The skyline burned gold as the sun began its slow descent behind the horizon, casting long shadows across the private estate Ethan Cross called one of his many homes. This particular villa, perched on the edge of a quiet cliff overlooking the ocean, was a hidden gem—one Myra had never even heard of. The driveway was lined with cherry blossom trees, their petals fluttering like soft snow in the summer breeze. The car pulled to a gentle stop in front of a grand marble staircase. Myra stepped out first, her eyes wide in awe.
"Ethan... this place... it's like something out of a dream," she whispered, her voice nearly carried off by the wind.
Ethan rounded the car and offered his hand, helping her out with the ease of a gentleman born to such luxury. "A dream, huh? Then I guess it's time you lived in one."
The villa's staff bowed respectfully as they approached. Myra instinctively bowed back, flustered. Ethan only nodded, his aura calm yet authoritative. The butler, an older man named Gordon, stepped forward. "Welcome home, Mr. Cross. Everything has been prepared as requested. Dinner is being served in the sky garden."
"Good," Ethan said simply. "Lead the way."
Myra clung gently to Ethan's arm as they walked through the villa. Each hallway was a gallery of priceless art and subtle modern elegance. But it wasn't just the aesthetics that amazed her—it was the way the entire place screamed power. The kind of power no one questioned.
The sky garden was an architectural marvel, suspended over the edge of the cliff with reinforced glass beneath their feet. Beneath them, the ocean roared in silence. Candlelight danced from crystal lanterns, and a soft violin melody played in the background from an unseen musician.
"I... I don't even know what to say," Myra admitted, staring out into the endless water. "This doesn't feel real."
"Neither did I, for the longest time," Ethan replied, pulling out her chair. "But then I realized I was born for more than just surviving. I was made to rule."
Dinner was a symphony of flavors: honey-glazed duck, saffron risotto, seared scallops with a citrus glaze. The wine was aged perfection, and the dessert was a handcrafted chocolate sculpture that shimmered with edible gold.
But throughout it all, Myra kept stealing glances at Ethan. Not just because of the luxury surrounding them, but because of how unchanged he was through it all. He still looked at her the same way, still spoke with the same subtle warmth and steel in his tone.
"I still remember the first time we met at that ridiculous engagement party," Myra said with a soft laugh. "I thought you were just another one of those quiet rich heirs trying to impress people."
Ethan arched a brow. "And now?"
"Now I think you're the scariest man I've ever met... but also the kindest." Her voice lowered. "And probably the loneliest."
That last line caught Ethan off guard. He paused mid-sip, setting the glass down with precision.
"Lonely?"
"You hide it well, but it's there. You live in palaces like this, command men who shake nations, and yet... your eyes are always distant. Like you're waiting for something. Or someone."
The wind picked up, brushing a few strands of her hair across her face. Ethan reached out and gently tucked them behind her ear.
"I guess you could say I waited for someone to see it."
They stared at each other, and for a moment, the world outside the sky garden ceased to exist.
Just then, Gordon reappeared silently. "Mr. Cross, forgive the interruption. There is an urgent call from Viper. He says it's about the Zurich deal."
Ethan exhaled quietly, the spell broken.
"Tell him to wait. I'm occupied."
"Yes, sir."
Myra blinked. "Zurich deal? Isn't that the merger everyone's been talking about? The one involving three European giants?"
"Yes. They all answer to me now."
She let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. "I keep forgetting just how deep your influence runs."
"That's the point," Ethan said with a smirk. "It's better they underestimate me."
As the evening wore on, they moved to the villa's rooftop lounge. The night sky stretched above them, painted with stars. Myra curled up beside Ethan on a plush daybed as he draped an arm around her.
"Ethan... can I ask something real?"
"Always."
"Why me? I mean... there are thousands of women who would kill to be in my shoes right now. Models, heiresses, princesses even. Why did you agree to the engagement?"
Ethan was silent for a while, his gaze fixed on the stars.
"Because when Alexander Langford made that deal with me, it wasn't just about business. He told me you'd challenge me. That you'd make me human again."
Myra sat up slightly. "Wait... so you did meet him?"
"Once. Briefly. But it was enough. He saw something in me. And I owed him more than you can imagine."
Myra's eyes softened. "Then I'll try not to let him down."
Ethan chuckled. "You already haven't."
Their fingers intertwined.
Somewhere below, the waves crashed against the cliffside. But above, in their world of stars, silence reigned—a peace neither of them had known in years.
Tonight, Ethan wasn't just the f
eared billionaire emperor.
He was a man in love.
And for once, that was enough.