How to Hunt a Billionaire ✔️

Step 53: MARRY him

It was cold but heat from my hand that was woven with Ethan's kept my entire body warm. We followed the trail that snaked between the trees that blended with the night. "If you're taking me to die, make sure you donate my body to science."

"They wouldn't want it," he replied. "But I'll give your organs away."

"Aww. You make me blush," my voice flat.

"Look." Ethan pointed to the clearing which revealed a lake that reflected the sky like a mirror. The mountains surrounded it, cutting off the rest of the world.

I stared at it in awe but then scoffed. "This is so f*cking cliché. Are you going to tell me about how when you were five, you used to come here to think? And you've never shown anyone this special place?"

"No. I used to have parties here with my brother and our high school friends then swim in the lake drunk."

"So I'm not the first person you've taken here?"

"No."

"And it's not special?"

"Not at all," he said, sitting on a log.

"You're such a sh*t boyfriend," I commented, looking down at him. "Dragging me from the warm house to a lake for no reason."

He pulled out two small bottles from his coat pocket. "Cheap beer?"

I took it from him. "Your family seems nice."

"They can be." No one said anything for a while. Ethan finally got up. "Ashley?"

"What?" He opened his hand to reveal a small box. My eyes widened, my heart racing. "You chose a forest to do this?"

"My dad proposed to my mom here," he laughed.

"I knew there was some sentimental reason behind this place."

Ethan got onto one knee. "Ashley Roberts, will you marry me?" He asked dramatically.

"I guess I will," I agreed.

He slid the gold ring onto my finger, sealing the deal. It was simple with three small roses on the top. "You can keep it even after the deal. It's yours."

"Oh." It hit me like a truck. None of this was real, he needed his company and I wanted to prove everyone wrong. That was it. I plastered on a smile even though my heart was breaking faster than I hoped. "Thanks."

"Are you okay? Your eyes-"

Sh*t. Was I crying? Rubbing my eyes, I tore my gaze away from him. "It's probably the moon."

"If you say so," doubt was laced in his voice. "Let's go back."

*****

People were everywhere. Children chasing each other, the adults talking, Ivy...being a b*tch. I wanted nothing more to go to my room and scream but Ethan's hand kept me in place. Nana came over, cheeks rosy, and gasped.

"Oh my dear! Congratulations!" Her small frame wrapped around me. "Welcome to the family!"

"Mom, what's going on?" Ethan's dad came over.

She pulled my hand to show him the ring. "Your son's getting married!"

"Congratulations, Ashley," Mr. Holt said then pointed to Ethan. "My office later."

"Sure."

"And on Christmas Eve! I have so much to do," Nana clapped. Her excitement caught the attention of other family members who came over to wish us the best. By the end of it all, I was done pretending.

"I'm going to bed," I muttered to Ethan who looked concerned.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"No. I just feel sick. I'm going to rest." And I wasn't lying. My stomach was in knots and a headache was building.

"Okay. Good night."

The sound of voices faded the further I went into the house. I played with ring on my finger. A few more days and this was over. I would say bye to the family, to the apartment, to Ethan. I sighed. Diana was right, I should have ended this a long time ago.

Pushing open my door, I collapsed on my bed without turning on the lights. Ivy was still outside so I had the room to myself. What did I get out of all this? Unrequited feelings? A ring with no fiancé? I should have demanded money since Ethan was getting a whole f*cking company. My phone vibrated from a notification. Unlocking it, a news article popped up.

HOLT GETTING MARRIED? BUSINESSMAN DISAGREES.

I flung my phone away. "Damn you, Pierson," I whispered. A high pitched laughed from outside caused me to get up, wondering who had died. Ivy sat beside Ethan and both of them were talking about something, looking comfortable with each other.

Jealousy burned in me. I had to leave while she had every right to stay and- Suddenly, Ethan glanced up, making eye contact with me. I stepped away from the window, hiding myself from his sight.

"F*ck," I swore. My phone vibrated again but this time it was a text message.

Ethan: Can't you sleep?

"Obviously not," I grumbled, replying with no.

Ethan: Keep warm. I don't want you to get sick.

Me: Okay.

Exhausted, I went back to my bed after flinging off my shoes and coat onto the floor then went to sleep.

#

I couldn't drag this chapter on *cries* keep your seatbelt on, Rebecca! That was the calm before the storm which is here *brings out umbrella*
I've left enough clues so we can get to DRAMA. Also, I've decided on my next story. Keep on the look out for the characters who will be in this book briefly.
XO Nyx