Late Love: Winning Back the Runaway Wife

Hot.

That was Ethan Hunt's first sensation when he woke up.

Irritated, he tugged at his tie, already loosened, and sat up groggily, swaying a bit as he made his way toward the door.

He needed water.

As he fumbled for the doorknob and pulled the door open, he squinted and saw the faint outline of someone near the stairs.

A woman.

"Get me some water," he muttered, assuming it was just one of the maids.

"Uh-okay."

Emma Grace had only come downstairs for some water herself. She hadn't expected the bedroom door beside her to open, and seeing Ethan's handsome face caught her completely off guard, her heart racing.

They'd been married for a year now, and this was the first time he'd ever spoken to her with even the slightest trace of softness.

She hurried to the kitchen and quickly returned with a glass of warm water, only to find he'd gone back into the room, sprawled out on the bed like he didn't have a care in the world.

"...Ethan?"

The room was dim. Emma placed the glass on the nightstand, reaching for the lamp switch as she softly called out to him.

The click of the lamp echoed, and a warm, yellow glow filled the space.

"Mmm-"

Ethan's head was spinning, his mind fuzzy, but he vaguely heard someone whispering his name.

When he forced his eyes open, the first thing he saw was a woman, bathed in soft light, standing near the bed in an ivory nightdress.

In that split second, her worried gaze blurred into another face from his memories, one that smiled like sunshine.

"Lily..." he whispered almost soundlessly. Then, without warning, he reached out and pulled her in.

"Ah-" Emma gasped, not expecting to be yanked down just for calling his name. Before she could react, she was already lying on top of him.

"Ethan... Ethan, wake up-"

Her voice trembled. This was the closest she'd ever been to him, and she could hear his heartbeat, loud and steady.

She tried to move away, but his arm tightened around her waist, his other hand cradling the back of her head.

"Ngh..." Eyes wide with disbelief, Emma stared at his closed eyes, realizing he wasn't fully awake... but she stopped resisting.

She'd loved him for so long.

Her slender arms reached around his neck. From a distance, the two of them looked like a pair of swans gracefully entwined.

Feeling her respond, Ethan's large hand moved down. The thin fabric of her nightgown tore like paper under his touch-gentle yet burning.

Emma wasn't sure how to feel. This hadn't felt like him at first, but even now, even in this confusing moment, as long as it was him holding her... that was enough.

Her dark eyes sparkled with a quiet joy.

But the next second, everything collapsed.

Because from his lips, she heard one name whispered-to shatter that brief happiness.

"Lily."

Their bodies were still entwined, but Emma's heart turned cold. She froze.

The joy in her eyes vanished in an instant, leaving only silent tears trailing down her cheeks.

When Ethan opened his eyes, his head was splitting, but that wasn't the worst part-lying next to him was the last person he wanted to see.

"Emma, what the hell are you doing here?"

His voice was cold, and he rubbed his temples with visible irritation. One glance at the woman curled up under the covers, her neck dotted with unmistakable marks, and he didn't need a second guess to figure out what happened.

"You were drunk last night, I just-"

Emma's voice trailed off as she met the disgust clear on his face.

"So you just couldn't wait to crawl into my bed, huh?"

Ethan let out a low, mocking chuckle as he looked at her shrinking back. "Emma, I never realized before-not only are you shamelessly opportunistic, your skin's thicker than I thought."

They had been married a whole year, and he hadn't stepped foot upstairs. He even moved his study downstairs just to avoid her.

Emma's eyes welled up as his words cut deep. "Ethie, it's not like that, I didn't-"

"Don't call me that!"

His sharp voice sliced through her attempt to explain. Watching a tear make its way down her pale cheek, Ethan frowned and turned his head away, only to see a familiar nightgown crumpled on the floor.

"Who said you could wear this?"

He grabbed the nightdress, his sharp features turning even colder. "Emma, I told you before-stay away from her things."

"And stop trying to look like her to get my attention. It's disgusting."

He tossed the covers aside and moved to get up.

"I didn't..." Her voice trembled, his last sentence breaking what fragile strength she had left.

Watching him handle that nightgown so gingerly while treating her like trash, Emma couldn't hold it in anymore. Tears spilled from her eyes as she choked out a sob.

"Ethan... we've been married for a year. You know who I am. If I truly wanted to seduce you, why would I wait until now?"

"Yeah, that's the question." Ethan turned back, sarcasm flickering in his dark eyes.

"Emma, you know damn well I don't want you. If you wanted to sleep with me, just say it. Don't put on her act. The whole Grace family plays dirty, don't think I'm blind."

Three years ago, if it hadn't been for the crisis in his company, he would never have married her. In his heart, there was only one woman he saw as his everything.

If it hadn't been for that car accident...

His fists clenched at the thought.

Emma knew her father forced the marriage deal by offering to bail out Ethan's company, but she never imagined Ethan saw her this way.

Staring at the iciness in his face, Emma's eyes turned red as she clutched the blanket to her chest, stepped off the bed, and silently walked out of the room, heading upstairs, alone with her pain.

Watching Emma walk away, Ethan finally realized just how harsh his words had been.

He wasn't even sure what had gotten into him. Maybe it was the nightgown she had on-it reminded him of Lily Green. Or maybe it was just the shame from what he'd done after drinking.

He grabbed a shirt from the closet without much thought. But just as he was about to head to the bathroom, something on the bed caught his eye-a faint trace of red on the sheet.

Ethan froze, piecing things together. Her steps had been uneven when she left.

He didn't know how to explain the mix of feelings swirling inside him. After standing still for a bit, he dropped onto the sofa and stayed there till daylight.

...

Next morning, eight o'clock.

Emma hadn't slept a wink because of what Ethan said. She lay in bed, holding the blanket tightly, tossing and turning until she finally sat up.

She decided to make Ethan breakfast.

She knew he didn't care for her, not the way she did for him. But she had been in love with Ethan for five whole years.

Since they got married, she made him breakfast every morning. He usually ate it too... as long as he didn't know it was from her.

Her soft cotton slippers made no sound on the carpeted stairs. Emma stepped into the kitchen and started cooking.

At the same time, Ethan opened his eyes on the couch in the room.

"Ow-" Just a slight movement and a sharp pain shot through his shoulder. He frowned.

Had he really slept on the couch all night?

He dragged himself into the bathroom for a quick shower. When he looked at the clock, it was only 8:30.

He changed into a suit. Just as he opened the bedroom door, Emma came out of the kitchen with the last dish in her hands.

The table was set perfectly, and for a moment, a small smile played on Emma's lips.

She felt a little proud every time she managed this simple routine.

Unfastening her apron, she was about to return it to the kitchen when a tall shadow appeared in front of her.

"You-you're up?" she stammered, startled by Ethan's sudden presence. The apron slipped out of her hands and dropped to the floor.

"Yeah." He usually didn't show up till nine. Today, he was up earlier than usual.

"I'll just... head upstairs," she said quietly, forcing down the ache in her chest. She picked up the apron and started to leave.

He didn't miss the way she avoided looking at him. His gaze shifted to the breakfast on the table.

A couple of sunny-side-up eggs, crispy bacon, buttered toast, and a side of sautéed veggies-all neatly plated and surprisingly appetizing.

Seeing how she couldn't even meet his eyes, something clicked in Ethan's mind.

So it's been her making breakfast for him all along.

As she turned to walk past him, something about the way she pulled away got under his skin.

"I'm not eating. Have the maid take this away."Ethan said it lightly, not bothering to see how she reacted. He just turned around and walked out of the dining room. A while later, the sound of the front door shutting echoed through the house.

Hearing that, Emma couldn't quite explain what she felt. It was like standing alone in an empty field - nothing but silence and emptiness all around.

Let it go, Emma. You saw this coming, didn't you?

She gave a bitter smile. Picking up the breakfast she had spent so much effort on, she quietly dumped it into the trash, along with whatever feelings she still held for Ethan.

...

Two days later.

Inside the manager's office at Daisy Design Company.

"Emma, tonight's the Blossom Design Awards Night. I want you to come with me," Amy Lee said, adjusting her glasses as she looked up at the young woman in front of her.

Emma hadn't been with the company long, but her skills were obvious. That's why Amy chose her for such a major event.

"Okay, Amy." Emma's calm expression didn't show the slightest excitement. She wanted to smile, to at least pretend... but she couldn't.

Ethan hadn't come home in two days.

"Alright then, get ready. We'll head out together this afternoon," Amy waved her off casually, not bothering to hear more.

Left alone, Emma slumped in her chair, resting her head on her arms. Her whole aura screamed exhaustion.

Since their marriage, Ethan had always checked the boxes of a textbook husband. He came home on time unless he was on a business trip, topped up her bank account regularly, never treated her badly.

But... he was cold. Distant. Never touched her.

Then a few days ago - after they got a little too close, he just stopped coming home altogether.

Emma had no clue what that meant.

Did he hate her that much?

...

Top floor of Hunt Group. CEO's office.

"Mr. Hunt, according to your schedule, you're set to attend the Blossom Design Awards Night tonight. Also, you're expected to give a short speech."

The assistant stood across the desk, going over the itinerary in full detail.

"I got it. That'll be all." Ethan waved him off.

Once alone, he got up and moved to stand by the massive floor-to-ceiling windows. As he looked out at the traffic and bustle below, an odd emptiness crept into him.

Three years. She'd been gone for three years. To this day, Ethan still avoided thinking about how Lily walked out of his life.

As his thoughts wandered, another face uninvitedly popped into his mind-

Emma.

He barely paid attention to her this past year-his so-called wife. But lately, for reasons he couldn't understand, she kept appearing in his mind again and again.

But every time he thought of her, that old memory came back-how Matthew Grace pressured him into giving up shares of Hunt Group, using their marriage as leverage to merge with the Grace family business.

That's why he hadn't returned home these past few days.

Not wanting to go down that road again, Ethan buzzed his intercom. "Hey Andy, what time does that gala kick off again?"

"Seven p.m. sharp, Mr. Hunt."

Hearing that, Ethan glanced at his watch. It was almost six.

"Okay, let's head out."

...

Sunhold Grand Hotel.

"Emma, once the event starts, make sure to talk to as many people as you can. It'll really help with your future career," Amy reminded her.

"Got it, Amy," Emma nodded gently.

She looked around the grand, dazzling lobby and instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. It felt cold around her shoulders.

Half an hour earlier, Amy had dragged her to a stylist, saying her original outfit was way too plain. Now, she was wearing a strapless nude-colored gown, and her long hair flowed freely down her back.

Sure, she'd attended fancy events back when she was at the Grace household, but nothing on this level. This was a whole new world.

Taking a deep breath, Emma put on a polite smile, champagne in hand, trailing behind Amy as they mingled with the crowd.

Since this was a design award gala, the place was packed with design industry elites. Surprisingly, Emma managed to connect pretty well with everyone.

Then Ethan walked in-and what he saw stopped him in his tracks. Emma, his so-called wife, was chatting with men, smiling and looking completely at ease.

"What the hell is she doing here?" he muttered, frowning. Watching her express herself so confidently like that, Ethan suddenly realized how little he really knew her.

It was his first time seeing her look this sexy and vibrant. There was something off-puttingly unfamiliar about it.

"Mr. Hunt, those two ladies are representing Daisy Design Studio tonight," his assistant quietly informed him from behind.

"Alright, I get it," Ethan said, brushing off the weird feeling in his chest. Without another glance at Emma, he walked away.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 36th Annual Blossom Design Awards!"

As the host's voice echoed through the hall, Emma's attention shifted to the stage. But as she took a closer look at the people up there, her eyes widened.

What's Ethan doing on stage?

"Hey, I heard that Ethan took over Hunt Group when he was still pretty young. Only took him three years to turn the whole place around and expand it like crazy. That guy's legit impressive," someone whispered behind her.

Emma lowered her eyes, the emotion in them unreadable, and quietly slipped away toward the restroom.

Up on stage, Ethan noticed her leaving.

What, see me and immediately turn the other way?

Completely unaware of what he was thinking, Emma just kept her head down and walked on.

But she hadn't gone far before a man suddenly stepped in front of her.

"Hey beautiful-are you here alone?"

In the dim corner near the restroom, a chubby man with a sleazy look blocked her path, eyeing her up shamelessly.

Emma instinctively stepped back. "Excuse me... who are you?"

"Doesn't matter who I am. What matters is-I know who you are." Ronald Howard licked his lips, his gaze glued to her.

He'd noticed her the moment she walked in. A sweet-looking beauty like this? No way he was gonna let her slip by tonight.

"I-I don't know you." Emma's voice trembled a little as she caught the greedy glint in the man's eyes. It was the kind of look a starving wolf might give a piece of fresh meat. She turned abruptly, trying to leave.

"Hey now-where do you think you're going?" Ronald Howard grabbed her by the waist, his act completely dropped. "Pretty girl like you, how could I let you walk off just like that? C'mon with me, I promise you'll be taken care of..."

He leaned in, breath reeking of alcohol. Emma jerked her head to the side, trying to dodge him, but he was too strong, no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't shake him off.

Right then, she spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye-Ethan had just finished speaking and was stepping down from the stage.

"Ethan-" She opened her mouth, trying to call out. But just as her voice was about to leave her lips, he looked over. His gaze fell on her, paused for a brief moment, then... he turned away, blending right back into the crowd like nothing had happened.

Watching his back disappear, a cold ache spread through her chest.

Just then, a deep voice suddenly cut through the air behind her. "What do you think you're doing?"

Emma and Ronald froze and turned. Standing behind them was a tall, sharply-dressed man with a serious expression.

Michael Owens had just stepped out of the restroom and walked right into the scene. His brow furrowed on reflex. But when he saw who the woman was, his face changed instantly. "Emma? What's going on here?"

The concern deepened between his brows as he reached out and pulled her toward him without hesitation.

"You... you know her, sir?" Ronald asked nervously, eyes darting between Michael and Emma.

"She's a friend of mine. Got a problem with that?" Michael's gaze turned cold, and there was an unmistakable threat in the way he looked at Ronald.

"N-no, not at all..." Ronald stammered as he backed away with a sheepish grin, then bolted out of sight.

"Emma, are you okay?" Now that Ronald was gone, Michael bent down slightly to meet her eyes, voice filled with worry.

"I'm okay... Thanks, Michael." She forced a small smile, still flustered and more than a little embarrassed to be caught in such a mess by him of all people.

"You don't have to thank me. What happened? How'd you end up here? Maybe I should take you home, huh?" Seeing her pale face and shaking legs, Michael offered kindly.

"I..." Before Emma could respond, a cold voice snapped through the air behind them.

Ethan had walked off the stage after wrapping up his speech, only to catch sight of her being dragged around by some sleazy guy. Strictly speaking, she was the one being harassed, but to him, her outfit was the real problem. Maybe if she hadn't dressed like that, she wouldn't be attracting trouble.

But after just a few steps, Ethan stopped himself and turned back.

And what he saw made his jaw clench.

She was leaning on another man's shoulder, being doted on like something precious.

All at once, something hot and irrational flared in his chest just as Michael spoke again, and Ethan couldn't help but cut in.

"No need. I'll take her home."

Michael turned around in surprise and frowned when he saw who it was.

"Ethan? What the hell are you doing here?"

The irritation in Michael's voice was plain, and not entirely unwarranted. Ethan, for his part, just let out a short laugh.

"Really? That's your question?" he scoffed. "She's my wife. You seriously think I don't belong here?"