Ethan’s gaze landed on her like a hammer.
Gloria turned and ran, not walking, running.
Even James O’kei stumbled after her, desperate to disappear.
Some staff members tried to hide behind counters.
Some customers pretended they were just passing.
People who had been shouting a minute ago now became quiet like church mice.
Ethan didn’t chase anybody.
He didn’t argue.
He didn’t explain.
He didn’t owe them his private life.
Instead, he turned his head slightly.
“Manager,” he called.
Mr. Benson nearly collapsed as he forced himself forward.
“Yes, sir.
Yes, sir.
” Ethan’s face was calm, but his calmness was frightening.
What is going on here? He asked.
The manager stammered.
Sir, it’s it’s a misunderstanding.
A customer.
Ethan cut him off.
Bring the surveillance.
The manager swallowed hard, sweat shining on his forehead.
Sir, the surveillance.
It’s gone.
Ethan’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Gone? He repeated.
The manager nodded quickly.
It It was deleted.
We don’t know how.
Ethan looked around slowly at the employees.
His voice rose just a little, firm and deadly.
Listen carefully.
I will give you one month.
The store became so quiet Daisy could hear her own breathing.
One month, Ethan repeated, to find the person who deleted the surveillance and created this mess.
Nobody breathed.
“If you fail,” Ethan said.
“Everyone here will lose their job.
” A few people gasped softly.
Ethan didn’t blink.
Under my group, he continued, no employee will suffer injustice.
Do you understand? Yes, sir.
They all replied quickly.
Even those who had bullied Daisy.
Even those who had laughed.
They all answered, “Yes, sir.
” Now, because suddenly the story wasn’t fun anymore.
It had consequences.
Daisy’s mother, however, had not learned anything.
She stepped forward boldly, seeing Ethan, and her eyes glittered, not with relief, but with calculation.
“Oh,” she cried loudly.
“My son-in-law,” Daisy’s stomach dropped.
Her mother smiled wide like she was proud of her own shamelessness.
“I am your mother-in-law,” she declared.
Ethan turned slowly.
His eyes landed on her.
His expression didn’t change, but the room felt colder.
“You are her mother,” he asked.
Yes, she said quickly.
Yes, I raised her.
Ethan looked at Daisy’s face, her tears, her shaking hands, her bruised arm.
Then he looked back at the woman.
And you watched her get beaten, Ethan said calmly, and the only thing on your mind was money.
Her mother’s smile faltered.
Ethan’s voice sharpened.
“What kind of mother does that?” The woman’s face tightened, but before she could shout again, Ethan lifted his hand slightly.
guards,” he said.
Two security men moved immediately.
Daisy’s mother began to panic.
“Ah, wait.
” Her sister tried to jump in.
“Sir, we are family.
” Ethan’s eyes didn’t even soften.
“Remove them,” he said.
“And make sure they understand what punishment means.
” The guards dragged them back.
The mother screamed.
the sister shouted.
But this time, no crowd joined them because nobody wanted to stand against Ethan at Daisy’s eyes followed them as they were taken away.
She didn’t feel happy.
She didn’t feel victorious.
She only felt tired and empty.
As Ethan stood there, Felix rushed in with a tablet in his hand, breathing fast like he had been running.
“Sir,” Felix said, voice urgent.
“The report you asked for? The one about the designer? Ethan’s eyes turned.
What about it? Felix swallowed.
Sir, we found her.
Ethan’s face tightened with focus.
Where is she? Felix looked at Daisy, then back at Ethan.
It’s It’s her.
The room blinked.
Even Daisy blinked like she didn’t understand.
Ethan’s brows pulled together.
What? Felix opened the file quickly and showed Ethan images, sketches, designs, competition documents, old records.
“Sir, the genius designer you’ve been searching for,” Felix said, almost stunned himself.
“Is Daisy Okafur?” Ethan stared at the screen.
Then he stared at Daisy like his mind was trying to connect two different stories into one truth.
Daisy’s lips parted slightly.
“What? What are you talking about?” she whispered.
Ethan’s voice came low, almost reverent.
“I’ve admired this work for years,” he said, holding the tablet like something precious.
“I saw your designs in a competition archive,” he looked at her face, eyes intense.
“They were forged from pain,” Ethan said slowly, but full of life.
“Daisy’s chest tightened.
Tears rose again, but this time they weren’t from shame.
They were from a wound she had tried to forget.
” My mother, Daisy’s voice broke.
My mother stole my school fees.
Her eyes dropped.
I placed first, she said softly.
I got the highest score.
I was supposed to go to art school.
Her throat tightened as she continued.
But she took the money.
Daisy whispered.
She said, “Dreams are for rich people.
” Ethan’s jaw clenched.
For the first time since he arrived, anger flashed.
Real anger.
not at Daisy, at what had been done to her.
He stepped closer.
“Daisy,” Ethan said firmly.
“Your dream is not dead.
” “Daisy looked up, confused and scared.
” Ethan’s voice became steady.
“Sure.
” “My company will support you,” he said.
“We will help you achieve your dream.
” Daisy’s lips trembled.
She opened her mouth, her voice barely holding.
“Ethan, about the baby?” But the room tilted.
The stress, the fear, the hunger she had been hiding, the long days of standing, the tears, the chaos.
Everything finally caught up.
Daisy’s eyes rolled slightly.
Her body swayed.
Ethan’s face changed in a flash.
Daisy.
She tried to speak again, but her knees buckled and the world went black.
One moment she was standing there trying to hold herself together in front of Ethan and the staff and the next moment her body gave up.
Her knees folded, her head swam, and she collapsed.
People screamed.
Some stepped back in shock, but Ethan did not step back.
He moved fast, catching her before her head hit the floor.
“Daisy,” he called, gripping her gently but firmly.
“Daisy, look at me.
Her face was cold with sweat.
Her lips looked pale.
Her breathing was shallow, like her body had been fighting for too long without rest.
Ethan’s eyes tightened.
“Bring the car,” he said, voice sharp.
“Now.
” Security cleared the way immediately.
And within minutes, Daisy was out of the boutique.
No longer a public spectacle, no longer a story for people to gossip about, just a tired young woman who had been carrying too much alone.
When Daisy opened her eyes again, she didn’t recognize where she was.
The ceiling was clean and bright.
The air smelled like fresh sheets and quiet money.
Her body was on a soft bed that felt too comfortable, like she didn’t deserve it.
She tried to sit up quickly, but dizziness pushed her back down.
“Easy,” a calm voice said.
Daisy turned her head weakly.
Ethan was there, not in a suit this time.
He looked like someone who had been worried for hours and didn’t even care how he looked anymore.
A doctor stood nearby holding a small file.
“You’re awake,” the doctor said gently.
“That’s good.
” Daisy’s eyes widened in sudden fear as her hand went straight to her belly.
“My baby,” she whispered.
The doctor nodded.
“The baby is fine.
” Daisy released a shaky breath like her lungs had been holding that fear the whole day.
“But you,” the doctor continued.
“You are not fine,” Daisy blinked slowly.
“You’re weak from stress,” the doctor said.
“And from long-term malnutrition.
Your body has been suffering quietly for a long time, and pregnancy has made it worse.
You need proper food, rest, and peace,” Daisy swallowed.
The word malnutrition embarrassed her even though it shouldn’t.
as if being poor was something she needed to apologize for.
The doctor finished his advice, then excused himself, promising to check on her again later.
When the door closed, silence filled the room.
Daisy stared at the blanket, then forced herself to sit up again.
“I I should go,” she said quickly.
Ethan’s eyes narrowed.
“Go where?” Daisy’s throat tightened.
“I’m okay now.
I don’t want to disturb you.
” Disturb me,” Ethan repeated like the word annoyed him.
Daisy tried to swing her legs down, but her body still felt heavy.
Ethan stepped closer, voice low, but firm.
“Daisy, you fainted.
” Daisy looked away.
It was just stress.
“It was hunger, too,” Ethan said simply.
“And fear and carrying everything alone.
” Daisy’s eyes stung.
She whispered, “I don’t want to be a burden.
” Ethan’s face changed slightly.
Less anger, more something deeper.
He sat down near her.
Not too close, but close enough to feel real.
“You’re not a burden,” he said.
“And you’re not alone.
” Daisy’s fingers trembled on the blanket.
Ethan looked straight at her.
“I know the baby is mine,” he said calmly.
Daisy froze.
The room felt suddenly smaller.
Ethan didn’t rush his words.
“I’m not pretending it didn’t happen,” he continued.
I’m not denying it and I’m not running away.
Daisy swallowed hard.
People will talk.
They already talked, Ethan replied.
And they will keep talking.
But that won’t change my responsibility.
Daisy’s voice was almost a whisper.
Is it responsibility or pity? Ethan’s eyes held hers.
I’m taking responsibility because it is my child and because I don’t want you suffering again.
Daisy didn’t know what to say to that because a part of her had been preparing for rejection from the moment she saw the test strip.
But Ethan was sitting here saying he would not run.
She opened her mouth again, still trying to leave.
Ethan, I really The door suddenly opened and Daisy heard excited voices before she even saw anyone.
Where is she? Is she awake? Let us see her.
Three women walked in like they owned the whole house, which in a way they did.
They were all beautiful in different ways.
But there was something else, too.
Confidence.
Warmth.
The kind of confidence that came from being loved and protected all their lives.
Ethan stood up immediately.
“Nora,” he said, warning in his tone.
The first woman laughed softly.
“Relax.
I’m not here to fight her.
” She stepped forward.
I’m Nora,” she said, smiling at Daisy, his eldest sister.
The second woman moved closer, too, eyes bright and curious.
“I’m Zara,” she said.
“Second sister.
” And the third waved dramatically like Daisy was already family.
“Mirror,” she said.
“The last born, the most important one.
Don’t argue.
” Daisy blinked, confused and suddenly shy.
Ethan exhaled like he had already suffered their teasing before.
Norah looked at Daisy’s face with something close to relief.
We’ve heard a lot about you, she said gently.
Daisy’s heart skipped.
About me? Zara nodded quickly.
From our parents.
Merror added.
And from Ethan, too.
Even when he pretends he doesn’t talk, he talks.
Ethan shutter a look.
Mirror.
Mera grinned.
What? It’s the truth.
Daisy didn’t know what to do with her hands.
She looked at Ethan, then back at them.
Norah’s smile softened.
So, yes, we already know the shocking excuse.
Daisy’s brows lifted slowly.
Zara laughed.
Those times you came with different girls.
That was us.
Meera clapped once.
Three sisters, three excuses, very smart plan.
Daisy stared, shocked.
So all that gossip, all that talk of him being a playboy, it had been lies people created because they didn’t know him.
Norah stepped closer to the bed.
“We also heard what happened at the store,” she said, her voice turning serious.
“And we’re sorry you went through that.
” Zara nodded.
“Nobody deserves to be treated like that.
” Meera’s face tightened.
“If we were there, that Gloria woman would have regretted her life.
” Ethan’s voice came sharp.
“Enough.
” Norah held up her hands.
Fine, no violence, but Daisy, you’re safe here.
Then Zara dropped a thick list on the bedside table like it was normal.
What’s that? Daisy asked.
Zara smiled proudly.
Maternity care plan.
Meera added another folder.
Nutritionist.
Norah placed another envelope gently.
A nanny for when the baby comes.
Meera lifted a bag.
Massages.
Proper prenatal support.
anything your body needs,” Zara added.
“And custom clothes.
Pregnancy is not an excuse to stop looking good.
” Daisy stared at all of it like they were offering her another life.
Her throat tightened again.
“I I can’t accept all this,” she said quickly.
“I’m not used to people doing things for me like this.
” Norah’s eyes softened.
We can tell, Daisy swallowed.
I’m traditional.
I want to work.
I want to earn what I have.
Meera leaned forward, studying her.
You’re pregnant and still thinking of work.
Daisy nodded.
I don’t want to be a burden on anybody.
Zara smiled like she respected her more.
Norah said quietly.
Do you know what Ethan has done all these years? Daisy shook her head.
Norah’s voice became warm.
He has never brought any woman into this house.
Daisy’s breath caught.
Zara added softly.
You’re the first.
Meera grinned.
“And the last.
We can already see it in his eyes.
” Daisy looked away quickly, embarrassed, but her heart was beating too fast.
Then Norah brought out a black card in her hand.
She placed it on the table gently like it was nothing.
“This is for you,” Nora said.
“No password.
Use it when you need anything.
” Daisy’s eyes widened in panic.
“No,” she said quickly.
“No, please.
I can’t.
” Meera blinked.
“Why not? Daisy’s voice trembled.
Because if I take it, I’ll feel like I’m being paid to exist.
The sisters went quiet for a moment.
Then Zara nodded slowly.
That is actually a very strong thing to say.
Norah’s smile returned deeper now.
Okay, she said.
We won’t force you.
Meera sighed dramatically.
You’re making it difficult to spoil you.
Daisy’s lips pressed together.
I’m sorry.
Norah touched her shoulder gently.
Don’t apologize for having pride.
Ethan watched everything quietly like he was seeing Daisy from a new angle again.
Not as a sales girl, not as a scandal, but as a woman fighting hard to keep her dignity.
The next day, Daisy returned to work.
Not because she was stubborn, but because work was the only thing that had ever made her feel like she still had control of her life.
The moment she walked into the boutique, some people went silent.
Some stared, some looked away.
The manager’s eyes followed her like he wanted to swallow her hole.
Not because she was wrong, because Ethan had defended her.
And now everyone was afraid, but also angry.
Daisy went straight to her station, quietly, acting like she didn’t hear the whispers.
Then suddenly, the manager called her.
Daisy.
She walked over calmly.
He lifted a luxury bag in front of everyone.
This bag was handed to a customer, he said coldly, without gloves.
He pointed to the leather.
Two greasy fingerprints.
Daisy leaned closer, her eyes narrowing.
She knew that trick.
She knew what it meant.
The manager’s voice rose.
This bag is worth 450,000.
Who will pay for this damage? The junior staff member stood behind, shaking, looking like a frightened child.
Daisy’s chest tightened.
The manager turned to Daisy, eyes sharp with accusation.
You trained this apprentice, so you will take responsibility.
Daisy’s mouth went dry.
Then he added with cruelty, “Or are you too important now because the CEO defended you?” Daisy didn’t respond.
She just stood there because she had learned something in life.
When people want to disgrace you, words won’t save you.
Only truth will.
And she knew the truth.
Someone was setting her up again.
That same afternoon, Anita Eza walked toward her, smiling like a knife.
“So, you’re still here?” Anita said.
Daisy didn’t answer.
Anita stepped closer, voice low, but poisonous.
Because the CEO defended you, you think you’re better than everybody? Daisy kept quiet.
