Chapter 6

When Claire woke up, she realized she was in a hospital room. She'd been out for a full two days. The doctors had patched her up again, but her wounds still hurt like hell.

For once, Ethan was actually sitting by her bedside. When he saw her wake up, his eyes flickered with something complicated.

For once, his voice was gentle, and there was even a hint of concern in his tone. "You're awake? Your wounds have been re-bandaged. I got you the best meds and the top doctors. There won't be any scars."

If this had happened before, seeing him act so considerate and gentle would have made her heart race with excitement.

But now, he was the reason she ended up like this. His concern now was nothing but crocodile tears. It was pathetic.

She stayed silent, her face pale from the pain.

His voice grew softer. "The vigil is perfect. Emily really appreciates it."

The words made her feel sick to her stomach. She glared at him, her voice icy and dismissive. "Shouldn't you be with Emily?"

Ethan let out a sigh. "Claire, I know you're jealous of all the attention I'm giving Emily.

"But my brother just died, and Emily's really vulnerable right now. She needs someone by her side. This isn't the time for jealousy.

"And besides, Emily did nothing wrong. You're the one who caused her to fall down the stairs. If it weren't for that, I wouldn't have made you pay for it."

Claire looked tired and couldn't be bothered to defend herself. "Anything else?"

Her coldness caught him off guard, but he soon pushed past it, finally getting to the point. "My mom heard Emily's awake and wants us over for dinner tomorrow.

"With Michael gone, Emily's position in the family is complicated. Watch what you say at the table, alright?"

Claire suddenly realized what this was all about.

Back then, it was Michael who insisted on marrying Emily, and Mary Sterling, their mom, only gave in reluctantly.

Mary had never really liked Emily. She'd always preferred Claire.

That was the only reason Ethan was here playing the doting husband, trying to butter her up. He was worried Claire'd rat Emily out and get her in trouble.

Claire glanced at his handsome face, noticing the warning lurking in his eyes. She felt nothing but exhaustion, her voice flat and tired. "Don't worry. Whatever happens between you two, it's got nothing to do with me."

Let them play out their messy romance. She was done being part of their drama.

Ethan didn't leave right away. Instead, he looked down at her. He leaned closer, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Are you still holding a grudge because I didn't kiss you last time?

"You really got a raw deal this time. You've always wanted me to take you on a trip, right? Once you're better, I'll clear my schedule for three days and take you somewhere nice."

Then he leaned in, and for the very first time, he finally moved to kiss her.

Claire's eyes went wide in shock. The moment she realized what was happening, she jerked her head to the side, dodging his lips.

'So he's really willing to force himself to kiss a woman he doesn't love, to keep Emily safe?' she thought bitterly.

Ethan's lips barely grazed the corner of her mouth. He hadn't expected her to pull away, and he stared at her, clearly caught off guard by her sudden rejection.

Claire was shaking all over, her body trembling with a mix of anger and humiliation. Her eyes were red, and she locked her gaze on him. "Ethan, is that all I am to you? Some cheap woman?

"If you don't love me, then let me go. There are plenty of people who would love me. You were the one who wanted me. Why did you marry me, only to humiliate me like this?"

Ethan frowned, seeing Claire's tearful, wounded gaze. "Claire, I—"