Chapter 2

Ethan paused, then spoke hesitantly. "Sophia, can I discuss something with you?"

"It's just... Lauren had some conflict with her landlord and got kicked out. She can't find a suitable place right away."

"So, could we let her stay at our place for a while? Just as a temporary arrangement."

I almost laughed from sheer rage.

Was Ethan's brain damaged?

"Do you think that's appropriate?" I asked coldly.

"What's inappropriate about it?"

His voice immediately carried a trace of impatience. "Sophia, why have you become so petty? I told you, Lauren and I are in the past. You're the only one in my heart."

"She's a woman all alone, helpless out there. What's wrong with us helping her?"

"Don't worry, I would never betray you!"

He spoke with such conviction.

But he'd already betrayed me.

The moment he decided to give our home to another woman.

"Ethan," I said each word deliberately, "in your eyes, am I some kind of worthless person?"

"Do you think that because I suffered through all that hardship with you, I deserve to be trampled on like this?"

He fell silent.

After a long pause, he said wearily, "Sophia, don't overthink it. I'm just helping a friend. This is settled. I'm going to pick her up now."

With that, he walked straight out the door.

Hearing the door slam shut, I closed my eyes and forced back the stinging sensation rising to them.

Shedding tears over a worthless man wasn't worth it.

Just then, Ethan's mother Grace called me.

"Sophia dear, it's the weekend tomorrow. Come back to the estate with Ethan for dinner."

Grace had always been good to me. I couldn't refuse, so I agreed.

"Alright, Grace."

After hanging up, I looked out at the darkening sky, my heart cold as ice.

The next day, I went alone to the appointment.

The family estate had been mortgaged and auctioned off when the family went bankrupt.

Later, when Ethan made his comeback, he wanted to buy back the house that held his childhood memories, but the new owner refused no matter what.

It was me who'd showed up at the door with gifts again and again, spending three full months wearing down that eccentric retired professor.

Only then did he agree to sell the house back to us at the original price.

When Grace saw only me arrive, she frowned. "Where's Ethan? Busy with his nonsense again?"

"The company had a last-minute meeting. He'll be here later." I made an excuse for him.

Grace took my hand and led me to sit on the sofa, sighing. "Sophia, don't cover for him. I've heard about what he's been doing lately."

My heart skipped a beat.

"Is he getting tangled up with that Lauren woman again?"

Grace's eyes sharpened. "I warned him long ago that woman has ulterior motives and isn't decent. I told him to stay away!"

I lowered my head without speaking.

Grace patted the back of my hand, her tone full of sympathy. "Dear child, I'm sorry you've had to suffer. Don't worry-the only daughter-in-law the family recognizes is you. If he dares do anything to betray you, I'll be the first to break his legs!"

Warmth spread through my chest as I forced a smile. "It's fine."

Just then, Ethan arrived.

When he saw me, his expression darkened. He was clearly displeased that I'd arrived before him.

"Mom, did you call Sophia back here to complain about me again?" His opening words were loaded with hostility.

Grace was so angry she grabbed a throw pillow and hurled it at him. "You ungrateful wretch, what are you saying? Is Sophia that kind of person? If she'd said even half a bad word about you to me, I wouldn't have let you through that door today!"

"Then what is it?" Ethan impatiently loosened his tie. "If she didn't say anything, how would you know about Lauren?"

"Do I need her to tell me?" Grace laughed coldly.

"You arranged for that woman to work at your company as your personal assistant. You practically want the whole company to know about your little affair. Do you think I'm blind?"

Bitterness welled up inside me.