Rising from the Ashes The Heiress They Tried to Erase Novel

Chapter 761: To Ethan, that was the best news he'd heard all night. His excitement bubbled up before he could stop it. If the marriage wasn't genuine, then maybe there was still hope for Maia and JusticeBlaze. Although she hadn't gone into detail about the favor, Ethan didn't need to hear it. He believed she had her reasons, and with that, all his lingering doubts faded away. Still, something tugged at him. He tilted his head slightly and asked, "Then who did you end up marrying?" Secrets still guarded, Maia's answer was gentle but firm.

"I can't reveal his identity yet," she told him, her gaze shadowed and steady. "What matters is this: our marriage is only for appearances. There's nothing real between us. He won't play any part in my life or in our family." Moving closer, she locked eyes with Ethan. "So, will you keep this arrangement to yourself? If Kathie or anyone else gets curious, just say you don't know anything - that I have my reasons for keeping it secret." Ethan placed a hand over his heart, his voice steady as he made a promise. "You can count on me.

Your secret's safe - I won't breathe a word." His sincerity touched Maia. For a moment, she let herself relax, ruffling his hair with a grateful smile. "Thanks, Ethan. Really." Just then, a new thought struck him. "Is there someone you like now?" The question slipped out before he could stop it. What he really wanted was to ask about Hurst, but he worried it would come off too strong, so he softened the wording. Maia froze, surprise flickering across her face as Chris's image flashed through her mind. Burying her feelings, she barely managed a whisper.

"I honestly don't know." Before Ethan could react, she stood up, gently patted his shoulder, and said, "Alright, no staying up late tonight. Go get some rest." With that, Maia disappeared down the hall. Watching her go, Ethan found himself frowning in confusion. Ŀ∆†εѕŧ ¢₳þţ€яş ¡η ĠałиøνêļŞ.çø₥ What did she just say? She didn't know? How could she not know if she liked someone? Was she still tangled up over JusticeBlaze - over Hurst? Maybe, Ethan thought, JusticeBlaze's words hadn't been true. Could it be that JusticeBlaze had never let Maia know how he truly felt?

Had Maia never fully accepted him, not deep down? The idea made Ethan restless, an urgent need bubbling up to help JusticeBlaze win her heart, no matter what it took. Since Maia's marriage was nothing more than a formality, she'd be free soon enough. And as long as her feelings for JusticeBlaze ran true, then once the divorce... ...was final, the two of them could finally be together - no more secrets, no more hiding. In Ethan's heart, he had already chosen his future brother-in-law. No one but JusticeBlaze would ever fit the role.

Cool night air brushed against Maia's skin as she stepped outside, the gentle breeze mingling with the golden wash of streetlights overhead. Her hand drifted to her phone, eyes searching the screen for any sign of a new message - but nothing greeted her. A subtle ache pressed at her chest, disappointment briefly clouding her gaze before she forced it aside and headed toward the parking lot. . . .