Chapter 4: Off Script and Into Trouble

Ethan, with a dark face, shot back, “You think I don’t want to?”

Then he angrily punched his pillow. “So how could I possibly have an ambiguous relationship with her, let alone bring her home?”

Suddenly, a thought hit me—could it be that Ethan also woke up after the fall?

I helped him pull up the blanket. “Mr. Morgan, have you ever read novels like ‘The Billionaire’s Runaway Sweetheart’ or ‘Running with the Ball: I’m the Billionaire CEO’s Little Wife’?”

Ethan looked totally lost. “What are those?”

Out of kindness, I sent him two books on Kindle and patted his shoulder.

“Read these first. If you’re still awake afterward, we’ll talk about what comes next.”

The next afternoon, Ethan found me.

He looked like he’d aged ten years overnight, his hair a little messier than usual, and his tie slightly crooked. The man was stressed.

“Riley, there was a negotiation at the company today. Clearly, it was Elena who sent the wrong contract version.”

“But as soon as the other company’s rep said a couple words to her, I kicked him out and said we wouldn’t cooperate anymore…”

Classic CEO move.

Ethan looked confused. “Is there something wrong with me? It was obviously her fault. Not only should she be scolded, she should be fired.”

“I didn’t mean to say those things, but the words just came out on their own!”

I sighed. “What I’m about to say sounds crazy, but it’s all true.”

……

After I finished explaining, Ethan still hadn’t responded. “You mean, this is a billionaire romance novel, Elena’s the main character, and I’m the supporting woman who can’t win you over?”

I nodded.

Ethan laughed in disbelief. “Absurd! These character settings are just too ridiculous!”

I scratched my head. Right now, he’s actually worried about the character setup? What a weird angle.

Ethan lowered his eyes. “Riley, we’ve known each other for years. I’m a real person, not some puppet in a story.”

I nodded. “So what are you going to do?”

“Screw these stupid plotlines. I’m going to do what I want.” He stared at me, his handsome face coming closer and closer.

A warm, gentle kiss landed on my lips.

Before I could react, Elena’s scream came from the doorway: “What are you two doing?!”

Ethan didn’t even look up. “Get out! And close the door behind you!”

I covered my mouth, Ethan pressed his forehead against mine, his breathing heavy. “I yelled at her.”

It hit me that Ethan hadn’t followed the novel’s script just now.

Ethan’s eyes were bright. “Riley, help me.”

“Don’t let the plot control me. Let me love who I want.”

I didn’t quite catch what he said after that. But I nodded.

Maybe because I woke up, Ethan, being around me, is also affected and isn’t controlled by the plot anymore.

If I can help him, that would be great.

I’ve worked under Ethan for three years. He gave me a job when I was at my lowest, and I’m honestly grateful to him.

Everything he’s achieved, he’s earned through his own hard work.

If possible, I don’t want to see him dumbed down for the sake of some so-called true love.

The next day, I went to Ethan’s company.

The building gleamed in the morning sun, all glass and steel—a monument to ambition. I walked in, feeling both proud and out of place.

It was an impressive glass office tower. Clearly, he’s made a lot of money over the years.

Just as I was marveling, the receptionist stopped me.

She looked me up and down with disdain. “No entry without an appointment.”

I took out Ethan’s exclusive card and swiped through the gate right in front of her.

She pursed her lips, glaring at me, and muttered just loud enough to hear: “Homewrecker!”

I looked at her rhinestone-covered nails, then at her expression, feeling a little confused:

“Your job as receptionist represents the company’s image.”

“Even if we have a grudge, you shouldn’t act like this at work. It’s really unprofessional. Besides, we’re not even close, are we?”

“Hmph. I’ve heard about you. Last night, Elena was so sad she cried. Elena and our CEO are a perfect match, but you shamelessly got in the way. Don’t you have any shame?”

I got it. This is the heroine’s support group or bestie.

To be honest, their IQs are about the same.

“Hmph.” She put her hands on her hips and continued, “Elena got promoted to CEO’s personal secretary in just half a month, all by her own hard work.”

“The CEO never smiled before, but since Elena arrived, he smiles now.”

I fell into deep thought.

Then who was the guy at the estate, always dragging me to plant tomatoes or go fishing, grinning like a dork?

When I didn’t respond, the receptionist got even more smug. “Can you compare to that?”

“…Are you sure you’re talking about Ethan Morgan, not someone with facial paralysis?”