Chapter 94
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Over the next few days, Ethan didn’t send me a single message.
Classic silent treatment.
Ever since our fights about Lily became more frequent, he’d always resort to this cold-shoulder bullshit to “solve” our problems.
Before, I’d usually cave because I couldn’t stand the silence.
But this time? I was done.
After getting discharged, I took a cab home to pack my stuff.
But standing in front of the familiar mansion, I couldn’t get the door to open.
My heart sank. Had Ethan changed the code?
The door suddenly swung open, and I found myself face-to-face with Lily.
“Oh! You’re back p>
She flinched like a startled bird, immediately bowing her head apologetically.
“I’m so sorry you have to see me here again. I didn’t want this either p>
“Ethan was worried about me and the baby being so far away, so he brought us back. But pregnancy brain, you know? I couldn’t remember the old code, so he changed it to my birthday. Please don’t be mad p>
I stood there frozen, my chest tight with pain.
Three years ago, I’d taken a knife for Ethan.
He swore he’d love me forever.
He proposed, bought this house, and set the security code to the anniversary of our first date.
This was supposed to be our home. I was supposed to be the only woman who lived here.
He promised he’d never bring another woman into our space-especially not Lily.
But apparently, promises didn’t mean shit to him.
I glanced around and noticed even the roses in the vase-my favorite flowers-had been replaced with jasmine. Lily’s favorite.
“She’s just being her usual dramatic, princess self. Ignore her p>
Ethan’s mocking voice cut through my thoughts. He walked over and pulled Lily into his arms, his voice going all gentle:
“You’re practically the lady of the house now. Next time, just have the maid get the door. You shouldn’t be doing that kind of thing p>
He rubbed her belly tenderly, playing the devoted father to be.
The sight made my chest ache as I thought about my own baby-the one that never got a chance.
70 13
Chapter 2
If Ethan knew he’d killed his own child with his bare hands, what would his precious face look like then?
He must’ve felt me staring because he looked over and frowned.
“Alright, enough with the attitude. You’re home now, so let’s forget all that breaking off the engagement nonsense p>
“Go check on Junior, will you? You’re good with kids, and he’s been crying nonstop since we started weaning him p>
I took a deep breath and met his gaze.
“Handle your own kids. I’m not your nanny p>
I tried to walk past him, but he blocked my path.
“Charlotte, what the hell is your problem? You’re the one who shipped Lily overseas out of pure jealousy, which stressed her out so bad she almost lost the baby! That’s why I brought her back here. The least you can do is help with the kids-they only exist because of you anyway p>
I stared at him in disbelief.
“Because of me.” Those four words hit like a sledgehammer. The audacity was almost laughable.
I’d given him the chance to break up back then. He was the one who begged me for three days straight. I only agreed to his grandparents’ demands-letting him have kids with Lily to continue the family line-because I felt tender-hearted for him.
Realizing how that sounded, Ethan’s eyes flickered and he opened his mouth to backtrack.
But Lily rushed between us first.
“It’s all my fault! I shouldn’t have come back. I promise, the second this baby’s born, I’ll disappear forever p>
“But please, the children are innocent. Don’t punish them just because you hate me p>
She started to drop to her knees, but Ethan caught her.
That’s when a small, angry voice piped up:
“Bad lady! Don’t be mean to my mommy p>
It was Ethan and Lily’s daughter.
She ran over and started pounding on my stomach with her tiny fists.
I was still recovering from the D&C after my miscarriage, and the pain was excruciating. I gasped and gently pushed her away.
I barely touched her, but she tumbled to the ground anyway.
Lily immediately threw herself over the child, sobbing dramatically.
“What is wrong with you p>
Ethan shoved me hard.
My head slammed into the doorframe, and I felt blood start trickling down my forehead.
“Charlotte, Lily was trying to make peace, and you attack a three-year old? Are you insane p>
Chapter 2
“Apologize to them right now, or I swear to God p>
Dizzy from the impact, I pressed my hand to the cut and forced out each word:
“I didn’t do anything wrong. I won’t apologize p>
Ethan’s face went red with rage.
“Stubborn bitch p>
“Someone! Lock her in the cold storage. Don’t let her out until I say yes p>
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Mark Twain