Chapter 2

I crouched down instinctively, curling myself into a tight ball as a searing pain suddenly shot through my lungs just as I was about to speak.

"What's wrong?" Ethan's eyes flashed with concern.

"It... it hurts so much..." I stammered.

Ethan immediately became flustered, reaching out to help me up.

Just then, a gentle voice called out from nearby.

"Ethan, is it over?"

I looked in the direction of the voice. It was that woman - Lorne, Ethan's wife from the outside world.

She was walking towards the courthouse, her heavily pregnant belly protruding as she supported her back.

Seeing Lorne's unsteady gait as she climbed the stairs, Ethan rushed over and carefully supported her.

"Lorne, what are you doing here?" Ethan asked with a furrowed brow.

"Ethan, I came to see if you were done," Lorne said. She reached out and gently smoothed Ethan's frown lines.

"Ethan, don't frown. Our little sweetheart in my tummy will be sad if they see their daddy unhappy."

"Oh, come on! They can't see me in there."Ethan's words were dripping with disdain, but his eyes were filled with affection as he gazed at Lorne.

Witnessing this scene before me, I felt nothing but a searing pain in my chest.

Although I had given up on Ethan countless times in my heart, seeing him so in love with another woman still left me feeling incredibly bitter.

I wanted to flee, but the excruciating pain in my lungs kept me rooted to the spot.

"Sis, why are you crouching on the ground?" Lorne looked at me, somewhat surprised.

It was then that Ethan finally remembered my presence.

"Darling, let me take you to the hospital," Ethan said, releasing Lorne and walking towards me.

Seeing this, a flash of jealousy crossed Lorne's eyes, though her smile never wavered. "Sis, if you're feeling so awful, why didn't you suggest rescheduling your courthouse wedding with Ethan? It's not like one day would make a difference."

Hearing these words, Ethan's body stiffened, his outstretched hand frozen in mid-air.

"Perhaps you don't need my help after all," Ethan straightened up, his expression cold as he looked at me."Since you can come to the courthouse by yourself, I'm sure you can go to the hospital alone too."

Hearing this, a self-mocking smile tugged at the corner of my mouth.

This was the man I'd been entangled with for ten years.

Just a simple provocation was enough to make him change his attitude instantly.

Perhaps I should have left him earlier.

I fought through the pain and struggled to stand up straight. "Don't worry, I can manage on my own. No need to trouble yourself."

I said each word deliberately, my voice even trembling a bit.

Unfortunately, Ethan didn't notice at all. He didn't even see how pale my face had become.

"If that's the case, then let's not waste Miss Duke's time."

Ethan turned and walked towards Lorne.

Seeing this, Lorne's gaze towards me held a hint of smugness.

"See you, sis," Lorne said, intimately linking her arm with Ethan's as they headed down the steps.

Ethan, who usually rushed down stairs, now thoughtfully slowed his pace to accommodate Lorne's every step.

Watching their lovey-dovey silhouettes, I hesitated for a few seconds before I couldn't help but say softly, "Ethan, goodbye forever."Ethan's silhouette stiffened, his steps coming to a halt.

For some inexplicable reason, a glimmer of anticipation sparked within me.