Ethan's POV

I slowly opened my eyes, as the sunlight poured through the half open blind. I blinked, adjusting to the light. My body felt heavy, and my mind a complete mess.

I sat up. My head pounding, not from any alcohol, but a sign of my exhaustion.

I reached over to the bedside table and grabbed my phone. It was 8:15 AM.

I tossed the covers aside with a sigh, as I strode to the side of the bed, slipping into my slippers, as I dashed into the bathroom.

I turned on the shower, and it felt like everything I needed and more. So, I took more time enjoying the peace and washing away my exhaustion.

When I came out of the bathroom, I picked a white shirt, a black coat and navy-blue pants. I wanted it to be simple but also classy. After dressing, I dashed out of the room, heading downstairs.

As I walked down the staircase, I spotted one of the maids setting the dining table.

“Good morning, master,” she greeted, her voice soft.

“Good morning,” I replied flatly, not even looking at her as I made my way to the table.

“I made pancakes,” she offered, opening the plates.

“And where’s the honey?” I asked, my voice stern, as I stared coldly at her.

She froze for a moment, looking around like some lost goat before stammering, “I’m sorry, I will go bring it now.” She rushed off into the kitchen.

I sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of my nose. I don’t understand why everyone keeps frustrating me, pissing me off every single time.

A few minutes later, she returned, holding the honey jar “I’m sorry, master,” she said, placing it gently on the table.

Just then, a knock came at the door.

“Come in,” I called out, already knowing who it was.

Luca stepped in, tablet in hand, looking as composed as ever.

Good morning, Master,” he greeted.

“Good morning, Luca,” I said, tossing my coat at him without a second thought. I stood up from the dining table and walked out of the house, not bothering to look back.

As we got to the car, moved ahead to open the back door. I entered, and he closed the door gently before getting into the passenger seat.

"You have a meeting by 10AM with the board,” Luca began, swiping through his tablet. “Then lunch by 1PM with the investors from—”

I raised my hand, cutting him off. I'm not in the mood for all this I just wanted to breathe.

“Do I have a gap before 10?” I inquired.

Luca hesitated for a second, “Yes, sir. Just a few minutes,” he replied.

“Good,” I said, as I turned to the driver. “Branch at the bakery. I need a coffee… and something sweet.”

I leaned back into the chair, closing my eyes.

But peace was never mine for long.

The phone rang.

“Master… it’s your mother,” Luca said, glancing nervously through the mirror.

I groaned. “I don’t want to talk to anyone.”

But the phone kept ringing. Relentlessly.

Luca looked back again.

I was so frustrated. “Fine. Pass the phone.” I said, as I stretched my hand to collect it.

The moment I picked up, a very loud voice nearly shattered my eardrum.

“Ethan! So, you refused to pick your mother’s call?” she barked.

I held the phone a few inches away. Trying to protect my ear drum.

“Mum, what is it now?” I asked tiredly.

“I want you to dress very nicely tonight. I’ll send the address of a nice restaurant.”

I already saw where this was going. “Mum, I’m not going on another blind date.” I said bluntly.

“She’s beautiful!” she insisted, her voice softer. “She’s the daughter of an old friend. Classy, well-mannered, sweet…” she explained, trying to convince me.

“No. I said I’m not going.”

Her tone snapped back to being cold “Why are you so stubborn? Just go and get to know her. You need a woman in your life!”

I groaned inwardly. “Mum, I have been busy. I don’t have the strength for this.”

“Busy doing what? You need an heir! A family! How do you expect to take over the family business with no wife?” she asked.

“And I will. When I’m ready.” I replied sharply.

Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I’m not getting any younger, Ethan. I want to see my grandchildren before I die.”

I sighed, knowing what she was doing “Mum, we’ll talk later, okay?”

As I wanted to hang up, I heard a cold voice from the other end.

“You go on that date. And that’s final.”

My father.

His voice was colder than winter in Milan, and just as merciless.

“Father, I already said no. I’m not doing this.”

“You are twenty-eight, Ethan. It’s time you man up. Get married. Take over the business. I won’t be around forever.”

“And I will when I decide. You can’t force me to do this just for the sake of the company. I’d rather walk away from it all.”

“Ethan!” he roared. “You will do as I say!”

“I’m not your pawn, Father. I’m a man. And I won’t be pushed around.”

I knew my words hit him when, I heard the heavy, angry sound of his breathing, like a lion just before it pounces.

The call ended.

I handed the phone back to Luca and slumped into the seat, eyes closed.

But still I didn't feel the peace again, I felt frustrated, I felt like they didn't believe I could make my own decisions.

Moments later, we arrived at the bakery.

“What should I get you, sir?” Luca asked as he stepped out.

“I’ll go in and sit for a bit.” My voice was low, almost weary.

He hesitated. “But sir-”

I shot him a look.

He swallowed his words and walked around to open the door.

“I thought as much,” I muttered as I stepped out.

I stepped inside, scanned the room, my eyes locking onto a spot by the window. And I gladly took the spot; my face pressed against the glass.

And I took in the scenery, where secrets waited in the silence. Suddenly footsteps echoed behind me.