The whole team has been working tiresomely except that he has been busy going in and out with Sophia taking all of his time. He failed to notice his team effort behind him now he's freaking out.
"Ma'am are you ready? I'm assigned to be your personal driver and we are late for work. My thoughts were distorted by the young driver's voice. I nodded slightly, getting my bags and documents to follow him.
The meeting already commenced before I got there. I sitted quietly watching from a distance.
"We commend your efforts on the written proposal, We don't have anything against it. so you have the investment". One of the men supposed their leader speak.
A little smile hung across Ethan's face as they signed the contract effortlessly and talked about the Revenue rewards.The meeting was about to end when one of the opponents started asking questions about Ethan's personal life.
"Mr Ethan, will your wife continue to be your secretary or will you relieve her of her duty? I will be glad if she can manage our company." He added with a gloomy face.
"Well! We were surprised to get her mail earlier in the morning and I wondered if that's really fair for her". A brunette woman suggested glaring at Ethan.
"By the way, we would be glad to have her work with us if she wants to resign in the near future". It sounds more like a mockery to me. However, Ethan maintains a cold face, ready to kick them in the ass.
" I want to assume there's nothing important to say again I thereby bring this meetings to a close" With a cold voice Ethan ended the meeting, heading out to his office
"See me in my office now." He demanded. Without a minute's delay I walked into his office.
"Who asked you to move in last night? He asked in a low tone void of anger
Em-mm I was really going to talk about it. I began to stammer . I don't want to cause trouble between the two brothers as I tried to cover up for David but then I couldn't find the right word to say. Why am I always like this around Ethan, he gets into my head easily.
"Never mind I already asked them to return your things back to your place
He said averting his gaze from me. He picked up a brown file and handed it to me. "Here's our marriage agreement, Sign it and get back to me.".
I nodded carefully, stepping out of the office. " you should finish up early today; We are having dinner with my father".
What? Mr Matthew. Fear gripped my heart before I sucked it up. I'm not sure it will end well.