Chapter 3 Chapter 3 When Ethan returned , he was holding a bucket of popcorn the same snack I used to love on our dates . Back then , the simple act of our hands brushing against each other in the bucket was enough to make my heart race . Now , just the smell of it made me feel nauseous . The shy boy who once blushed at holding my hand was gone , replaced by someone I could hardly recognize , Maybe his mind was still lingering on the passion hed just shared with Madison , because in his rush to leave , he forgot to grab the USB drive that had been playing our movie , pped it into my bag before following him out . In the car , he glanced at his phone . His Adams apple bobbed nervously as he swallowed . Babe , theres another work dinner tonight … I knew he was lying, but I didnt care enough to call him out . Go ahead , I said , my tone flat . Youre the best , he said with a smile . I promise Ill make it up to you when I get back . Leaning over , he kissed my cheek . The scent of perfume one that wasnt mine hit me like a slap . O Without a word , I wiped the spot where hed touched me the moment he turned away . When I got home , another text from Madison was waiting for me . This time , it was a screenshot of their conversation . Ethart had been questioning her , demanding to know why she kept showing up around me . She responded with a photo of herself in a tight skirt , striking a provocative pose , her expression teasing . That was enough to make him swallow his anger . Wait for me . Im coming over to punish you . And tonight , no protection . Dont complain about the pain . My hand shook as I read the messages , my breath coming in shallow gasps . I stared at the screen , my eyes burning , refusing to cry . The man I had loved for eight years , the one who treated me with such care and gentleness , was saying these things to another woman . It was time to end this . Closing the messages , I began gathering every gift he had ever given me over the years . Jewelry , designer bags , all the luxury items hed showered me with along with the USB drive that held the movie hed spent weeks creating . All of it went into the trash . Those gifts , worth millions , meant nothing to me now . That night , Ethan did something unusual : he came home . The first thing he noticed was the empty display case where the gifts had been . 11:46 Photos , Lies , and Fire 211 % Chapter 3 He froze then rushed over to me , his expression panicked . Babe , wheres everything ? What happened to the gifts ? And the USB drive the one from todays movie did you see it ? I checked my computer , and its gone. I spent a month putting it together its more important than my life ! His voice trembled , almost breaking . I looked at him calmly , taking a sip of water before replying . I put the gifts away . Theyre so precious I couldnt risk someone else seeing them . As for the USB drive … I didnt see it . Losing it so close to the wedding isnt that a sign ? You didnt do anything to betray me , right? I kept my tone light , almost amused . Ethans face went pale . He dropped to his knees in front of me , his voice frantic . Grace , I swear on my life , Id never betray you . Youre more important to me than anything . If I ever cheated on you , Id deserve the worst ! I chuckled softly . I was just joking . You take everything so seriously . Youre making it sound like Im going to end up a widow before were even married . My nonchalant attitude seemed to put him at ease . His shoulders relaxed , and he let out a shaky laugh . After excusing himself to wash up , I heard him laughing quietly to himself in the bathroom . When he came out , he announced he was heading out to look for the USB drive , saying he wouldnt be able to sleep without it . I knew exactly where he was going to Madison , to continue the punishment hed promised earlier . I didnt stop him . Be careful , I said casually . He left in such a hurry he didnt even glance back . The moment the door clicked shut , my phone buzzed with a message from the team helping me fake my death . Your new ID is ready . Everythings on track for the plan . Title: A Sweet Contract with the Mafia Boss Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Contract Lovers Status: ongoing In "A Sweet Contract with the Mafia Boss" by CrushReel, immerse yourself in a tale where Tessa, an ER nurse, unwittingly crosses paths with Victor, a captivating yet perilous gang leader. After Tessa saves Victor's life, she finds herself ensnared in his dangerous world. As their lives intertwine, Tessa becomes the target of Victor's intense focus. Despite the risks and uncertainties that come with being associated with a mafia boss, an unexpected bond starts to form between them. Will their unconventional relationship lead to love or peril? This modern romance novel delves into themes of danger, charm, and unlikely connections amidst a backdrop of contract lovers. With its unique blend of suspense and passion, "A Sweet Contract with the Mafia Boss" stands out as a captivating read in the realm of sweet romance narratives. Discover the allure of forbidden love and intricate relationships in this ongoing story available to read online at CrushReel. Engage with the compelling dynamics between Tessa and Victor as they navigate the complexities of their evolving connection.