Chapter Twenty-Eight

The following day, in a private room at the prestigious Texas Memorial Hospital, Mae lay in bed, her vitals stable and her mind still racing from the events of the previous day. A nurse gently checked her monitor before giving her a reassuring smile.

"You're doing well, Mae. Just let me know if you feel anything unusual," the nurse said, finishing her round. She turned toward the door.

"Thank you," Mae replied softly.

A knock interrupted her thoughts, and at her invitation, the door swung open. Nicole, Ethan's mother, stepped inside, her expression warm, a genuine smile on her face.

"Hello, daughter-in-law," Nicole greeted as she entered, the tone light but filled with meaning.

"Mrs. Grayson?" Mae asked, unsure of how to address her.

"Is that what you're supposed to call me?" Nicole asked with a playful smirk.

Mae hesitated, "Sorry, ma'am."

Nicole waved it off. "No need for formalities. We're family now." She took a seat beside Mae's bed. "How are you feeling today?"

"I'm alright. How's Ethan?" Mae inquired, a hint of concern in her voice.

"He's struggling," Nicole admitted, her smile fading slightly. "But he'll get through it, Mae. He always does."

"I'm really sorry if I made you worry about me yesterday," Mae said, feeling guilty.

Nicole shook her head. "Don't be silly. It's my job as a mother to worry. When you married Ethan, you became my daughter too."

"That's very kind of you," Mae said softly.

"Call me Mom," Nicole said gently, her voice kind, not demanding.

"Really?" Mae blinked, surprised.

Nicole smiled. "It wouldn't hurt to try it. But I won't pressure you."

Mae smiled in return. "Okay, Mom."

Nicole's eyes softened as she observed Mae. "You know, you're a lot like Ethan. You don't realize it, but you two have a lot more in common than you think."

Mae raised an eyebrow. "I'm not so sure about that."

"You'd be surprised," Nicole said, her expression turning more serious. "Actually, there's something I need to talk to you about. Something important."

Mae stiffened slightly. "Is something wrong with Ethan?"

"No, Ethan's alright," Nicole assured her. "But I overheard your conversation with him yesterday. The one about your mother."

Mae's heart skipped a beat. "Oh, that..."

"Yes."

Mae sighed, her gaze turning distant. "I guess you probably know by now that my mother's the reason your daughter is dead."

Nicole's expression softened, but she shook her head. "Courtney wasn't my daughter."

Mae blinked in confusion. "Who's Courtney?"

"Ethan's sister."

Mae frowned. "How is she his sister and not your daughter?"

Nicole's eyes darkened with the weight of years of untold stories. "It's complicated."

"I'm really sorry for what my mother did to your family," Mae murmured.

Nicole placed a hand on her shoulder, her voice gentle. "I'm sure your mother didn't mean for it to happen."

"But that doesn't change what she did. And because of it, Ethan hates me."

Nicole chuckled softly. "Ethan doesn't hate you, darling."

"How can you be so sure?" Mae asked, a trace of bitterness creeping into her voice.

"I'm his mother," Nicole said with a warm smile. "I know him."

"Children are very good at hiding their feelings from their parents," Mae muttered.

Nicole nodded, her eyes distant for a moment. "Yes, but parents are also good at knowing how their children feel."

Mae sighed. "I'm not so sure about that."

Nicole's gaze softened. "Your parents love you, darling, even if they have a strange way of showing it."

Mae paused, surprised. "Ethan said those exact same words."

Nicole gave a small laugh. "Do you want to know something about Ethan that no one else knows?"

Mae's curiosity piqued. "Yes, Mom."

"Growing up, Ethan was the victim of bullying. He never fought back, always believing violence wasn't the answer. Every day, he came home bruised or swollen, but he wouldn't report it. Even when the school found out, he made sure the bullies got another chance."

Mae's eyes widened. "Ethan was bullied? I find that hard to believe."

Nicole nodded solemnly. "Yes, he was. But things changed when Courtney came into our lives. One day, she went to pick him up from school and saw the bullies attacking him. She didn't stand by—she stepped in, stood up for him. After that, they never bullied him again. They started fearing him."

Mae's eyebrows furrowed. "What did she do to them?"

Nicole shrugged. "No one knows. But whatever she did, it worked. Ethan started looking up to her. She became everything to him. Losing her… it broke him, Mae. Watching him suffer every day… it was hard."

Mae swallowed hard. "I can't even imagine."

"After the accident, Ethan had amnesia," Nicole continued, her voice softening with sorrow. "He didn't remember what happened that day. But when we told him Courtney was gone, he lost it. He tore apart the whole room. It was terrifying to watch him change."

Mae winced at the thought. "That reminds me of how I reacted when I found out about my parents' divorce."

Nicole nodded. "His doctor recommended therapy. He resisted at first, but eventually, he went. There, he met a girl. She was dealing with her own pain—her parents had divorced, and her dad sent her there to cope. She became his friend."

Mae frowned. "What happened to her?"

Nicole's eyes darkened. "They became very close. But like every story, there's always a twist. On the day of his final therapy session, he found out she had left without even saying goodbye. That sent him into a spiral, Mae. It triggered his memories of that day—of losing Courtney. He had to relive it all over again."

Mae closed her eyes, as if she could feel the weight of Ethan's pain. "That must have been horrible for him."

Nicole nodded. "It was. And after that, he decided he couldn't get close to any girl again. He believed everyone he cared about would leave him. He even told me he was going to stop loving me. But he didn't. And I'm grateful for that."

Mae looked at her, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "Is that why he refuses to get romantically involved with anyone?"

Nicole smiled softly. "Yes."

"I judged him so harshly before," Mae said, her voice thick with regret. "I didn't know any of this."

"It's okay, darling," Nicole reassured her. "I'm sorry for what Ethan did to you these past few months. I didn't know he was still holding onto that need for revenge. I thought he had let it go after therapy."

Mae shook her head. "I won't blame him. I deserved everything I got from him."

Nicole looked at her with a gentle expression. "No, you don't deserve that. You deserve so much better."

Mae's voice softened. "Really?"

Nicole smiled warmly. "I never got the chance to thank you… thirteen years ago."

"Thank me for what?"

Nicole's gaze turned affectionate. "Thank you for saving my son from the darkness he trapped himself in."

Mae's heart skipped a beat. "I don't understand."

Nicole took a deep breath. "You were the little girl who helped him get over Courtney's death. You don't even realize it, but you mean so much to him."

Mae shook her head, her confusion still evident. "I was the little girl who abandoned him."

Nicole placed a hand on her cheek. "I'm sure you didn't mean to."

"Why are you so kind and forgiving?" Mae asked softly.

Nicole smiled. "Because I know what it's like to be in pain and feel like no one understands. I'm grateful to you, Mae. You've always been important to my son, even if you didn't know it."

Mae's eyes filled with tears. "Thank you, Mom," she whispered, embracing her.

Nicole's smile was warm as she pulled away. "I have a little present for you."

Mae raised an eyebrow. "Okay…"

"You'll have to come with me," Nicole said, her tone playful as she stood from her chair.

"Lead the way," Mae replied, her curiosity piqued.

Nicole motioned for her to follow as they left the room together. They walked down the hall, reaching a VIP ward.

Inside, three incubators stood side by side, the soft hum of the machines filling the air. Mae stood at the doorway, her confusion only deepening.

"Come closer," Nicole said, guiding Mae toward the incubators.

As Mae looked inside, her breath caught in her throat. Each incubator held a tiny, fragile baby—just small, delicate little beings with the faintest signs of life.

"Aren't they cute?" Nicole asked with a smile.

Mae could only nod. "Yes, they are."

"They'll stay in here for about a month before the doctors decide if they're strong enough to go home," Nicole explained.

Mae's heart twisted. "I'm sorry, but… why are we here? Looking at them only reminds me of the babies I lost."

Nicole's voice softened with compassion. "I'm sorry if this hurts you. But I thought you might want to see your children."

Mae's eyes widened. "My… my children?"

Nicole nodded. "These are your babies, Mae. You gave birth to them."

Mae shook her head in disbelief. "What… what do you mean?"

Nicole smiled gently, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know it's hard to understand right now, but it's true. You didn't lose them. They were taken from you, but they're here. With us."

Mae felt her world tilt. "But… the doctors said—"

"I know," Nicole interrupted softly. "But do you remember when you were taken from the hospital? That's when I stepped in."

Mae frowned, confusion clouding her mind. "Why would you take me away?"

Nicole's gaze hardened with a hint of something fierce. "Because if I hadn't, your father would have made sure they were gone before Ethan could get help. He called a specialist, someone who could help save you and the babies."

Mae felt her heart race. "What happened?"

Nicole explained, her voice steady. "Ethan went to get the doctor. He was in such a hurry—he was trying to save you. And on his way, he got into an accident. I had you transferred to another hospital, where a C-section was performed, and that's how you gave birth to these three little ones."

Mae shook her head, still trying to process the flood of information. "This all seems too good to be true."

Nicole smiled, her eyes soft with love. "It is true, honey. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

Mae's mind spun. "So… Ethan didn't leave to marry Bella. He was going to get help for me and the babies?"

Nicole nodded. "Yes, dear."

Mae's heart fluttered, a whirlwind of emotions threatening to overtake her. "But I was pregnant with twins…"

"Maybe the ultrasound missed one heartbeat," Nicole said softly.

Mae's chest tightened as she realized the enormity of what Nicole was telling her. "Why would Ethan help me, though? After everything I said… after everything I accused him of?"

"Because he doesn't hate you, Mae," Nicole said gently. "He just hates himself. He thought he had to get revenge, but the truth is, he's falling for you. He's in love with you."

Mae's breath caught. "Ethan… he cares about me?"

Nicole smiled. "More than you can imagine."

Mae's gaze turned back to the babies, a tender smile crossing her face as she looked at the tiny form in the middle incubator. "Aren't they beautiful? He looks a little like Ethan…"

Nicole chuckled softly. "Yes, he does."

Mae hugged Nicole tightly, tears welling in her eyes. "Thank you, Mom. You have no idea what this means to me."

Nicole's smile was warm and knowing. "I think you're saying that to the wrong person."

Mae smiled through her tears. "Is he in his room?"

"Yes."

"I'll be right back," Mae said, already moving toward the door.

Nicole watched her go, her heart full. "I hope your parents settle their differences," she whispered, her smile lingering as she looked at the babies.

On her way to Ethan's room, Mae bumped into a nurse in the hallway.

"I'm really sorry," Mae apologized quickly.

"Mae? Is that you?" the nurse asked, her voice full of surprise.

Mae looked up and smiled. "Nurse Ruby! How are you?"

"I'm good," Ruby replied, her expression softening. "I heard what happened. I'm so sorry I didn't come check up on you earlier."

Mae gave a small, tired smile. "It's okay."

Ruby leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "Don't worry, you'll be fine. With the kind of husband you've got, you'll get through this loss before you know it. And, by the way, he's cute."

Mae blinked. "Do you know my husband?"

Ruby's face brightened. "Yeah, his name is Ethan, right?"

"How do you know that?" Mae asked, a touch of curiosity in her voice.

Ruby gave a small laugh. "He always came to your antenatal sessions."

"Really?" Mae said, her voice full of disbelief. "I didn't know that."

"Yeah, didn't you notice he was there every time you came?" Ruby asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mae shook her head slowly. "Not at all."

"Well, now you know," Ruby said, her smile widening.

"Thanks a lot, Ruby," Mae said, her mind already turning. "I've got to go. I'll see you later."

"Be careful!" Ruby called after her as Mae continued running down the hall toward Ethan's room.

As Mae moved, her thoughts raced. Ethan had always been there, all those times she had gone to her appointments. He had never shown his face, but he had been there—always. And now, remembering how, during the month she was confined to her room, every time she woke up, she had been tucked into bed, feeling a strange presence nearby, she finally understood. Ethan had been there. He had never cheated on her. He had always cared for her and the babies. Even though she had misjudged him, he had been the perfect contract husband.

He could have taken revenge on her, but instead, he had silently cared for her. She felt a rush of guilt for how she had treated him, all the while misunderstanding his motives. Nicole and Michael were right—she had never realized it sooner, but Ethan had loved her.

When Mae entered Ethan's room, she found him in a black pajama set. He was standing, unbuttoning his shirt as she rushed toward him. He stopped, eyes widening in surprise as she ran straight into his room.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice a mix of confusion and caution.

Mae didn't answer immediately. She stood in front of him, her eyes locking onto his, and before he could react, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug.

"I'm so sorry I left you thirteen years ago," she whispered against his chest. "I had no idea you were the little boy I met at the hospital. I didn't want to leave, but my dad made me. I'm sorry for ever doubting you. You were never in love with Bella. You never cheated on me, even though you didn't love me. You cared about me, even though you knew my mother killed your sister. You got hurt trying to help me. You made yourself out to be the villain just to help Michael. You could've walked away at any time, but you didn't. I meant what I said that day, Ethan. I love you, and I know I've regretted it a few times, but now I know better. I want to say it again: Ethan Grayson, I am hopelessly, crazily, and madly in love with you."

Ethan stood frozen for a moment, caught off guard by her sudden confession. "Why are you saying all this? I never asked you to—"

Before he could finish, Mae pulled him closer, gripping the front of his shirt, and kissed him.

Ethan's eyes widened in shock as her lips pressed against his, and he froze, stunned by her boldness. But as she deepened the kiss, pressing her body close to his, a strange warmth filled him, and before he knew it, he was responding, kissing her back just as passionately. His hands moved to the curves of her waist, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. For a brief moment, everything else faded away, and they were consumed by a burning, desperate passion.

But then, just as quickly, Mae pulled away, leaving Ethan breathless.

She took a step back and smirked. "Do you want me to continue?"

Ethan's expression was a mix of confusion and frustration. "Why did you kiss me? What are you even doing here?"

Mae's gaze softened, but her smile remained. "I came to see you."

"Really?" Ethan asked, still trying to process everything.

Mae's eyes wandered over him, her gaze lingering on his exposed chest and the sturdy muscles beneath his shirt. "How come I never knew you had such a nice body?" she teased, her voice light as she glanced at his abs.

Ethan's face flushed, and he quickly began buttoning his shirt. "What are you looking at?" he said, his tone a mix of embarrassment and irritation. "Don't you know you're supposed to knock before coming into a room?"

Mae grinned. "I don't know what you're hiding. I've seen it all before."

Ethan groaned in exasperation. "Just leave already."

"I know you want me to stay," Mae said, her voice playful. "But you don't have to say it. I'll stay with you, honey."

Ethan's eyes widened, his frustration growing. "Is this your way of torturing me for saying I'm going to take away everything you love?"

Mae's smile softened, but her eyes were serious. "I hold no grudge against you."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Okay, now you're starting to scare me."

Mae chuckled lightly. "No need to be scared, Ethan."

She took a deep breath, her expression turning more serious. "Now that we've gotten all that behind us, I'll get to the real reason I'm here."

Ethan stood still, waiting. "I'm listening."

Mae's voice dropped, and her words were sharp. "I filed for a divorce this morning."

Ethan froze, his jaw tightening. "You did what?"

"I filed for a divorce," Mae repeated calmly. "I know you wanted to be the one to do it, but I thought I should save you the stress of all the legal work, given your condition."

Ethan's expression darkened. "Are you trying to use this as a way to get rid of me?"

"No, Ethan," Mae said firmly, her voice unwavering. "Didn't you hear what I said earlier? I'm in love with you. But we have a contract, and we need to stick to it."

Ethan's face grew more confused. "What contract?"

Mae's gaze locked with his. "Don't tell me you've forgotten about the contract we made after we got married."

Ethan let out a frustrated sigh. "I haven't forgotten about it."

"Good," Mae said, her tone firm. "Because we agreed to get a divorce after the babies were born."

Ethan shook his head. "Yes, but we didn't agree to get a divorce immediately."

"Ethan, you wouldn't want to break our contract, would you?" Mae asked, her voice soft but insistent.

Ethan's eyes flashed with frustration. "In case you've forgotten, you broke the contract by falling in love with me."

Mae met his gaze without flinching. "I don't choose who my heart falls in love with, mister."

Ethan clenched his jaw. "We're not getting a divorce."

Mae's smile was almost sad as she shook her head. "It's too late to say that. You'll receive the papers tomorrow morning."

Ethan's expression turned dark. "Well, it's never too late to get your lawyer to stop the divorce process."

Mae shrugged, her tone soft but resolute. "Don't worry. You can still be a father to your kids. I won't stop you from seeing them or being a part of their lives."

Ethan's frustration reached its peak. "Mae, can you just listen for once?"

She reached up and kissed his cheek gently. "Don't make the mistake of not signing those papers when they arrive tomorrow," she said softly, her voice a mix of finality and tenderness.

With one last lingering glance, she turned and walked toward the door. Opening it, she gave him one last look before stepping outside.

Ethan sat on the bed, his thoughts racing. What just happened? He ran a hand through his hair. She walks into my room, confesses her love, kisses me, and then tells me she filed for a divorce? What is wrong with her?