Janet was still in high spirits long after she had arrived home. She lay in bed and stared at Draco’s business card, turning it over
and over between her fingers
Then, out of the blue, Ethan’s glum face flashed in her mind. It suddenly occurred to her that she had been too busy recently to
go on video calls with her dear husband. Janet wasted no time remedying that.
As soon as the video call connected, Ethan’s scowling face appeared on her screen.
“Have you finally remembered that you left your husband here in Seacisco?” he complained.
“I’m so sorry, honey,” Janet immediately apologized.
“My mom has been taking me to parties and getting me to meet the local socialites. I get so tired that I pass out as soon as I
come home.” Ethan snorted at that and rolled his eyes.
“You don’t think about how I would feel, do you? You don’t care about me at all.”
It looked like he was becoming a very clingy and needy husband. Janet had no choice but to cajole him with everything she got.
She even talked sweet nothings to him for several consecutive minutes, until she finally noticed the corners of his lips twitching.
“By the way, I have some good news.” She told him about Draco’s job offer. And just like that, Ethan’s face darkened all over
again. This time, he looked even more sullen and cross.
“You... Are you really planning to work for him?” He spoke through gritted teeth as he tried his best to rein in his jealousy.
Janet’s parents had spirited her away with no regard for Ethan’s opinion, and he was still mad about it. In addition, he was all too
familiar with Draco, what with the man being a reputable icon in the fashion industry.
Ethan had also seen photos of Draco before. The latter did have a pretty face, though Ethan thought he looked rather
effeminate. While it would do wonders for Janet’s career to work at Draco’s studio, it certainly wouldn’t do her bereaved husband
any good.
“Mr. Wesley is a genius in design. I look forward to learning a lot from him.” Janet’s voice had instinctively turned an octave
deeper in the face of Ethan’s displeasure. In the end, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
“I won’t stop you from achieving your dreams, but... It’s just that, we’ve only just been married, and you’re already making plans
to live apart from me. For how long are you going to Leave your husband all alone?”
Janet gave him a tight and apologetic smile. “For now, it looks like I’ll have to stay in Barnes for a while. Why don’t you come
over, honey?”
*******
And so, Ethan dropped all his work and flew straight to Barnes. He yearned for his wife so much that he could barely hold
himself together. He was starved of her, both physically and emotionally, and he feared that if they stayed apart any longer,
someone might snatch her away from him.
Early the next morning, Janet woke up to a call from Ethan.
“I’m at the door.”
“It’s only six o’clock,” Janet yawned.
“You’re way too early, honey.” She stretched and got dressed, and then hurried over to open the door. Ethan found himself frozen
in place when their eyes finally met. He had been missing that bright, loving gaze day and night.
Janet yawned again and ran a hand over her face. Clearly, she was still sleepy.
“It’s still dark outside,” she muttered, smacking his chest playfully.
“Why are you here at this godforsaken hour?” Ethan blinked at her in disbelief.
“Do you even know how long it’s been since we’ve seen each other in the flesh?” he grumbled.
He looked deflated and angry at the same time. Janet thought it was cute. She hooked her arm around his and smiled up at him.
“Of course, I remember. It’s almost been a week. I missed you so much, honey.”
For sure, Ethan also missed her like crazy. But he was a mature professional who always remained unflappable even in the
worst circumstances. He had no business losing his composure so easily. Ethan calmed himself before asking in a nonchalant
voice,
“Really? I don’t feel it at all.”
With a knowing smile, Janet pulled at his tie and stood on tiptoe to plant a kiss on the corner of his lips.
“What about now?” Ethan sighed to keep himself from grinning like an idiot.
“Nope.” Janet pinched his cheek.
“Don’t push your luck, Mr. Lester.” He chuckled as his hands slowly went around her waist. Ethan leaned close, and the next
thing Janet knew, he was pressing her against the door and ravaging her mouth.
“Ahem!” There suddenly came a loud cough, interrupting their passionate embrace. Janet pulled away from Ethan away and
looked behind him.
Beal and Johanna stood there, staring at them with unreadable expressions on their faces.