Uncrowned Princess

41

Isabella burst into Ethan's room, her eyes bright with excitement. "Ethan! You won't believe what just happened!"

Ethan looked up from his phone, a small smile playing on his lips at her enthusiasm. "What's got you so worked up?"

Isabella flopped onto the couch beside him, barely able to contain herself. "My father... he wants to offer you a job at Harrington Corp!"

The smile froze on Ethan's face. For a moment, he just stared at her, processing the information. Then, slowly, he put the phone on the table. "I see," he said, his voice carefully neutral

Isabella's excitement faltered at his lack of response. "Ethan? Did you hear me? This is huge!"

Ethan took a deep breath, then met her eyes. "I heard you, Isabella. And... I can't accept that offer."

The words hung in the air between them. Isabella's face fell, confusion and disappointment clouding her features. "What? Why not?"

Ethan ran a hand through his hair, avoiding her gaze. He couldn't tell her about his conversation with her father just days ago. The warnings, the implications... "It's just... I'm not cut out for corporate affairs, Isabella. It's not my scene."

Isabella shook her head, disbelief clear in her voice. "But Ethan, this is an incredible opportunity! You need the mon-"

"I don't need the money!" Ethan snapped, a flash of anger in his eyes. "I make enough from my currents jobs."

Isabella recoiled slightly at his tone. "I... I didn't mean it like that. It's just, you'd earn more at Harrington Corp. You could advance your career, maybe even buy your father's farm sooner than you thought."

Ethan stood up abruptly, pacing the small living room. "You don't get it, do you? This isn't about money or career advancement. I can't just..."

"Then make me understand!" Isabella yelled, standing up as well. Her frustration was palpable, her hands clenched at her sides. "Because right now, I don't understand at all!"

Ethan stopped pacing, his shoulders sagging. He sank back onto the couch, burying his head in his hands. When he spoke, his voice was muffled but filled with emotion. "I'm here because of you, Isabella. Because I love you. I can't... I won't accept this offer if it means I'm just using you for your position or your money."

The anger drained from Isabella's face. She moved to sit beside him, gently touching his cheek. "Oh, Ethan... I know you. Truly know you. I know you're not using me, and I don't care what others think."

Ethan looked up, a wry smile on his face. "I don't care either, but..." He shook his head. "I just can't accept it. It doesn't feel right."

Isabella opened her mouth to argue further, then closed it. She could see the determination in Ethan's eyes, the set of his jaw. This wasn't a battle she was going to win. "I understand," she said softly, even though part of her didn't.

Ethan stood up again, his movements jerky with pent-up emotion. "I should go talk to your father. Explain my decision in person."

Isabella nodded, watching as he grabbed his jacket. "Ethan," she called as he reached the door. He paused, looking back at her. "I love you too, you know. No matter what."

A soft smile crossed Ethan's face. "I know," he said. Then he was gone, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

Isabella remained on the couch, the excitement of earlier replaced by a heavy weight in her chest. She understood Ethan's principles, admired them even. But a small part of her couldn't help but wonder if he was making a mistake. Her father didn't make offers like this lightly, and turning it down... She shook her head, pushing the thoughts away. She had to trust Ethan, trust in their relationship.