Chapter 2

Ethan chuckled. "You're scared. She couldn't possibly understand."

But he didn't know that I spent three years learning the less common language they used in order to study a medical paper.

Just as I was about to step into the room, I was grabbed by a large hand.

"Didn't you say you had something to tell me when you came back from outside?"

I shook my head and clutched the pregnancy test report tightly in the inner pocket of my clothes.

"It's alright now..."

Since Vanessa is always in his heart, he probably wouldn't want my child with him!

As for the other matter, he didn't need to know.

Ethan noticed my unusual behavior, took my hand, and kissed the back of my scarred hand.

"Honey, you must tell me if anything is on your mind. If anyone dares to bully you, I will teach them a lesson!"

Are you bullying me?

He himself was the one who bullied me the most.

I had no interest in watching his pretentious display of affection, but Ethan shoved a handful of pills into my hand.

A year ago, he told me frankly that he envied other people being fathers, and since that day, he has been urging me to take folic acid every day.

I used to think he was just eager to have a child, but now I realize that what he wanted from the beginning was not me and his child, but for Vanessa to complete the experimental results.

I forced a faint smile. "Can we not eat?"

"Taking so many medications will cause problems!"

Ethan's gaze was tender, his eyes filled with a smile mixed with a hint of urgency. "Honey, you absolutely can't stop taking the medication. You have no idea how long I've waited to have this child. You have to cooperate fully! We can't let all our efforts go to waste! After this period is over, I'll give you anything you want!"

"Be good, listen to me!"

In the past, I would have been moved by it, but now, all that remains in my heart is endless sorrow.

Ethan thoughtfully brought me water at the perfect temperature, his gaze gentle yet undeniably commanding.

I swallowed the pills whole, refusing the water from his hand, and choked until tears welled in my eyes.

He felt sorry for me and wanted to go over and comfort me.

The phone rang abruptly.

I have a deep impression of that special ringtone; it was Vanessa's. Ever since she joined our medical school in our senior year, Ethan has had a special ringtone set for her on his phone.

"Honey, it's Vanessa. There are some things at the hospital that I need to go over to take care of. I'll be right back after I'm done."

"Be good, I'll bring you something delicious when I come back."

I nodded slightly, expressionless, without making a sound.

In the past, I would have definitely thrown a tantrum because he answered Vanessa's private phone call.

Seeing how considerate and understanding I was today, a hint of surprise flashed in Ethan's eyes, but he left without giving it much thought.

A new update from Vanessa on social media popped up on my phone screen.

In the 60-second video, at the dinner table, Ethan repeatedly fends off Vanessa from drinking and negotiates more projects for her.

Vanessa's emerald bracelet, worn only by daughters-in-law of the Carter family, deeply stung me.

What's it like to have a senior who shields you from all external difficulties and always treats you like a little junior? Thank you, senior Ethan, for securing me an international-level medical program. I'll always be your biggest fan!!

I swallowed the bitterness in my heart and wiped away the tears from the corners of my eyes.