Chapter 200

Ethan rested his chin on Janet’s shoulder and looked at her pink earlobe.

A strange silence prevailed in the room. The dim yellow light from the table lamp enveloped them.

“You want to know more about my past?” Janet heard his voice rumbling against her back as he trailed his fingers across her arm, drawing patterns on her silky nightgown.

“Don’t force yourself if you don’t want to talk about it,” Janet mumbled.

She wanted him to open up everything to her, but only if he wanted to. It wouldn’t make sense if she forced him to do it.

“I have never been in a relationship with her as you think.”

Ethan stared at the closed blinds as he recalled the past.

Charis was in the same class as Ethan and Garrett in high school. Back then, only the three of them belonged to influential families. The three shared the same hobbies and naturally became friends.

When Ethan was determined to start a business, Charis let go of the opportunity to take over the Turner family’s business and established the Larson Group with him.

Considering the Turner family and Lester family were associated with one another, Charis knew a bit about Ethan’s family. She was also aware of his dual identity as Brandon Larson and Ethan Lester.

Their friendship grew stronger as they went through all the hardships and hurdles together.

Ethan had always felt Charis was an excellent partner and a reliable friend. But he didn’t love her or have any special feelings for her.

However, one day, Garrett told him that Charis had always had a crush on him.

The memory was still clear as a day. Garett was drunk. “You’re a heartless man!” he complained, taking another gulp of wine. “Charis abandoned her family business just to help you start this company — to help you fulfill your dreams. But you never respond to her feelings. To tell you the truth, Charis is into you. She’s smart and pretty. Why don’t you just be with her?”

Perhaps because Garrett had already informed Ethan about Charis’ feelings, she confessed her love to him a few days later.

However, Ethan wasn’t interested in Charis, so he turned her down.

Charis was a practical woman. She applied for a transfer and went abroad to explore the overseas market to expand the Larson Group. She had been there for three years.

Soon, Ethan returned to his senses and nestled his head against the crook of Janet’s neck.

He had a clear conscience. After all, he was never involved with Charis romantically.

He believed three years would have changed many things. Charis might have already fallen in love with someone else. And for himself, he was married to Janet now.

He was just surprised to find out about Charis’ sudden return.

However, the overseas business was indeed successfully completed, so it was naturally time for Charis to come back. However, Ethan knew that Janet and Charis would inevitably meet at the Larson Group.

Therefore, Ethan told Janet everything about Charis to avoid unnecessary trouble.

But even so, he couldn’t fully disclose his secrets to her.

Ethan knew that Janet was unhappy about it. But he couldn’t reveal that he was Brandon.

“I want to know everything about you and Charis. You know what, Ethan? It feels like I never fully know you,” Janet muttered.

“I’m sorry that I can’t tell you everything now because of my origin. But I promise to tell you everything one day.” Ethan pulled her closer into his arms as if he wanted to melt her into his flesh and blood.

He closed his eyes and reminded himself not to utter a word because many unpredictable dangers awaited him and he couldn’t drag Janet into his mess.