Chapter 3

Ethan always said I was the most beautiful princess in his heart.

Seeing me in new clothes, his eyes would always light up as he stared at me, lavishing me with praise.

Then he'd gently pull me into his arms and leave a kiss on my lips.

Ethan said I looked good in formal dresses, so he ordered new dresses from high-end boutiques every quarter and had them delivered to our home.

Thinking of this, my heart stirred slightly.

I tried on the dress, only to discover in surprise that it didn't fit.

Ethan knew my height, weight, and all my measurements, and after ordering clothes for so long, the boutique shouldn't have gotten it wrong.

I took off the dress, put it in the bag, and returned it to the boutique.

Unexpectedly, I ran into Ethan and Serena there.

"Serena, this dress looks wonderful on you. We can wrap it up. I've opened an account for you—you can come browse often from now on. All expenses will be charged to my account!"

Ethan's gentle voice drifted over.

I glanced in their direction.

Serena wore this season's new dress, her hair cascading over her shoulders like seaweed, her skin like snow, her smile radiant.

She looked vibrant and beautiful.

And Ethan's eyes sparkled with admiration as he pulled her into his embrace.

The two smiled at each other, the atmosphere intimate.

"Miss White, why are you here..."

A store clerk recognized me and exclaimed.

Her voice was neither loud nor soft—both Ethan and Serena heard.

They quickly separated and turned to look at me.

Anger rapidly flooded Ethan's face. He strode toward me, loudly questioning me.

"Aurora, what are you doing here! Are you following me?"

I looked at him calmly, then at Serena standing behind him.

Serena's height, waist, and shoulder measurements...

I let out a light laugh. So they'd mixed up my measurements with Serena's, which was why the dress in my hands didn't fit.

"I wasn't following you. The dress you ordered arrived, but it's not my size. I came to return it."

I held up the garment bag in Ethan's view and waved it.

"I have other things to do, so I'll be going. I won't disturb you two."

I turned to leave.

Various complex expressions crossed Ethan's face, his deep eyes glaring at me angrily.

"Aurora, don't go too far! Serena and I have nothing going on. Don't project your filthy thoughts onto us!"

I smiled indifferently.

"I'm not thinking anything. You don't need to be angry."

With that, I turned and left decisively.

I felt like I'd made progress—seeing Ethan and Serena's intimate interactions, my heart didn't hurt as much.

That evening when Ethan came home, after showering, he surprisingly walked into my room.

He carried the familiar scent of my body wash.

Ethan climbed into bed and embraced me from behind.

His body heat transferred through my pajamas to my back, making me tremble slightly.

"Aurora, about the past few days—don't misunderstand... Serena and I really have nothing going on. She's exceptionally capable at work. I'm just nurturing a talented employee. I've been cold to you lately. We haven't... Aurora, I've missed you."

Ethan's voice was low, his tone carrying a hint of seductive allure.

His hand caressed me.

To say I no longer loved Ethan would be a lie.

In my long, gray youth marked by hearing loss, he was the only bright spot.

He gave me endless warmth and love.

The ten years with him were invaluable to my heart.

My nose stung, and the long-missed intimacy made the grievances in my heart surge forth.

I nestled into his embrace as we tangled together.

His kisses fell densely, taking away the tears seeping from my eyes.

Just as Ethan reached to remove my hearing aid and move further, his phone rang at the worst possible moment.

I had a bad feeling.

He picked up the call, exchanged a few brief words, then abruptly pushed me away and sat up anxiously.

"Aurora, Serena seems to have a fever. She's feeling really unwell. I'm going to check on her!"

Ethan hurriedly put on his shoes and rushed out without giving me another glance.

I heard the sound of the door opening and closing, then everything returned to silence.

I sat desolately on the bed, feeling Ethan's lingering scent in the air slowly fade away.

My phone chimed. Serena had sent a message.

[Aurora, I'm not feeling well. I asked Ethan to come check on me. Don't be mad, okay!]

I stared at my phone expressionlessly and smiled silently.

Serena—she'd won.

Ethan didn't return until the next morning.