The Billionaire CEO Betrays his Wife: He wants her back-Chapter 24: It’s my fault

Ethan paced the length of the living room, phone pressed tightly to his ear. His patience had long since snapped.

"Find her. Now," he ordered, his voice sharp as a blade.

"Understood, sir," Steph replied. "I already have people searching the usual places. We’ll find her."

Ethan ran a frustrated hand through his hair. It was already midnight. Mara’s phone was still off. Where the hell was she?

Meanwhile, Mara gripped the steering wheel as she drove, her mind a whirlwind of emotions.

Today had been too much.

Maria and Daniel’s tense encounter. Mrs. Anderson showed up unannounced.

Ethan suddenly walking out on her. And then Jason, Jason pushing her to the edge.

Her life was never short of drama. Every time something seemed right, something else went horribly wrong.

But she had learned to deal with it. Each day brought its own storm, and she had no choice but to face it.

As she turned into the driveway and pulled up in front of the mansion, her heart pounded not from fear, but from thoughts of Ethan.

Would he be waiting for her? Would he be angry? Worried? Or would he be distant again, like earlier? Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car, bracing herself.

"Where have you been?"

Mara barely had time to step inside before Ethan’s voice cut through the silence.

She froze for a split second, then turned her gaze toward him.

There he was—standing in the dimly lit hallway, his jaw tight, his brows furrowed. But it wasn’t just anger in his eyes. No, it was something deeper. Worry. Frustration. That fire that burned for her alone.

The maids and security had quietly excused themselves, sensing the tension thickening between them.

Mara’s mind flashed back to how he had walked out on her with nothing but a simple sorry.

Now he was demanding answers?

"I asked you a question, Mara," Ethan said, his voice dangerously low. "You should have at least taken the driver or called me. I have people combing the streets looking for you."

He was trying to sound calm, but she could hear the anger barely contained beneath the surface.

Mara inhaled slowly, schooling her features into one of indifference.

"I’m here now, aren’t I?" she said coolly, not even sparing him a glance as she slipped off her heels.

Ethan’s fingers twitched at her nonchalant tone, his jaw tightening even more.

Mara didn’t wait for a response. She turned and headed up the stairs, her bare feet moving silently against the marble.

Ethan exhaled sharply, then followed, his patience wearing dangerously thin.

Ethan’s jaw clenched as he watched Mara casually toss her bag onto the couch and begin taking off her clothes, acting as if his words meant nothing.

He slammed the door shut behind them, his patience hanging by a thread.

"What was that?" he demanded, stepping closer. "You’re not single anymore, Mara. You can’t just do as you please! I need to know where you are at every damn time." His voice was rough, laced with frustration. "Need I remind you that you are Mrs. Anderson now?"

Mara scoffed, rolling her eyes as she unbuttoned her blouse. "Oh, how could I ever forget?" she muttered.

Ethan’s fists tightened at his sides, his emotions threatening to spill over. He had spent the entire night worried sick, and here she was, acting like he was the problem.

"Mara!" His voice rose, but he caught himself, forcing it down to a steady growl. He wasn’t just angry he was worried.

And the thought of her being alone, vulnerable, especially with Bruce lurking around her, made his blood run cold.

Mara turned to face him, arms crossed over her chest, her expression sharp and unbothered. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

"I wasn’t the one who ran out of here like I was avoiding a plague," she said, her tone cutting.

Ethan inhaled sharply. So this was about earlier. He took a slow step forward, his gaze locked onto hers.

"Mara, that wasn’t—"

"You left, Ethan," she interrupted. "And now you’re mad that I did the same?"

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words.

Ethan knew this wasn’t just about her being late tonight. It was about everything. And if they didn’t clear the air now, this storm between them would only get worse.

Ethan’s grip on her wrist was firm but not forceful, his body pressed against hers, trapping her against the bathroom door.

His breathing was ragged, matching hers. The tension between them crackled like a live wire anger, frustration, and something else darker lingering just beneath the surface.

"Mara, please," his voice was softer now, but his eyes still burned with intensity. He wasn’t just angry anymore he was desperate.

Mara lifted her chin defiantly. "It’s okay if you disappear, but not if I do?" she challenged, her voice sharp.

Ethan exhaled, his forehead nearly touching hers.

"You were out. Your phone was off. I was worried too, but that’s not the point, right?" she continued, her voice dropping to a bitter whisper. "I was at the office, Ethan. I worked late. And oh, guess what? I was alone—until I ran into Jason."

Ethan stiffened at the name, his grip tightening instinctively.

Mara smirked, though there was no humor in her eyes. "Do you need more details about my day, husband?"

Ethan’s jaw clenched. His gaze flickered down just for a second to the bare skin between them. Mara was standing there in nothing but her underwear, but neither of them was thinking about desire.

This wasn’t about passion. This was a battle. Ethan wasn’t sure if he wanted to shake her or kiss her senselessly.

"Mara," he murmured again, his voice rougher now.

She arched a brow. "What?"

Ethan inhaled sharply. "Jason?" he finally asked, his tone dark and dangerous.

Mara didn’t flinch. "Yes, Jason," she confirmed. "My problem, not yours. I handled it."

Ethan’s fingers twitched against her skin, his entire body vibrating with barely contained rage.

"You should’ve told me immediately," he said through gritted teeth.

Mara tilted her head, challenging him. "Like how you told me where you went today?"

Silence. For a moment, they just stared at each other.

"I’m sorry, I was only worried I was going crazy not knowing where you were," Ethan said softly touching Mara’s face, Mara moved her head still very upset.

"Baby," Ethan says softly. "I need to take a bath," Mara said with no emotions as she slowed, moved Ethan out of her way, and locked the bathroom door. Ethan tried to open it, but it was locked.

Ethan had never felt so powerless before.

Hearing Mara’s quiet sobs from the other side of the door shattered something inside him. She never cried—never. She carried herself with strength, pride, and defiance, but now she was breaking. And he was the reason.

His jaw tightened as he rifled through the drawer, his hands shaking slightly. He had to fix this. He had to get to her.

Finally, he found what he was looking for the spare bathroom key. Without a second thought, he walked back to the door, pushed the key into the lock, and turned it.

The door clicked open.

Ethan stepped inside, his heart sinking at the sight before him.

Mara was sitting under the running shower, fully clothed in her underwear, knees pulled up to her chest, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. Her wet hair clung to her face as the water poured over her trembling body.

She looked so small. So defeated.

Ethan swallowed hard.

She didn’t even react to his presence.

Silently, he stepped inside, ignoring the water soaking through his shirt and pants. He kneeled in front of her, his heart breaking with every shaky breath she took.