Chapter 5 - A TASTE OF LUXURY
The west wing suite was larger than my entire studio apartment in Los Angeles.
It featured a king-sized bed wrapped in Egyptian cotton sheets, a private nursery connected through double doors, a marble bathroom with a deep soaking tub, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grey, churning waters of Lake Michigan.
In the nursery, a handcrafted cherry-wood crib sat ready, fully stocked with soft blankets, plush toys, and brand-new clothes in Sophie’s exact size. A state-of-the-art baby monitor rested on the changing table.
After Mrs. Gable helped me settle Sophie into a quiet nap in the nursery, I walked into the primary bedroom to find a garment rack holding six stunning designer dresses, paired with matching shoes and accessories.
A small note written in precise, elegant penmanship lay on the vanity:
For your sister’s wedding events. My driver is at your disposal whenever you wish to visit her. — E.C.
I ran my fingers over the silk fabric of an emerald-green gown. It was the kind of dress I had only seen in fashion magazines—a dress that cost more than six months of my diner wages.
A soft knock sounded at the suite door.
I walked over and opened it to find Ethan standing in the hallway. He had changed out of his travel clothes and now wore a perfectly tailored dark gray suit that emphasized his powerful build.
“Is everything to your satisfaction?” he asked.
“It’s... it’s overwhelming,” I admitted, stepping back to let him in. “Ethan, you’ve done more than enough. You don't have to buy me dresses or host me in a palace.”
“It pleases me to do so,” he replied smoothly, stepping into the room and walking toward the window overlooking the lake. “How is Sophie?”
“Sleeping like an angel,” I smiled faintly. “She hasn't slept this deeply in weeks.”
Ethan turned to look at me, his gaze sweeping over my tired face and tangled hair. “You need rest as well, Rachel. My driver can take you to your sister’s apartment this evening once you’ve recovered.”
I sighed, looking down at my shoes. “I called Elena while you were downstairs. She... she was stressed. She said her fiancé’s family is threatening to pull their financial backing for the reception because of a seating dispute.”
Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Thomas Miller’s family?”
“Yes,” I nodded. “His father owns a distribution firm in the city. He’s apparently a very difficult man.”
Ethan reached into his jacket, pulled out his silver phone, and tapped the screen twice.
“Not anymore,” Ethan said calmly.
I blinked. “What do you mean?”
“Thomas Miller’s father relies entirely on my family’s transport licenses to move his freight through the Midwest,” Ethan said, his voice entirely devoid of pride, stating it as a simple, unassailable fact. “He will receive a call within five minutes reminding him to be gracious to his son’s new bride.”
May you like
I stared at him, stunned. “You can just... do that?”
“Power is only useful if it protects the people who deserve protection,” Ethan said softly, stepping closer to me. “And you, Rachel, deserve far more than this world has given you.”
