Chapter 4

Our wedding started at noon and didn't end until late at night.

For a family like the Sterlings, a wedding wasn't just a ceremony; it was a massive networking event. As the new Mrs. Sterling, I couldn't show any weakness, so I barely ate a thing all day.

Ethan had to stay behind to handle some late-night VIPs, so I went back to his private estate alone to rest.

My stomach was growling. I changed into comfy loungewear and went downstairs to the kitchen, but the pantry was mostly empty. There was only half a pack of dry pasta and some basic ingredients.

Though I was neglected in the Sinclair house, they never actually starved me just to keep up appearances.

Only a few times, when Eleanor "accidentally" forgot to bring me to galas and "accidentally" forgot to leave food, did I try to cook. The results had been disastrous.

Looking at the dry pasta, I sighed, pulled out my phone, and searched for a basic tutorial.

When Ethan walked through the front door, the house was dark except for the warm light spilling from the kitchen.

He walked over, looking curious.

"Boil the water, throw in the pasta, then add a pinch of salt..."

I was staring intently at my phone, trying to follow the steps. I was so focused on not ruining my only meal that I didn't hear him approach.

"Are you cooking pasta? Can I have a bowl too?"

The sudden male voice startled me. My hand shook, and a drop of water hit the hot oil nearby, causing it to splatter.

Before I could react, Ethan grabbed my waist and pulled me flush against his chest, shielding me from the hot grease.

Inhaling the faint scent of expensive cologne and alcohol on him, I froze. My body went completely stiff. I forgot all about the food until the smell of burning garlic filled the air.

"Oh no!"

I gently pushed him away, only to find my precious dinner was completely charred.

"Well, looks like I missed my chance," Ethan joked, leaning against the counter with a smirk. "It's my fault. I forgot you hadn't eaten all day. To make it up to you, let me cook."

"But we don't have any more pa—"

"Hmm?"

Ethan reached into the top cabinet and pulled out a fresh, unopened pack of organic pasta. I felt my face turn bright red. A wave of sheer embarrassment washed over me.

"It's okay. It’s your first day here. It’s normal not to know where things are," Ethan said softly, trying to soothe my embarrassment, though the amusement in his eyes didn't fade.

He looked like a perfect, caring gentleman, but somehow, that made me feel even more embarrassed!

A moment later, he couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.

I knew it! My gut was right! He was totally laughing at me!

Pouting, I grabbed my phone, turned around, and sat at the dining table, pretending to ignore him.

Ethan watched my annoyed expression, the smile on his face growing wider.

Soon, the kitchen filled with the delicious aroma of boiling sauce. I couldn't help but peek over my phone.

It was ironic. I, the neglected daughter of a housekeeper, couldn't cook to save my life. Yet Ethan Sterling, the pampered heir to a multi-billion-dollar empire, was incredibly skilled and efficient in the kitchen.

Maybe it was the warmth of the kitchen, or maybe I was just exhausted from the long day, but as I watched his back, my eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted off to sleep.

I don't know how much time passed before I felt a gentle tap on my forehead. I opened my eyes to see Ethan placing two steaming bowls of pasta on the table.

I rubbed my forehead, glaring at him.

"You..."

"Sorry," he said, not looking sorry at all. "You looked so cute sleeping, I couldn't resist waking you up like that."

His words blocked any complaint I had. He was smiling so warmly, but why did I feel like he had a hidden, mischievous streak?

Deciding to ignore his teasing, I picked up my fork and dug into the pasta.

"I actually thought I’d be marrying Charlotte," he suddenly said, breaking the silence.

I kept my face neutral, but my heart skipped a beat.

Could he be reborn too?

"Charlotte wanted to do something nice for me for once, so she let me marry you. Besides, aren't I the one the Sterlings wanted?" I replied innocently. Until I was sure, I couldn't risk revealing anything.

Ethan looked at me deeply, his dark eyes unreadable. He didn't push further, only murmuring, "Yes. You are the only one I wanted to marry."

His voice was so quiet I barely caught it. He didn't say anything else, and I didn't ask. We finished our meal in comfortable silence.

Ethan finished first. He put down his fork and just sat there, quietly watching me eat.

I couldn't describe his gaze at the time. Was it scrutiny? Or was he studying me? It was only much later that I realized it was the look of a man who had finally regained his most precious, long-lost treasure.

I finished my pasta, trying to act calm.

"I’ll clean up," I offered. "You should go rest."

"No need. Leave them. Mrs. Hudson will clean them when she comes in tomorrow morning."

"I was waiting for you."

I looked up, meeting his intense gaze. His dark eyes made it impossible to read his thoughts, yet he seemed to see right through me.

He walked over, lifted me effortlessly into his arms, and carried me upstairs. I gasped, startled by the sudden movement. Surrounded by his scent, I felt a little breathless.

"What are you doing?" I asked as he laid me gently onto the king-sized bed in his master bedroom.

He let out a low, husky laugh, clearly amused by my act of playing dumb.

"It's our wedding night, Chloe."

Before I could say another word, his lips met mine, stealing my breath away. It was a long, breathless night of passion.