Chapter 3

Evelyn POV

"Evelyn."

Familiar footsteps suddenly came from behind.

I quickly closed the computer screen and stood up.

Ethan walked over, wrapping his arms tightly around my waist from behind, his chin resting in the crook of my neck, gently nuzzling.

"Why did you run off here alone? You didn't even eat breakfast. Your stomach will hurt again." His voice was so tender it could drip water.

I felt his chest pressed against my back, but all I could think of was the video of him and Sophia having sex.

A strong wave of physiological nausea surged up.

I suddenly pushed Ethan away, covering my mouth and dry heaving.

Ethan was pushed back two steps, his expression instantly changing as he rushed forward to support me. "What's wrong? Is it your stomach again? Come on, I'm taking you to the hospital!"

The anxiety and panic in his eyes weren't fake. Even his hands were trembling slightly.

If I hadn't heard him say that phrase "responsibility I can't shirk" with my own ears, I really would have thought he loved me to his bones.

The late-stage cancer pain attacked without warning at this moment.

It felt like countless rusty knives were wildly churning in my stomach. The pain made my legs go weak instantly, and I collapsed to the ground.

Cold sweat dripped down in large drops. I couldn't even speak a complete sentence.

"Evelyn! Evelyn, don't scare me!" Ethan completely panicked. He scooped me up in his arms, his voice carrying desperate sobs. "It's okay, I'm taking you to the hospital right now. Hang on!"

Just then, Sophia walked out of the villa.

She wore my silk robe, the neckline open wide, deliberately showing the glaring red marks on her collarbone.

Seeing Ethan rushing out carrying me, Sophia put on a worried expression and came forward. "Ethan, what happened to Evelyn? Do you need my help?"

Ethan only had eyes for me right now. He didn't even look at her, roaring. "Get out of the way! Don't block the road!"

Sophia was startled by his yelling, a flash of viciousness in her eyes, but she still obediently moved aside.

I leaned in Ethan's arms, enduring the severe pain, looking at the hickeys on Sophia's neck, my lips curling into a weak yet sarcastic smile.

At the hospital, the doctor gave me a painkiller injection.

Because I'd signed a confidentiality agreement with the doctor beforehand, he only told Ethan it was ordinary gastric spasms and prescribed some medicine.

The hospital room fell quiet.

Ethan sat by the bed, tightly holding my hand, his eyes red.

"Evelyn, I'm sorry. I didn't take good care of you. I'll never make you angry again. Whatever you want, I'll give you." He lowered his head and kissed the back of my hand, his voice choked up.

"When you're feeling better, let's go to Iceland to see the Northern Lights, okay? You've always wanted to go, right? I've pushed all my work for the second half of the year just to be with you."

He painted a beautiful future, trying to comfort me with these promises.

I quietly looked at Ethan, my eyes hollow without a trace of emotion.

"Ethan." I spoke softly, my voice hoarse.

"I'm here, I'm here." Ethan quickly responded.

"Do you really love me?"

Ethan's whole body shook. He looked up, his eyes firm beyond doubt. "Evelyn, you are my life. Without you, I can't live."

I closed my eyes, and a tear slid from the corner, disappearing into the pillow.

Such beautiful words.

But why is your life currently wearing my robe, waiting for you at our home?

I didn't expose him.

Since I'm leaving anyway, I'll leave cleanly. No need to dredge up these things.

"I'm tired. I want to sleep." I turned over, my back to him.

Ethan tucked in the blanket for me, saying softly. "Okay, I'll watch over you. I'm not going anywhere."

I silently counted down in my heart.

Thirteen more days.

Ethan, in thirteen days, you'll be completely free.