Chapter 82: A Heavy Realization

Chapter 82: A Heavy Realization

Emily stared at her phone for several seconds, blinking to make sure she wasn't seeing things. She didn't understand what "blocked fallopian tubes" and "polycystic ovary syndrome" meant, but with "syndrome" in both terms, it couldn't be good news.

She pulled out her phone and typed the two terms into the search box. She couldn't make sense of the technical explanations, but the common thread in both terms was "infertility."

Emily's delicate fingers tightened around her phone. She searched more urgently, trying to convince herself otherwise.

It couldn't be true. People always said not to consult the internet when you're sick—otherwise, you'd end up on a deathbed. It couldn't be that severe. Infertility couldn't be that serious.

Desperately, Emily continued her search, but the more she read, the heavier and colder her heart felt. While even a simple cold could lead to preparing for the worst on search engines, searches about "blocked fallopian tubes" were much gentler—filled with ads from various clinics claiming to be miracles for infertile patients.

The same went for polycystic ovary syndrome. Blocked fallopian tubes led to infertility, and polycystic ovaries made conception difficult, but Emily had both…

Double the "seal."

Emily looked for a while but couldn't find anyone else with both conditions. Her arms fell limp by her sides, and she unconsciously tilted her head, glancing diagonally ahead.

The man stood with his back to her, his broad shoulders hidden in the shadows, his long legs prominent in his dress pants. He was still busy talking with a foreign businessman, his powerful arms naturally bending at the elbows, the fabric of his suit creating subtle creases at his shoulders.

Emily felt a moment of daze: Her Brother Ethan, truly a man whose clothes even exuded elegance…

Her man.

A sudden realization struck her:

He knew.

They had just recently had a health check-up at a private clinic, and the results were sent directly to him…

"The results from the last check-up are in."

"It's still the old problem. The doctor said your stomach isn't good. No more hot pot or ice cream."

"What else did the doctor say? Everything else is fine, right?"

The man's Adam's apple bobbed heavily, his thin lips moving slightly.

"No."

His dark eyes fixed on her, revealing secret emotions like dark ink spreading beneath the surface.

"Don't worry, everything's fine."

…

He knew. He had known all along.

Emily closed her eyes briefly, her soft body leaning gently against the wall beside her. Her head drooped as she stared at the tips of her pointed shoes.

Her fingertips were cold, and she felt all her strength draining away, barely able to stay upright against the wall. She desperately needed something more solid to lean on…

Ethan was saying goodbye to the foreign businessman when he suddenly noticed a momentary hesitation on the other person's face.

He instinctively turned and saw Emily standing beside him.

The surrounding staff were also looking at her, each with an invisible question mark hovering above their heads. His little wife had a pout on her face, clearly displeased.

Ethan thought she might be upset from waiting too long, but upon closer inspection, he realized something was wrong—Emily wasn't just pouting; she seemed drained and sinking.

Her thin shoulders slouched, her arms weak and limp, her handbag almost dragging on the floor.

She bit her lip and looked at him with eyes that glistened brighter than the diamond earrings on her earlobe.

Ethan's brows twitched. Just as he was about to speak, his little woman suddenly wrapped her arms around his narrow waist, burying her head against his chest.

The surrounding staff: "…?!"

The staff knew the Chairman and his wife had a good relationship, but the online gossip about "seeking wife," divorce pursuit, or CEO spoiling his little wife were usually dismissed as nonsense.

It was amusing but not serious. People thought it was like an idol drama.

A man like Chairman Harrison, how could that be?

But no one grumbled—understanding the information era, where much news is hard to hide. The wealthy and their famous spouses attract much attention, so creating a "faithful and loving" persona would benefit the company's image.

But seeing the Chairman's wife burying herself in his embrace…

This wasn't what they expected!

It was not the "profit-driven, business-like" scenario they envisioned!

The CEO was known for his decisive and stern demeanor, rarely seen smiling during work, and anyone working with him was always on high alert.

The sudden embrace from his wife in front of business partners felt like yanking a tiger's whiskers.

Some senior executives also showed dissatisfaction—this was unprofessional and not fitting for the occasion!

Everyone held their breath, watching the tiger being shaved.

Ethan was momentarily stunned by the embrace but soon returned to normal. He turned to the surprised businessman and gave a faint smile—a smile without embarrassment, but rather a hint of smugness?

Ethan didn't seem to think this was inappropriate. He naturally wrapped his arms around his wife, one hand gently stroking her back, and continued speaking in English to the businessman.

But how could anyone continue the conversation? Within minutes, the businessman awkwardly yet politely excused himself.

Emily seemed oblivious to her surroundings, still buried in Ethan's embrace. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, then glanced subtly at the onlookers.

The onlookers were in a daze.

The previously discontented senior executives looked at the CEO's arm around his wife's waist but remained silent. They exchanged glances, and no one dared to upset this romantic scene.

Once everyone quietly withdrew, Ethan lowered his long lashes, smiling as he gazed at the woman in his arms.

"Alright, they're all gone." He whispered, kissing her delicate earlobe, "Let's go have dinner."

He held her shoulders, but Emily didn't get up; instead, she held on tighter. Her small hand rested on his chest, her fingertips gripping his collar.

Ethan raised an eyebrow, his smile deepening.

Spoiling her.

He took her Hermes bag from her hand, stroked her long hair, and spoke with a tender tone, "Are you hungry, sweetheart? Do you want to eat something first?"

After several seconds, he heard a soft sob from her.

Ethan's smile froze.

"Emily?"

His expression grew increasingly anxious as he held her shoulders more firmly, "What's wrong?"

Emily's profile finally separated from his chest. She straightened up, lightly sniffing, her nose red and her eyelashes glistening with tears.

Ethan furrowed his brows, then held Emily close, guiding her into the office. He sat her on the sofa, then lifted her onto his lap.

"What's wrong?" he asked gently, wiping her tears with a fatherly affection, "Who upset you?"

Emily looked up at him, her lips turned down, her eyes welling up with fresh tears. "Did you know all along?"