Chapter 168
Chapter 162
Ethan’s POV:
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My scream died in my throat as I slammed my fist through my car window glass shattering across the passenger seat.
The image of Lucas and Tori locked in that intimate embrace on the balcony burned into my mind. His hands possessively around her waist, her body melting into his.
I wasn’t stupid-Lucas had seen me arrive. That display wasn’t coincidence it was a declaration of ownership, a clear message that she
belonged to him now.
I pushed open the front door, not bothering to wipe my feet or announce my arrival.
“Ethan? Oh my God, what happened to your hand?” My mother rushed toward me, her face pale with concern.
I walked past her without a word, heading straight for the stairs. “Ethan! Talk to me. Is that blood? Are you hurt p>
I ignored her, taking the steps two at a time. Behind me, I heard her anxious voice calling after me, but it sounded distant, as if coming from
underwater.
All I could think about was Tori’s face when she had looked at Lucas-that soft vulnerability I’d once thought was reserved only for me.
In my room, I slammed the door and leaned against it, sliding down until hit the floor. My bloodied knuckles throbbed in rhythm with my
heartbeat. I deserved this pain and more.
My mother’s voice filtered through the door, speaking to my father in hushed, urgent tones.
‘Richard, I’m worried about him. He came home with his hand covered in blood, and he wouldn’t say a word to me p>
“What do you expect me to do about it, Grace? The boy’s been acting like his for months p>
“This is different. Something happened tonight. I’ve never seen him like this p>
My father’s heavy sigh penetrated the wooden barrier. “First the drinking, now this. Truly pathetic. All this over an Omega, of all things. Is she
really worth destroying himself over p>
I clenched my jaw so hard my teeth ached. They had no idea. None of them did. Tori wasn’t just “an Omega.” She was… everything.
The only person who had ever seen me-really seen me-beneath the Grayson name.
“At least he’s showing up to work,” my father continued. “He’s doing well at Grayson Enterprise. That’s something, I suppose p>
“I hope he can move past this soon,” my mother’s voice dropped lower, but could still make out her words. “I just want my bright, cheerful son
back. I miss how he used to be p>
I pressed my forehead against my knees, their words slicing through me like shards of glass. Always Lucas.
Time blurred. I might have dozed off, my body crashing from adrenaline and alcohol.
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12:14 Thu, Feb 19
Chapter 162
A soft knock at my door jolted me awake.
“Ethan? It’s me p>
Fiona. The last person I wanted to see.
“Go away. My voice sounded raw, even to my own ears.
“Please, I just want to make sure you’re okay p>
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I remained silent, hoping she’d leave, but the door handle turned anyway Fiona had never been good at respecting boundaries.
She stepped inside, her eyes widening at the sight of my bloodied hand. Ph, Ethan.” She rushed toward me, kneeling beside me. “Let me help
you clean that up p>
I jerked away from her touch. 1 said go away p>
“Don’t be like that. Her voice took on that soothing quality she used when she wanted something. “We need to talk about your new position at
Grayson Enterprise. It’s such an opportunity for us-for our future p>
There it was. Not concern for me, but for what I could provide.
Is it in the financial division? You know our father has connections then You could speak to him about p>
“Stop. I and byer off, finally looking at her. Her hand rested protectively over the small swell of her stomach. “Just focus on having your baby.
Don’t worry about anything else p>
Fiona smiled, her expression softening. The baby is doing well. It kicked me several times today p>
She reached for my hand, placing it on her belly.
“Actually, being able to have your child already makes me happy. I don’t expect you to love me, but Ethan, my love for you has never changed p>
“I admit that before, I was jealour and caused you and Toni to separate,” he continued, her voice taking on a confessional tone. “I know I was wrong, and I’m willing to make amends. If you can’t forget her, after I give birth and secure our child a legitimate place in the family, I’m
willing to step aside for Tori
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whimper. ‘ t that Toni now has feelings for your uncle. You need to surpass Lucas to make her
notice you again p>
Something inside me snapped. I moved so quiddy she had no time to seni…
My uninjured hand closed around her throat, not squeezing, ju holding her there as I leaned close.
“Do you think I’m stupid, Fiona?” My voice came out as a whisper. Do we think I don’t see right through you p>
Fear flickered in her eyes, genuine for once. Ethan, you’re hurting e-
I was unmoved.
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Chapter 162
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“We both want things, Ethan,” she said quietly. “I want security for our child. A future worth having. And yes, the Grayson name provides that. Is that so wrong p>
I released her, disgust rising in my throat. “At least you’re finally honest.
A cold, mocking laugh escaped me.
*Look at you, playing the devoted mother. The child isn’t even born yet, and you’re already scheming for its future. My voice dripped with
sarcasm.
Fiona stroked her belly, her face radiating smug satisfaction. “Of course m. This baby is my lucky star p>
I stared at her confidence, at the absolute certainty in her eyes.
An internal laugh echoed through my mind, cold and bitter. I couldn’t help but wonder what expression would cross that perfect face of hers when the truth finally came to light. How quickly would that smugness cumble?
“Get out,” I said quietly.
Fiona backed away, but her expression held no fear now-only cold calculation. “Think about what I said. About our child. About your future p>
She paused at the door. “And get that hand looked at. You’re no good to anyone if you bleed to death p>
The door closed behind her with a soft click that seemed to echo in the emptiness of my room.
I collapsed to the floor, staring at my bloodied hand. The physical pain in my hand was nothing compared to the ache in my chest whenever I
thought of Tori.
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