The Billionaire CEO Betrays his Wife: He wants her back-Chapter 23: It’s what you think

Ethan took a deep breath, steadying himself. He needed to be firm, for both their sakes.

"Maria, listen to me," he said gently but firmly. "I know you’re hurting. I know you’re confused. But this is it can’t happen. You don’t need a night with me to feel love. You need time to heal, to find yourself again."

Maria looked away, biting her lip. She knew he was right, but that didn’t change how she felt.

Ethan reached for her hand, holding it in a way that was comforting but distant. "You’re not alone, Maria. I won’t abandon you, but this... whatever you’re hoping for it’s not the answer."

Tears welled in her eyes again, but this time, she didn’t fight him. She just nodded.

"Let go home," he said softly.

Maria didn’t resist as Ethan led her to his car, opening the door for her. Steph seeing all this wondered what they had talked about. Ethan dismissed him as he sat in the car. "We will talk tomorrow," he said.

The ride was quiet, filled with words left unsaid and lingering emotions. Maria stole glances at Ethan, her heart still hopeful. She felt it.

He might be fighting it now, but it was only a matter of time before their emotions completely took over.

As he pulled up to the mansion, they both walked inside quietly. Ethan turned to her, "Get some rest, Maria. Please." She gave him a small, knowing smile. "Thank you, Ethan. For everything."

Ethan nodded, waiting until she was inside her room before turning to leave. But as Maria closed the door behind her, her heart pounded with certainty. This wasn’t over.

Ethan stood by the bedroom door, hesitating. For the first time in his life, he felt nervous about stepping into his own room. He had prepared himself to tell Mara everything well, almost everything. What happened with Maria-Isabel was not worth mentioning.

Would Mara understand him? Or would she see him differently after tonight? The uncertainty gnawed at him.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed Mrs. Morgan approaching until she spoke.

"Sir, why are you standing out here?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

Ethan blinked and jolted back to reality. "Hm? Nothing... I was just wondering if Mara is asleep or still awake. I wouldn’t want to disturb her."

Mrs. Morgan frowned. "Ma’am isn’t with you? She hasn’t come back yet."

Ethan’s heart stopped for a second.

"What?" His voice dropped to a sharp edge. "She’s not back?"

"No, sir," Mrs. Morgan confirmed.

His pulse quickened as he turned on his heel, hurrying down the stairs. "Call the driver," he ordered his voice tight.

"Sir... she didn’t take the driver with her," Mrs. Morgan added, struggling to keep up with his long strides.

Hearing the commotion from the kitchen, the driver stiffened. He had one job, one simple job to drive Mara wherever she needed to go. Now she was out there alone.

Ethan reached for his phone, dialing Mara’s number.

Straight to voicemail. His chest tightened. Now, he was really worried.

*****

Mara sighed as she finally shut her laptop. She had lost track of time again. Rubbing her temples, she grabbed her bag and made her way out of the office, the dimly lit hallways eerily quiet.

As she stepped outside her office, a security guard appeared, his expression curious.

"You’re still here?" he asked, glancing at the light coming from her office.

Mara let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, I was just finishing up. I’m leaving now," she assured him, realizing she was probably the last person left in the building.

"Alright then. Goodbye, miss," the guard said before continuing his rounds.

Mara adjusted her bag and headed toward the exit, her heels clicking softly against the floor. But just as she reached the door, a strong hand suddenly grabbed her and yanked her into a shadowed corner of the hallway.

Her heart pounded as she struggled against the grip.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she snapped, wrenching her wrist free.

As she looked up, her breath caught Jason. His dark eyes were unreadable, his stance tense.

"I know you miss me," Jason said, his voice laced with smug confidence.

Mara scoffed, crossing her arms. "Says who?" she sneered.

Jason reached for her again, but she shoved him back with more force this time.

"If you touch me one more time," she hissed, her voice sharp as a blade, "I swear you’ll regret it. And when I’m done, there won’t be anything left of your pathetic life."

Jason let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "You need me, Mara," he said, his tone softer now, almost pitiful. "I’m all you have. No man will ever take you seriously. But I—" He placed a hand over his chest as if making some grand declaration. "I will."

Mara’s jaw clenched. She had heard enough.

Mara’s reaction had shocked him, he had expected her to come crying for him and do everything he had wanted back when they were kids and even now she still acted mighty. He only wanted to play out his fantasy with her, but instead, she went telling everyone about him. Mara, back then, and now didn’t seem the slightest bit concerned. She stood before him, fierce and unbothered, as if his presence meant nothing.

And that infuriated him.

How dare she reject him? An orphan girl with no family, no background who did she think she was? She should have been grateful for his attention, desperate for his approval. Instead, she looked at him like he was nothing.

Maybe his father had been right about girls like her. They needed to be put in their place. Forced to obey.

Jason clenched his fists, his anger bubbling over.

"Don’t patronize me, Jason," Mara said coolly, her eyes burning with defiance. "I’m not as desperate as you are."

His jaw tightened, rage flashing through him like a bolt of fire.

"You’ve always been an arrogant bitch," he snapped, venom dripping from his words.

Mara didn’t even flinch.

Jason smirked cruelly, leaning in slightly. "No wonder the boss would rather go for your friend instead."

Mara’s expression darkened, she was surprised that was the second time he had said something like that but she didn’t react the way he wanted. She didn’t crumble. She didn’t show an ounce of weakness. And that only made his blood boil even more.

She agreed she was not as calm and reserved as Maria, and equally, she wouldn’t bow to just anyone to get some benefits. Her dignity and integrity were all she had to her name, and she protected that will everything she got. She shakes that off but smiles wistfully it was a good thing she had left that family because it was obvious that everyone in the family was delusional.

Jason sneered, determined to break her composure. "I mean, let’s be real—anyone would pick Maria over you. I was just pitying you."

Mara let out a dry laugh, shaking her head. "Yeah? Well, I’d rather be alone than waste a second on a weak, pathetic bastard who still needs his mommy to fight his battles," she shot back, her voice laced with mockery.

Jason’s expression twisted with rage. Just as she turned to leave, he grabbed her wrist, yanking her back toward him. His grip tightened as he leaned in, his intent clear.

But before he could do anything, Mara moved.

Swift and merciless.

She shoved him back, and in one sharp motion, her palm cracked across his face. The force of the slap stunned him, but before he could recover, she drove her knee hard between his legs.

Jason let out a strangled groan, collapsing to the floor, his hands clutching his agony.

Mara stood over him, breathing steady, eyes burning with cold fury.

"You can go crying to your mommy now," she hissed. "And while you’re at it, tell her I slapped you. Sue me if you think you can."

With that, she spun on her heel and strode away, not sparing him another glance.

Jason lay on the cold ground, groaning in pain, watching helplessly as Mara confidently disappeared from his sight.