No man could tolerate being treated like an object, pushed around at will.
Especially not someone like Ethan, a domineering CEO.
“… Of course, I want to live a good life with you,” Clara said, fearing for her life. She had to say this to appease him, not daring to provoke his anger.
Ethan chuckled softly.
It was unclear what that laugh meant.
Was he pleased or mocking her?
Clara couldn’t figure out Ethan’s intentions and didn’t dare to speak. What if she said something that displeased him?
“You don’t look like someone who wants to live a good life with me,” Ethan suddenly said.
Clara blinked, puzzled at Ethan’s words. Why would he say that?
Did she really not look like she wanted to live a good life with him?
In fact, it was Ethan who didn’t seem like he wanted to live a good life with her. He was probably thinking of some way to retaliate against her.
Without waiting for Clara’s response, Ethan raised an eyebrow, “What? Do you really not want to live a good life with me?”
“… No, no,” Clara quickly shook her head, looking at Ethan with sincerity. “I do want to live a good life with you.”
Did she dare not to?
Ethan didn’t know whether to believe her or not, but he stopped talking.
Clara also didn’t dare to speak further. She feared that if she said anything more, Ethan would accuse her of not wanting to live a good life with him.
Did she dare?
No, she didn’t dare.
Although sometimes she acted tough in front of Ethan, deep down… she was still afraid of him.
Very afraid.
In fact, upon careful thought, Ethan had never done anything to harm her. She had never seen his violent side. But some people are like that; even if they do nothing, just standing there and giving you a cold look is enough to make you scared and submissive.
Ethan was such a person. His powerful and cold aura commanded respect and fear.
“You didn’t even serve me soup. Is that what you call wanting to live a good life with me?” Ethan asked.
Clara never expected Ethan to bring this up.
He still remembered the soup incident?
A grown man, how could he be so petty?
“In the end… didn’t I serve you?” Clara said.
Ethan scoffed, “If your father hadn’t told you to serve me, would you have done it?”
She wouldn’t have!
So what?
She wouldn’t serve him.
What could he do about it?
If he had the guts, he could hit her, scold her, or leave her!
Clara felt defiant inside but outwardly maintained a sweet demeanor. “I would.”
“Heh…” Ethan laughed. “Little liar.”
She looked at Ethan. Was it her imagination, or did she hear a hint of indulgence in his tone?
Indulgence?
Ethan indulging her?
Oh my god.
She must be crazy.
How could she have such an inexplicable feeling?
She must be insane.
But… she felt she hadn’t misheard. She sneaked another glance at Ethan. The corners of his mouth were slightly curved, as if… he was a bit pleased.
Could it be that he liked her?
If so, it would explain why Ethan agreed to marry her.
Because Ethan liked her!!!
But when did Ethan start liking her?
Was it after getting engaged to her sister and then meeting her, falling in love at first sight? Or was it through their interactions that he discovered she was a lively, cute, kind, and beautiful fairy, and couldn’t help but fall in love with her?
Or did he actually fall in love with her before getting engaged to her sister?
Clara indulged in various narcissistic speculations in her mind.
In the end, she dismissed all those self-indulgent guesses.
If Ethan had liked her before getting engaged to her sister, then why did he get engaged to her sister? He could have just gotten engaged to her directly.
If Ethan really fell in love with her after getting engaged to her sister, why didn’t he break off the engagement with her sister?
So… when did Ethan start liking her?
Was it after they got married?
Or was it just her own illusion that Ethan didn’t actually like her at all?
Maybe… she was just being narcissistic.
Sigh… narcissism is a disease that needs treatment.
She mustn’t let her imagination run wild. Otherwise, if Ethan found out, he would surely mock her for being narcissistic and shameless.
How embarrassing would that be then?
—
On Monday, Clara went to school for classes.
After class, she returned to the dormitory at noon.
Ella and Ava were not in the dormitory.
Only Zoe was there.
“Clara,” Zoe called out to Clara.
Clara nodded indifferently.
She no longer felt any enthusiasm for the three roommates in the dormitory.
They were now close to Belle, while Belle’s relationship with her… wasn’t good.
During dinner on Friday night, the three of them had sided with Belle and isolated her.
“I have good news for you,” Zoe said with a smile. “Ella and Ava have both landed roles.”
Clara was taken aback.
Although Ella and Ava were still sophomores, they were art students. The school wasn’t too strict about their studies and allowed students to take on acting roles while studying. In fact, their school’s drama department wasn’t well-known. The principal and board hoped that some famous stars would emerge from the school to attract more investment and students for better future enrollment.
The school encouraged art students to take on acting roles.
But due to the school’s lack of fame, few art students managed to land roles while studying.
Directors preferred to select newcomers from well-known art schools.
“Congratulations to them,” Clara said.
Zoe asked mysteriously, “Do you know who recommended them?”
Clara paused for a moment before quickly figuring it out.
“Was it Belle?” Clara asked.
Zoe nodded. “Yes.”
So Belle promised them benefits in exchange for isolating Clara?
Well, she could accept that.
They were just ordinary roommates who barely maintained a friendly relationship. Initially, they approached her because of her status and tried to curry favor with her. She wasn’t happy or flattered by it. Now that they distanced themselves from her, she wouldn’t feel sad either.
“If only I were an art student,” Zoe said with a smile. “Then I could act too and become a big star.”
Clara smiled faintly.
She thought Zoe was too naive.
There were so many actors; only a few could make it big. Most ended up as extras.
Compared to ordinary people, Ella and Ava were attractive. But in the entertainment industry full of beauties, their looks were just average-not ugly but not stunning either. With such looks, it would be difficult for them to become famous.
In the entertainment industry, most of those who became famous were either very beautiful or uniquely attractive. The rest were genuinely talented actors or incredibly lucky individuals chosen by fate.
Ella and Ava could only rely on luck if they wanted to become famous.
However, Ella was now with Jason.
If Jason truly liked her and was willing to spend money on promoting her, she might actually become famous.
But that wasn’t Clara’s concern anymore.
“Clara…” Zoe suddenly asked mysteriously. “Do you think… Belle likes Ethan?”
Clara looked at Zoe.
Why ask this suddenly?
Wasn’t it obvious whether Belle liked Ethan or not?
“Clara…” Zoe said. “I think you should… be wary of Ella and Ava.”
Clara looked at her puzzledly. “Why?”
Zoe said, “They’re very close to Belle now. Did you know? Jason was introduced to Ella by Belle.”
She could guess as much.
“That night when we went to the restaurant and saw your husband having dinner with Belle? After you left with your husband, Belle drove us home. On the way, she mentioned a party and invited us. We went… At the party, Belle introduced Jason to Ella. That night… they went to the hotel together,” Zoe said.