Chapter 3
It had been half a month since I left Ethan.
During that time, I threw myself back into my medical career, and I was loving every minute of it.
Then, one day, I ran into Ethan at a medical conference.
When he saw me, he was visibly taken aback.
He clearly hadn't expected to see me there.
I just looked away with a calm face and took my seat.
Ethan had Dahlia trailing after him.
During the conference, they were all over each other, acting like no one else was even there.
Whenever he had a moment, Ethan would affectionately tuck a loose strand of hair behind Dahlia's ear, making her blush.
Even the people around them couldn't help but comment, "Dr. Cooper and his wife are so sweet together."
Since Ethan and I both worked at the same hospital, we kept our marriage under wraps to avoid any awkwardness or office gossip.
Everyone knew Ethan was married, but nobody realized I was his wife.
Hearing that, Ethan smiled with ease, wrapped his arm around Dahlia, and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"We've always been really close," he said.
Dahlia's ears flushed red as she hid her face against Ethan's chest.
I could sense Ethan's subtle gaze flickering over me, and I couldn't help but frown in irritation.
After that endless conference finally wrapped up, I was just about to head out when Dahlia suddenly appeared in front of me, blocking my path.
Her eyes were rimmed with red, like I'd just bullied her or something.
"Emory, don't be mad at Ethan.
"No matter what's going on, you shouldn't joke about divorce.
"Besides, it's only an unborn baby. There's no need to get so worked up over it," she said.
Dahlia spoke in a pitiful, almost fragile voice, her words trailing off as she went on.
She brought up the pain of losing my child again, and only God knows how I survived these past days.
Every time I closed my eyes, the image of a crying child haunted me, tearing at my heart.
But Dahlia just stood there, acting like she couldn't care less.
My anger boiled over, and before I could stop myself, I slapped her hard across the face.
The sharp sound of the slap echoed through the room, and in an instant, everyone's eyes were on us.
With all the commotion, Ethan was at my side in a flash.
Dahlia collapsed into Ethan's arms, grabbing onto his collar as she started sniffling and putting on an act.
She sniffled, "Ethan, please don't blame Emory.
"It's all my fault. I shouldn't have meddled and tried to push you and Emory to reconcile."
Ethan's anger flared even more as he stepped protectively in front of Dahlia.
"Emory, if you've got a problem, take it out on me. Picking on a girl like her? Really?" he snapped.
His brows were furrowed so tightly, it was like he were looking at me as if I were the villain of the story.
I caught sight of the blatant hickey on Ethan's neck and let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
The divorce papers weren't even signed yet, and he already couldn't wait to move on.
Ethan caught my stare and, guilt written all over his face, tugged his collar up to hide it.
"Don't worry about it. Nothing is going on between us," Ethan said.
He suddenly eased up, his voice turning gentle.
He must've thought I was jealous, that I still cared about him.
I shook my head, my face showing I couldn't care less.
"Ethan, I've told you before. We're nothing to each other now," I said.
Ethan's face darkened, his eyes turning icy.
He started threatening me, "Isn't that trip to Brighton the opportunity you've been working so hard for?
"Well, guess what? I'm not giving you what you want.
"All I have to do is say the word, and I can make sure Dahlia gets that opportunity instead.
"She's cleverer and quicker than an old hag like you."
Right there in front of everyone, Ethan humiliated me like I didn't matter at all.
I'd busted my ass at this hospital for four years, and everyone just assumed that study trip was mine.
But now, Ethan just handed over what should've been mine to Dahlia, like it was nothing.
Five years with Ethan vanished like bubbles. Memories came rushing back, overwhelming me.
I remembered the year Ethan was held hostage by an emotionally unstable family member.
In that life-or-death moment with Ethan, I didn't hesitate and threw myself in front of him, shielding him with my own back from a fatal blow.
Even now, that haunting scar still marks my once smooth and fair back.
Back then, Ethan was everything to me.
After everything I gave up for him, this is what I get in return.
As I snapped back to reality, my eyes were clouded with a storm of emotions I couldn't even name.
Keeping my cool, I pulled out my phone and played a video for Ethan to see.
Ethan, who'd been all nonchalant, stiffened up. But as soon as he saw what was on the screen, his fingers started to shake.