Broken Dreams Stories

Chapter 114

Melvin strolled into the dining room to join Ethan, who was seated at the far end of the table. Ethan had his phone in one hand, his laptop open in front of him, and a furrowed brow that spoke of intense concentration.

The sunlight streaming through the large windows cast a warm glow over the table, but Ethan seemed oblivious to the pi

picturesque morning.

Curious, Melvin walked over and took a seat across from him, leaning forward with a grin. “Morning, Ethan,” he greeted, his voice laced with amusement. “What’s got you so focused this early?”

Withour looking up, Ethan replied. “I’m just looking through my email and checking out the ladies who responded to my ad

Melvin raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “Ad! You mean that ridiculous ad you put out for a wife?‘ He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. “And how’s that going? How many applicants do you have?”

Ethan chuckled without looking up. “It’s over a hundred”

“What? Do you mean we have over a hundred ladies who are crazy enough to do this with you in this city? What are you going to do then? Narrow the list down to a top ten?” Melvin asked incredulously.

Ethan finally looked up, his expression half–serious, half–amused. “Yes. I’m trying to do that. There are too many of them, and since I can’t possibly meet them all, I’m just finding ways to streamline the process. Gotta narrow it down to at least five before I even think about meeting anyone.”

Melvin burst out laughing. Streamline! You make it sound like a business deal! This is your future wife you’re talking about, not a new hire.” Ethan chuckled and shrugged. “Same difference. Eiliency is key”

Shaking his head. Melvin leaned in again, his expression more serious now. “Why are you even going through this whole process. Ethan‘ We could book you up with someone just fine. Take Rayna, for instance. I don’t know what went down between you two, but she would’ve been a good fit for you.”

Ethan’s face darkened at the mention of Rayna, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Rayna?” he scoffed. “She’s not my type; besides, I don’t think she’s that smart. I read somewhere that kids get their intelligence from their mothers. I want iny kids to have the best shot at life, and I don’t think Rayna has much to offer in that department”

Melvin couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of Ethan’s logic. “You’re judging her too harshly, Ethan

Erhan’s frown deepened as he turned back to his laptop. “Harsh No, I’m not. I’m only stating a fact, he said, his tone more defensive now.

“What did she do to you? Why won’t you say?” Melvin asked incredulously, and Ethan shook his head.

me an impression

“Because I don’t want to think about it. The more I think about it, the angrier I get. So, let’s leave it in the past. She already gave m of herself and that impression overrides anything you’re going to tell me about her, Ethan said stubbornly,

“So, you’ve met her just what? Once or maybe twice, yet you think your opinion of her overrides mine when I’ve known her for a longer time Melvin asked with a short.

“First impressions matter, Ethan said, and Melvin scoffed.

doesn’t. That a person is sad the first time you meet them doesn’t mean they are perpetually sad. We need to change this mindset that Erst impressions define people. Different things can influence a person’s behavior the first time we meet them, and you, of all people, should know that. I don’t know what she did to you, and I no longer care about it

eyes still glued to the screen, “Now, if

chair back. “Til leave you to it since I have to leave for work anyway. But don’t say I didn’t warn you when you

in response, his focus already back on his task. As Melvin left the dining room. Ellum continued scrolling through the emails of applicants, most of whom had eagerly provided their social media handles and personal details. Some had gone as far as sending him beautiful and sexy photos of themselves. He was about to dismiss yet another application when

surprised to find that she hadn’t left any social media details, something he had specifically requested in the ad. Instead, the had written a note that piqued his interest

reveal such personal information to a stranger I don’t know. If you want my personal details, it’s only fair you share something personal about yourself, ion, other than your requirements. I have every right

10:47 AM c

Chapter 114

quiet laugh escaping him. The boldness of her response was refreshing, something different from the eager–to- please nature of most of the other applicants. He decided right then that he wanted to

picked up his phone and dialed the number she had left, his heart beating a little faster

answered.

“Hello!”

keep his tone casual. “This

“Hi,

a

you

Maybe an email, yes. But not

were! Why?” Ethan

way you requested. So, I wasn’t keeping my fingers cressed on that, she admined with a

“I sort of liked your response, and it made me want

she said, her tone playful. TI tell you

genuinely

your name?” Rayna asked, liking the

me

the alien?”

“Exactly,” Ethan replied, grinning.

he would find someone on the list this entertaining. “Alright ET. So, why did you reach out to me? Did everyone else suck, and

admitted, leaning back in his chair. “But like I said- I liked your response. You stood out, and I wanted

her tone still teasing. “I just couldn’t imagine a

eyebrow, intrigued. “Do strangers not stare

if you think about it,” she explained. “Responding to your ad already puts me in a vulnerable

Ethan said thoughtfully.

think purting up the

me vulnerable