Chapter 0016 -DARLA . That night , I did exactly as Amelia advised me and decided that I was not going to allow Elijah to get between Ethan and me , especially now that he was upset with me . When I got inside the bedroom and found him changing his clothes , I walked behind him and hugged him around his waist . " I'm sorry , babe . I honestly do not like the tension between us . You know that you're more than just my best friend and business partner . You're everything to me . " He sighed as he took my hands off him , turned around , and looked at me . " Can we sleep and talk about this in the morning ? I'm tired right now and really need to rest my eyes . " " I said I'm sorry , Ethan . I just don't want us to not get along now because we are back here and working with my ex - husband . He's not supposed to get between us . " I tried to make the situation a little bit easier , but his facial expression did not convince me that he wanted to do the same thing . It felt as if he didn't want to see my face . "No one's getting between us . You're the one who's allowing him to create a drift between us by making me feel as if I do not have any right to warn him to stay away from you . If you're looking for anyone to blame here , it's not him , but you , Darla . " He answered with a snarl . I scoffed , shook my head , and refused to let him put all the blame on me when he also played a role in how things had been happening between us . " Do you know why I haven't told the kids about us ? " I frowned . " That's because I heard you the other night on a phone call which you did not want to answer in front of me , talking with her . The same girl that you told me that you were seeing and broke things off with because you wanted to be with me . I said nothing that night and thought that what was happening between us was merely a contract deal with benefits and nothing more . " " Now , tell me , Ethan , " I scoffed . " If you were in my shoes , would you tell your children about a man you're not sure is over his ex ? You seem to forget that I've been in a similar situation and would never subject myself to it ever again . Not with you or any other man . " " Darla - " He tried to reach out for my hand , but I leaned back and interjected him . " We have a long day tomorrow . Get some rest , and we will talk in the morning before leaving . I'm tired as well , " I said before I walked out of the bedroom and went back to the living room to sleep on the couch . *** " Can you sit in the front , please ? " Ethan said when I was about to get in the back seat of the car . Our driver was off today , and he was the one driving . I looked at him and hesitated because I didn't exactly want to be near him , but he gave me those puppy eyes , giving me no choice but to surrender to his request . I got inside and looked out the window to the HC building . After pulling outside the parking lot , he turned to me and took my hand before I could open the door and hop out of the car . " I'm sorry about Rachel , but I promise you that I'm over her and want to be with you . You're the only one for me , 1/2 Chapter 0016 +25 BONUS Darla . I know that we agreed to do this contract deal thingy , but I've grown to love you and only you . " " You called her and told her that you miss her . How do you think that made me feel knowing very well that we spent the previous nights having sex ? " I frowned . " You're mad that I'm not telling my kids about us , but I can't do that without assurance of what this is . " " Can we start over ? " He reached for my hand . " I can't imagine going by with my day without you . You're the only person who keeps me grounded and still doing what I do , I can't lose you . " God , I wanted to believe that so much , but the conversation that he had with her kept replaying itself in my mind and I couldn't get myself to believe a word that he said without feeling like getting romantically involved would ruin things for us and make my experience with men even more dreadful and horrific . When we saw the other board members getting out of their cars , Ethan and I also hopped out of the car and headed toward the building when Elijah with another board member showed up beside us . " Mr. Anderson , good morning , " the guy with Elijah greeted . " How are you and your wife ? " " We are good , Mr. Smith , thank you . I hope you and Mr. Houston are doing well this morning . " He answered as he and Elijah shared an unfriendly look , and I internally rolled my eyes . " Yes , we are . By the way , you and your wife look lovely this morning . I hope you're both ready for the news that we have for both of you . We are so happy , " the guy announced before they walked off and left us behind . As we walked up the stairs to the boardroom , Ethan took my hand , and I decided to let go of whatever argument we had and just focus on making money and creating a better future for my kids . *** After using the restroom after the meeting , I opened the door and was about to walk out when I bumped into Abigail outside the door . She smirked when she saw me , while her hands were folded on her arms , and I knew by the look on her face that she still held a grudge against me . " Miss Darla , we meet again . " She scoffed . " I guess I was wrong when I thought that you would be able to keep a hundred feet away from Elijah forever . You just had to show your face again , didn't you ? " " It's nice to see you too , Abigail . But I have to be on my way now , " I attempted to walk past her when she stepped in front of me and blocked my path . " Not so fast , missy . You're the one who decided to come here and cause trouble for Elijah and me . So , I want you to know that I'm onto you and won't allow you to ruin something that I've invented so many years on . Elijah was mine long before your family sold you to him , and nothing will ever change that . " " Get out of my way , Abigail , if you don't have better things to do than ranting about a man who's no longer in my league after being stained by the likes of you . " I sneered . She narrowed her eyes . " Stay away from my man , or I'll take you back to California myself ," she snarled before she turned around and left . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!