I Married the President

"It’s okay if you don’t understand," Ethan Kingsley said with a smile. "Just hold on to this card and don’t lose it. I’ll give the PIN to Claire Sinclair; she’ll know what to do."

"Oh..." Ivy Tanner nodded, though she didn’t fully understand. She was completely stunned.

’He’s actually going to give the PIN for this black card to Claire Sinclair. That shows how much he trusts her—it’s without a second thought.’

’But then again...’

’Claire Sinclair is Young Master Quincy’s girlfriend, and he’s a symbol of righteousness. Claire herself is so principled and incorruptible that she probably wouldn’t be tempted even if the entire Kingsley family fortune was laid out before her, let alone a single black card.’

’Still, even if Claire is that righteous, for him to just give her the PIN to this all-powerful black card... is this all just an act?’

’Oh, Ethan Kingsley... do you have special feelings for her?’

A pang of jealousy soured Ivy Tanner’s heart. But she was, after all, someone who had given up on life. Even if she harbored inappropriate feelings for this man, she would never let them show, much less act on them.

’A fool doesn’t deserve to love, nor does she deserve to be loved. That’s my fate.’

After handing her the black card, Ethan Kingsley sent a message to Claire Sinclair: "Reporter Sinclair, the Little Idiot is insisting on buying me a birthday present. I don’t have time to take her shopping tomorrow. I was wondering if you might be free to take her out?"

After a long wait, Claire Sinclair finally replied, "What birthday gift?"

Ethan Kingsley: "My birthday is in a few days."

Claire Sinclair: "Fine, I can take her."

Ethan Kingsley: "Thanks. The PIN is 060101."

Claire Sinclair was confused. "What PIN?"

Ethan Kingsley: "You’ll find out tomorrow."

Claire Sinclair: "..."

Ethan Kingsley put his phone down, then looked down at her. "Little Idiot," he said, "you’re my little lucky charm."

"What’s a lucky charm?"

"A koi fish."

"I’m a koi fish..." Ivy Tanner immediately puckered her lips into a cute fish face, mimicking a goldfish blowing bubbles.

Seeing the girl’s full, moist lips tremble, Ethan Kingsley found his gaze locked on them. A strange, small flame ignited inexplicably in the depths of his heart.

For a second, he had the urge to kiss her, but the feeling was as fleeting as it was sudden.

’It’s probably just because it’s been too long since I’ve been with a woman,’ he thought.

His gaze shifted away, landing elsewhere on her. He caught the faint, sweet scent coming from her and suddenly realized that the little girl who used to trail after him, calling out "Brother Kingsley," had blossomed into a graceful young woman with a radiant smile.

’So this Little Idiot... she’s all grown up.’

He leaned slowly toward her ear, inhaling her youthful scent as he issued a warning. "Little Idiot, from now on, don’t let any man touch you but me. You have to protect yourself, understand?"

"Mhm!" Ivy Tanner nodded emphatically.

Ethan Kingsley straightened up and rose elegantly to his feet. He looked down at her from his full height. "I have some things to take care of. You stay here and rest obediently. Don’t get out of bed unless you’re going to the bathroom, and don’t leave this room."

"Brother Kingsley..." Ivy Tanner gazed at him, unwilling to see him go. Her small hand unconsciously tightened around his large one.

A dark glint flickered in Ethan Kingsley’s eyes, and his voice grew several shades colder. "Let go."

"Oh," Ivy Tanner flinched, pulling her hand back. "I’m sorry," she stammered.

Ethan Kingsley’s tone softened. He gently stroked her silky-smooth hair. "Be good, and I won’t be harsh with you."

Ivy Tanner lowered her head, not daring to say another word.

And just like that, Ethan Kingsley was gone, as if he had never been there at all.