Page 26 of Fake Married to the Grumps

What is he thinking?It will cost a fortune for Ethan to pay off the settlement, and we’ve not even merged yet. My mind churns with a relentless chain of worrisome thoughts.

“He’ll come and talk to you about it, but he wanted me to convince you to let him do this.”

“But I can’t …” I stutter. “I mean, his board of directors might not even agree to a merger and now he’s going to spend millions of his own money?”

A knock interrupts our conversation, and the door swings open before I can answer. Ethan walks in with his phone pressed to his ear, but he ends the call immediately.

“What are you thinking?” I ask. “Tom told me about today. You plan to pay the settlement?”

“Someone has to,” he answers with a shrug. “You want to save your company? This is the only way, Nelly. I knew you’d be like this, and that's why I went to Tom first.”

“Ethan, there might be another way. I’ve been able to discuss a loan with a close friend of my parents before they died and they’re willing to…”

“And enter into more debt? Nelly, come on, that's not what you want. We need to make the merger happen and my board won’t agree to it with all the risk it poses. This way I eliminate the risk. It’s a good business decision.”

His words make perfect sense, and they settle in even though every part wishes there’s another way.

He’s sacrificing so much already, and I don’t know how I’ll ever repay him.

Ethan looks from me to Tom. “The settlement would bankrupt you, and it would affect me too once we merge. I can’t let that happen. Back me up here, Tom.”

“Ethan’s right,” Tom chirps in. “We can’t bear the burden of this debt alone, Nelly. If we decide to take a loan, then …”

“A loan isn’t an option,” Ethan cuts in. “I won’t advise it. Not when you have my offer as an option. I’m willing to do this, Tom … Let me do this.”

Dead silence envelops the room for a moment and I close my eyes for a bit, my head pounding. It’s hard enough dealing with my guilt at failing my parents and nearly costing them their company, but knowing Ethan’s sacrificing his trust fund for me too is enough to make warmth radiate through me.

“Can you give us a moment?” I say to Tom, my voice trembling.

Tom only nods before exiting my office. I walk to Ethan and take his hands without thinking. Ethan has always been there for me in many ways. Over the last five years, I buried memories of his selflessness aside to help me get over him, but now they rush to the surface, filling my heart.

All the times he flew from Boston to come to see me in school because I was sick. He’s always there, looking out for me, and at this moment, I can’t muster up any words as tears fill my eyes.

“You don’t have to do this, Ethan.”

“I want to do this,” he insists. “This company means everything to you. You’ve always talked about making your parents proud, expanding their company, running it … This is your dream, Nelly. I’d do anything to make sure you have that.”

His eyes soften on mine, and I swallow hard to push down the lump in my throat. “Then make it a loan, Ethan. I can’t let you make this sacrifice.”

“You don’t have to do that, Nelly.” He moves one hand to my cheek and touches me gently. “I can’t let you do that, especially since we’re married. Even if it’s a fake marriage, it’s not right.”

“Okay, then an investment. Ethan … Let me feel less helpless by repaying your kindness. If it’s an investment, then you make money from it too. The accountants and lawyers can figure out the split, and how many shares you’ll get from the merger.”

He finally nods, and I allow myself to lean closer to him slightly so I can press a kiss to his cheek. “Thank you. This means everything to me.”

I pull back after my words, but his hands slide around my waist slowly and he keeps me in his embrace. It’s a tempting moment when his eyes drift to my lips, we both spring apart like we’ve been burned.

“I would do anything for you,” Ethan whispers. “You should never forget that.”

My heightened senses become remarkably aware of him.His scent, his warm breath.Ethan’s intense eye contact is unnerving too. I completely forget every decision I’ve made to not let him sway me ever again.

“The real work starts now, love,” he trails a hand down to my chin before toying with some strands of my hair. “Once we sign the merger documents, I will introduce you to the board of directors.”

“I’m ready,” I announce after releasing a shuddery breath. “I’ll never forget this Ethan, ever.”

Ethan looks like he’s about to say more, and the solemn look on his face lingers before he nods. “You’re welcome.”

Ethan leaves a moment later, and Tom comes in again.

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