“Ethan, what brings you here?” Hannah greeted warmly, her voice tinged with surprise.
Ethan hesitated briefly upon noticing Jessica but soon stepped inside. “I had some free time from work today, so I thought I’d stop by and check on Mr. Singh,” he explained, his gaze instinctively drifting toward Jessica.
It was the first time Ethan had seen her in this light.
Jessica wore a crisp doctor’s coat, with a stethoscope draped effortlessly around her neck. Her hair was tied back into a loose bun, and her makeup-free face showcased her natural beauty. Yet, what struck him most was the air of professional confidence she exuded.
Catching his eyes on her, Jessica gave Ethan a fleeting look before turning away. Her voice was calm but professional as she addressed Hannah. “Mrs. Singh, I need to get back to work. Please excuse me.”
Hannah nodded understandingly. “Of course. Let’s catch up over a meal when you have time.”
Jessica offered a polite nod before exiting the room.
Once she was gone, Hannah turned to Ethan, her expression contemplative. “Ethan, what on earth has happened to Jessica in these last three years? She seems so different now.”
Ethan hesitated before sharing briefly about the hormonal medication Jessica had taken during her childhood, which had impacted her appearance and health in the past.
“I see,” Hannah said softly, her face lighting with understanding.
After a thoughtful pause, she added earnestly, “Now that Jessica is back, you should cherish her and make the most of your life together.”
Ethan’ face remained unreadable as he replied, “We’re actually planning to get a divorce.”
Hannah’s brows knit in disbelief. “Why? Is it because of Emily?”
Ethan maintained his measured tone. “Mrs. Singh, you know as well as I do the reasons behind my marriage to Jessica.”
Hannah’s expression faltered, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face.
“Even if the marriage was born out of strategy,” she said after a pause, “three years is a long time. Feelings can grow, Ethan. And Jessica has been nothing but loyal and devoted to you. Women like her are rare. You should think carefully before letting her go.”
Her tone grew firmer as she continued, “And let me be frank—Emily isn’t the right choice for you.”
Ethan frowned slightly, his gaze sharpening. “You’ve barely met Emily. What makes you so certain she’s not the one for me?”
A faint scoff escaped him as he added, “Or has my father been whispering things to you about her?”
Hannah shot him a reproachful look. “Ethan! That’s your father you’re talking about.”
She softened her tone but didn’t waver. “It’s not about what anyone’s said. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something off about Emily. Trust me on this.”
Ethan’ expression grew more guarded. “Since when did you start basing your judgments on vague impressions?”
Hannah hesitated for a moment before replying firmly, “Your father and I care for you, Ethan. We wouldn’t steer you wrong. Emily isn’t the woman who will bring you happiness.”
Ethan’ voice dropped, carrying a note of finality. “I’m the only one who can decide what’s right for me.”
Sensing his resistance, Hannah shifted the conversation. “How is Oliver doing now?”
Ethan relaxed slightly at the change in topic. “How’s he holding up?”
“Oliver’s doing well. His surgery is already scheduled,” Hannah replied with a smile.
“That’s good to hear,” Ethan said with a nod, his tone genuinely relieved.
He spent the next hour in Oliver’s hospital room, chatting briefly with Hannah and checking on Oliver’s condition. Eventually, a call from his assistant about a company issue forced him to take his leave.
As Ethan approached the elevator, a soft, familiar voice called out behind him.
“Mr. Clark…”