Jessica froze at Ethan’s words, the skincare bottle pausing in her hand mid-air. Turning toward him, she raised a brow in irritation. “Ethan, have you lost your mind?”
Ethan rose from the sofa, his movements unhurried, a teasing smirk curling at his lips.
He said, “You were quite the moralist before, declaring that since the divorce papers are signed, we’re officially done. You said whatever happens between Emily and me doesn’t concern you. Yet, today, you told her to keep her distance from me because I’m still married. Isn’t that a bit hypocritical?”
Jessica’s eyebrows twitched at his accusation.
She had indeed felt that way once, but her perspective had shifted. Why should she make life easier for Emily, who seemed intent on complicating hers?
Emboldened by this thought, Jessica walked over to Ethan. Standing directly in front of him, her eyes sharp and unwavering, she replied with calm authority.
“Yes, I said that, but I’ve reconsidered,” she began, her voice steady. “After our divorce, you and Emily can do whatever you please. But while we’re still married, you won’t be involved with her.”
She shrugged lightly, her expression neutral. “Besides, I made my stance clear in front of you earlier today. I didn’t intend to hide it. I believe I’m being quite direct.”
Ethan chuckled, his laughter tinged with frustration. He hadn’t expected such a bold response.
Jessica’s sharp tongue was as formidable as ever, yet beneath her words, he detected something else. Her claims of indifference felt more and more like a well-constructed mask.
Raising an eyebrow, he countered, “And what if I continue to do what I want with Emily?”
Jessica smirked, her response immediate and cutting. “Then by all means, try.”
Without another glance, she turned away and resumed her skincare routine.
Ethan watched her for a long moment, a faint, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Without another word, he disappeared into the walk-in closet.
The room fell into an uneasy silence, each of them retreating to their routines. Jessica went to bed early, her figure calm and composed. Later, Ethan followed suit after finishing some work.
________________________________________
The stillness of the night shattered.
The sharp ring of a phone pierced the quiet at midnight. Ethan frowned, reaching for his phone on the bedside table. Seeing the caller ID, his lips thinned as he answered.
“Hello?”
On the other end of the line came Emily’s frail, hoarse voice. “Ethan, I’m sorry to wake you at this hour.”
“What’s wrong?” Ethan asked, his tone even, his expression unreadable in the dim light.
Emily coughed weakly before speaking. “I’m not feeling well, Ethan. Could you come over to my place? Please?” Her voice wavered, breaking slightly as another cough escaped her lips.
Ethan’s response was measured. “You’re feeling unwell? I’ll call an ambulance for you now.”
“No!” Emily’s reply came quickly, laced with desperation. “I don’t want to go to the hospital. I hate hospitals.”
Silence stretched between them as Ethan processed her words.
Sensing his hesitation, Emily added softly, “Never mind. It’s just an old issue of mine—it used to happen when I lived abroad. I’ll manage it on my own. Ethan, go back to sleep. I’m sorry for disturbing you.”
Despite her words, she made no effort to end the call, her unspoken plea hanging in the air.
Ethan remained silent for a moment longer before his voice, low and rough, broke the stillness. “I’ll be there soon.”
A small smile appeared on Emily’s lips. “I’ll wait for you,” she said before the call ended.
Ethan swung his legs out of bed and stood, his movements deliberate.
Just then, the click of a bedside lamp cut through the darkness. Jessica, now awake, propped herself up on one elbow, her hair cascading around her shoulders.
Her voice was soft but carried a sharp edge of curiosity. “Where are you going at this hour?”