She Hired Him as Her Fake Husband… He Never Expected to Fall in Love
Chapter 7
Charlotte told Ethan everything.
He listened quietly.
“So if we separate, you lose the company.”
“Yes.”
“And if we stay together?”
“I have to keep pretending.”
Ethan looked at her.
“We’re not pretending anymore.”
Charlotte shook her head.
“That doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to me.”
She stared at him.
“You don’t understand my family.”
“I understand enough.”
“They’ll destroy you.”
“Let them try.”
She became frustrated.
“You can’t just say that.”
“Why not?”
“Because you don’t know what this world is like.”
Ethan stepped closer.
“I know what it’s like to lose everything.”
She went silent.
“I’ve lost people.”
“I’ve lost money.”
“I’ve lost my home.”
He looked at her.
“What I haven’t lost is myself.”
Charlotte’s eyes filled with tears.
“I’m scared.”
“Of what?”
“Of needing someone.”
Ethan softened.
“Why?”
“Because everyone I’ve needed has left.”
He took her hand.
“I won’t promise forever.”
She looked surprised.
“Why?”
“Because promises are easy.”
He squeezed her fingers.
“I can promise today.”
Charlotte cried.
Not because he had said something perfect.
Because it was honest.
They agreed to stay together.
But not for the contract.
For themselves.
The board meeting was brutal.
Daniel accused Ethan of manipulating Charlotte.
Ethan remained calm.
Then Charlotte stood.
“Enough.”
Everyone looked at her.
“You wanted proof that I could lead this company.”
She placed documents on the table.
“I have it.”
Financial reforms.
New management structures.
Improved profits.
Independent audits.
She had spent years building the company.
Ethan had helped her see what she had been too afraid to admit.
She didn’t need her family’s approval.
She needed results.
Eleanor watched silently.
Then she smiled.
“The trust remains with Charlotte.”
Daniel stared.
“You can’t be serious.”
“I am.”
Charlotte looked at her grandmother.
“Why?”
Eleanor answered,
“Because you finally stopped trying to prove you belonged.”
She looked at Ethan.
“And you finally found someone who doesn’t need your company.”
Charlotte took Ethan’s hand.
For the first time, they did not care who was watching.
