Ethan ran his tongue over his lips. They still tasted like Ava—intoxicating. Her sweet fragrance lingered in his mind, refusing to fade. He exhaled deeply, trying to focus, even Luca kept nudging him.
"Boss, you're not listening," Luca muttered under his breath.
Ethan blinked rapidly, realizing his mind was elsewhere. He hadn't planned for any of this. He thought he'd just apologize and walk away. But then he saw her—those wide, doe-like eyes looking at him, uncertain yet captivating.
He couldn't help himself. Ava had pushed him away—not aggressively, but because she startled. Her face was a mixture of confusion and disbelief when he kissed her.
This was the first time he had ever felt like this toward a woman. With others, it was always about business, never anything deeper. But with Ava… this was different. He had really fallen for her. His mother would be thrilled.
Luca nudged him again—it's three times now. "Boss," Luca sighed. "Your mind is not even here."
Ethan clenched his jaw, forcing himself to focus. Laurent had almost resolved the issue yesterday, but the investor demanded progress updates. That was why he had to leave Ava halfway through their 'conversation'. He groaned inwardly.
Her dark brown eyes… the way she kissed him back— 'Damn it'. By the time they finished, it was nearly 11 PM. The issue was almost fully resolved—just minor touch-ups in the morning, and it would be done. But tomorrow was packed.
All the investors were attending the suburban development opening near Bresso at 10 AM, and as the man behind it, he had to be there from start to finish.
Which meant he wouldn't have time to see Ava.
He thought about squeezing in a meeting with her, but for now, sleep was a priority. He showered quickly, barely drying off before collapsing onto his bed, still wrapped in his towel. Exhaustion consumed him instantly.
That night, he dreamed of Ava. She stood before him, smiling, calling his name. Ava… Ava… But no matter how much he reached for her, she kept slipping away.
The next day, Ethan woke with a groggy moan, rubbing his temples. His head throbbed. He grabbed his phone and texted his private chef, 'Chef Luigi, don't come today. Going to the site early.'
Then, he made a triple-shot espresso and downed it in one gulp. The bitterness barely registered. Still half-asleep, he stepped into a cold shower, hoping it would wake him. It didn't. His head was still throbbing.
After dressing in a bespoke Armani suit, he fastened his grey diamond Audemars Piguet watch, sprayed Armani Code Pour Homme, and slipped on his custom Paolo Scafora Napoli shoes.
Descending the stairs, he slid into his latest luxury car—a maroon Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail. He leaned back, rubbing his temples, before reaching for the first-aid kit and swallowing two painkillers to relieve the headache. 'Hope it works.' He needed to get himself together.
For now, he had to push thoughts of Ava aside. The ceremony had to go perfectly.
By 10:30 AM, the event was in full swing.
The mayor arrived, gave his speech, and by noon, the investors were treated to an exclusive brunch catered by a five-star hotel restaurant.
Afterward, they proceeded to the ribbon-cutting and toured the site. The event concluded around 5 PM, but a couple of key investors requested dinner with him. He couldn't refuse.
Then, they headed to Enrico Bartolini, a restaurant that normally required reservations, but given the high-profile guests, the manager made an exception. The evening was filled with discussions, laughter, and drinks. Ethan hadn't eaten all day, but instead of food, he reached for wine.
After two glasses, Luca leaned in, whispering, "Boss, you don't look good. You okay?"
Ethan nodded, tearing off a piece of bread. He wasn't avoiding food because he wasn't hungry. He just couldn't stomach anything. Two reasons. One, damn exhaustion. And two… Ava. He had tried calling her before dinner, but his calls went straight to voicemail. Even when he borrowed Luca's phone, it was the same. He thought Ava blocked his number.
Luca checked—her phone had been turned off since 7:30 AM. Last location: her apartment. His gut twisted. Was she busy? Or was she avoiding him… after the kiss? The thought unsettled him.
By 12 midnight, he excused himself. Luca, ever the responsible one, apologized on his behalf to the group and took him home. Ethan barely made it to his bed before passing out, his head pounding, the last word on his lips—"Ava…"
He woke up feeling like hell. His body burned with heat, and his head felt heavy. No he can't be weak. Especially today.. He had important meetings today. Pushing through the haze, he dressed in another bespoke Ermenegildo Zegna suit, slipped on a Rolex, and grabbed the same shoes from yesterday. A quick spray of Dior Eau de Parfum, and he was out the door.
Luca was already waiting in the car. "You look like hell, boss," Luca muttered. "Are you sure you're okay? I can postpone the meeting."
Ethan exhaled. "Yeah. Just a headache. No, don't postpone. I need to settle the arrangement by today." His voice cracked. His nose was stuffed. Maybe he caught the flu.
He grabbed a bottle of mineral water and took slow sips. They arrived ten minutes late, but Luca had informed the clients beforehand.
Inside the meeting room, his vision swayed. The dizziness hit him like a wave.
"Excuse me," he muttered, stepping outside for fresh air.
As soon as he went outside, he pulled out his phone and called Ava.
Ringing… ringing…Then, finally—
"Hello? Ethan?" Her voice was soft. Angelic. A relief.
He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything… Darkness.
The last thing he heard was Ava calling his name again and again. He then passed out. A few moments later, he heard sirens. The rest is blank.
He woke up with a mild headache and he looked around... Bright lights. White walls. Ethan blinked, confused. A warm hand held his, a soft snore breaking the silence. He turned his head—Ava. She was asleep, her head resting near his waist. He took a deep breath, carefully pulling his hand away to avoid waking her.
She stirred, grunting softly, then slowly opened her eyes. Their gazes locked. He smiled. "Hi."
She sat up quickly, adjusting her clothes, then glared at him. He blinked. 'Wait… why does she look pissed?'
"What happened? Did I do something wrong?" he asked hesitantly.
Ava crossed her arms. "You fainted, Ethan. Your blood sugar dropped to 2.0. What the hell happened to you?"
He blinked, processing. Oh. Right.
He forgot to eat properly these last two days.
He grinned sheepishly. "I'm sorry. I forgot to eat."
Ava exhaled sharply and suddenly stormed out of the room. Moments later, she returned with a tray full of food. Without a word, she adjusted his bed, sat beside him, and cleaned a spoon with a wet tissue before offering him a bite.
Ethan stared at her, awed.
She was taking care of him.
He ate in silence, unable to stop admiring her. When he finished, she wiped his lips gently, and their eyes met. Ava blushed and quickly looked away. He watched as she poured him water, holding the glass to his lips. She wasn't awkward—just effortless in how she cared for him.
Before she could move away, he reached for her wrist, pulling her closer. Then, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Ava pushed him gently as he just about to deepen it—
"Hello, Ava! Did he wake up yet?" Luca barged in.
Ava pulled away instantly, her face red.
Ethan groaned. "I'm sick for one day, and you forget how to knock?"
Luca grinned. "Oops. My bad, boss."
But then—
"Ethan! My baby!" His mother, Delilah Vescovi, rushed in. His father, Bruno Vescovi, followed behind. Then, his world froze. Why? Because standing behind them was his birth mother. Lidya Engkeranji.
Ava looked confused, her eyes shifting between Delilah and Lidya. Luca instinctively moved her to the corner, sensing the tension in the room.
"I told you, I want nothing to do with you," Ethan said coldly, his gaze locked on Lidya. He turned to Delilah, gripping her hand tightly. "Mom, please."
Before Delilah could respond, Bruno stepped in. "Ava, Luca, can you both step outside for a moment," he instructed firmly.
Ethan immediately objected. "No. They're not going anywhere. They 're staying," he said, his voice unwavering. Then, his glare returned to Lidya. "You, however, are leaving."
Lidya, standing near Delilah, looked devastated, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"Ethan, stop! You can't speak to your own mother like that!" Bruno snapped, his voice filled with both anger and disappointment.
Ethan let out a bitter laugh. "My mother? The woman who raised me, who made me who I am today, is standing right here." He looked at Delilah with unwavering devotion. "Her?" He gestured toward Lidya. "She gave birth to me. That's it."
Delilah's grip on his hand tightened as tears spilled down her cheeks. Bruno's patience thinned. "If you're truly angry, then at least hear the truth first. But for now, let these two step out."
Before Ethan could refuse again, Ava took the initiative, gently pulling Luca toward the door. The two quietly left, leaving only the four of them behind.
Ethan crossed his arms and glared at Lidya. "What truth?"
Delilah and Bruno exchanged a knowing glance before Delilah finally spoke.
"Enough, Lidya. It's long overdue. Tell him."
Lidya nodded and took a cautious step closer. Ethan tensed.
"Ethan," she began softly, "before I explain everything, please understand that I did what I did because I love you. Because I had to save you."
His jaw clenched. "Save me?" He let out a dry laugh. "Are you kidding me?"
Lidya hesitated before continuing. "Your father, Vitto Marchesi and I met when we were young. He came to Sarawak with his grandfather—your great-grandfather, Matteo Marchesi —and during their three-year invasion of my village. They were close to taking everything when your great-grandfather discovered that your father and I had fallen in love. But your grandfather, Leon Marchesi was furious when he got the news, he immediately sent your father back to Italy and left me behind—pregnant and alone."
Ethan's scowl deepened, but he remained silent.
"Your great-grandfather was the only one who cared," she went on. "He made sure I was taken to Italy so you could be born safely. He loved you so much, Ethan. That's why I named your middle name after him—Matteo."
Ethan swallowed hard.
"He wanted to persuade your grandfather to let your father marry me. But before anything could happen, he died of a heart attack. Without him, I had no chance. Your grandfather was strict—obsessed with keeping bloodlines pure. If he ever found out about you, he would have had you killed." Lidya continued.
Ethan 's breath hitched.
"And your father—he's his firstborn. The entire empire would pass to him, and then to you. But your uncles… They are ruthless, Ethan. If they had known you existed, they would have killed you too." She swallowed hard, her voice shaking now.
"I had to hide you. Delilah was my English teacher. She was the only one I trusted. I disappeared, but I never stopped keeping tabs on you. I never stopped loving you."
Ethan 's throat tightened.
Before she could continue, he spoke. His voice was hoarse. "Why tell me now? It's been almost 33 years."
Lidya gave him a small, sad smile. "Because I couldn't live with myself if I didn't introduce you to your father before I died."
Ethan stilled. "You're dying?" His voice was barely above a whisper.
She nodded. "I have multiple myeloma. I have less than two years left."
A deep, crushing silence settled between them. Then, Lidya reached out, gently cupping his cheek. Delilah was already sobbing into Bruno's chest. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there as you grew up," she murmured, her fingers trembling against his skin. "But believe me, I have loved you more than my own life."
Ethan felt something inside him crack.
"Don't pity me now," Lidya said, forcing a small, wobbly smile. "The most important thing is I'm here now. Let's make my days full of happiness, yeah?" She glanced at Delilah, Bruno, and then back at Ethan.
Ethan took a shaky breath, his mind reeling from everything. But one question burned inside him.
"What's my real name?" he finally asked.
Lidya's expression softened, and for the first time, she truly smiled.
"Enzo Matteo Marchesi."