The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

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 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?"

Without 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.

Efficiency 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 hook 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 my 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."

Ethan'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.

did she do to you? Why won't you

more I think about it, the angrier I get. So, let's leave it in the past. She already gave me an impression of herself, and that impression

think your opinion of her overrides mine when I've known her for a longer time?" Melvin asked with a snort. "First impressions matter," Ethan said, and

doesn't mean they are perpetually sad. We need to change this mindset that first 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

very

Ethan replied, his eyes still glued to the screen, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I

wasn't going to be swayed. "Alright, alright," he said, pushing his chair back. "I'll leave you to it since I have to leave for work anyway. But don't say I didn't warn you when you end up with some robotic

Ethan continued scrolling through the emails of applicants, most of whom had eagerly provided their social media handles and personal details. Some

the

something he had specifically requested in the ad. Instead, she had written a note that piqued his interest even more: [I can't reveal such personal information to

a quiet laugh escaping him. The boldness of her response was refreshing, something different from the eager-to-please nature of most of the other

"Golden Sun."

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

a few rings, a soft, confident

"Hello?"

keep his tone casual. "This is the

expecting a

why did you

email, yes. But not a call. And I was expecting a

were? Why?"

I didn't exactly respond the way you

me want to know more about you.

Sun for now," she said, her tone playful. "I'll tell you my real name when I'm sure you're

laughed, genuinely amused. "Fair

name?" Rayna asked, liking the sound of

telling me your name, you can call me ET for

Like the alien?" she

"Exactly," Ethan replied, grinning.

this entertaining. "Alright, ET. So,

back in his chair. "But like I said I liked your response. You stood out, and I wanted to

replied, her tone still teasing. "I just couldn't imagine a stranger staring at my photos without knowing

strangers not stare at them

different if you think about it,"

puts me in a vulnerable position. I didn't want to compound that