For Richer or Poorer; The Billionaire's forbidden vow

is eyes to the gentle rustle of curtains, the daylight seeping into his room, signaling the dawn of his thirtieth birthday. As he opened his eyes, the rea

was a soft knock on his bedroom door. Ethan straightened in bed,

family for years, stood at the forefront, her eyes twinkling with warmth. She held a beautifully decorated cake adorned with thirty ca

exclaimed, her voice sounding a melodic harmo

air of celebration. There was Maria, the housekeeper who had watched Ethan grow up, a

ast time someone had gone to such lengths to celebrate his birthday. The grandeur of the mansion had ofte

himed in, her smile radiating sincerity

a heart of gold, nodded in acknowledgment. "Th

ed through the room. The cake, a masterpiece of culinary artistry, seemed to symbolize the layers of Ethan's life, ea

n impromptu celebration. Ethel stepped forward, presenting th

licting thoughts. The weight of his impending responsibilities seemed to momentarily fade away as he close

voice betraying a vulnerability rarely se

ding that transcended words. "Family isn't just about blood, Master Ethan. It

rrounded by the people who had become his family, he couldn't help but long for the presence of his

the swell of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. He recalled childhood birthdays filled wit

ve a reflection of the complexity of his emotions. He couldn't escape the gravity of the day – a birt

mansion, though grand and imposing, felt less like a fortress and more like a haven, if only for a moment. The staff's genuine celebration ha

those who had become his family in the absence of blood ties. And though the challenges ahead loomed large, the unexpected birthday celebration had kindled a flame of re

f your day Sir. At this point, we have to return to o

nsion, now bathed in the soft glow of morning light, seemed to resume its usual rhythm. However, Ethan couldn't shake the

ve of his hand. The elderly cook turned, her eyes meeting at the corners with a

l inquired, her hands still adorned with fl

he sitting area in the corner of his room. Ethel nodded, set

ather his thoughts. The genuine concern in Ethel's eyes made it clear t

tant," Ethan began, his voice carrying a weight tha

y and readiness to listen. "Of course, Master Ethan. You know yo

day, I had a meeting with my uncle, Richard Reynolds. He informed me that, as I turn thirt

nding, and she nodded solemnly.

find a suitable match and marry within six months. It's as if th

. Her eyes, filled with a wisdom that transcended her role, sea

t of my wealth," Ethan continued, his voice tinged with a vulnerability he seldom allowed others to witness. "Now, I

ath ahead may be daunting, but it's crucial to remember that you are not alone. The bonds that t

nsibilities seemed to lift, if only slightly. "I wish my parents were here,"

oud of the man you've become, Master Ethan. And while they may not be here in p

usually reserved and guarded, found solace in Ethel's presence. It was a rare moment of vuln

idance. Your wisdom. In navigating this journey that seems to de

ou've always had a strong sense of self. It's what has guided you through the twists and turns of lif

f his predicament remained, but he felt a renewed sense of purpos

eart has a way of finding what it needs, even in the most unexpec

expectations, there was comfort within the walls of the mansion – a comfort that transcended wealth and legacy. And in Ethel, he had found not just a coo