Chapter 40

They walked the rest of the way home in silence. When they reached Lily’s room, Ethan turned to leave, then paused at the doorway.

“How did you know about my dad cheating?” he asked quietly.

“During Aunty Wendy’s funeral… when you disappeared.” Lily’s voice was low. It had been so long she had almost forgotten. “I was looking around the house for you. I wanted to check your room, but as I climbed the stairs. I saw them.”

Ethan’s heart dropped. He was so shameless that he was frolicking with his mistress, even at his late wife’s funeral.

“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to feel even worse. You were already dealing with losing Aunty Wendy. But it seems like you already knew, a long time ago. When did you find out?”

“Before my mom died.”

“While she was in the hospital?”

Ethan nodded.

There was silence.

“Why do you keep hiding things from me?” she asked. “Don’t you trust me?”

“It’s not—”

“It’s not what?” Her voice sharpened. “You have never treated me like your wife. And you have never treated me like your friend either.”

She turned towards the bathroom. “Sign the divorce papers as soon as possible. Other than the remaining procedures, we don’t need to see each other again.”

“About leaving without saying goodbye,” Ethan said suddenly. “I can explain.”

Lily’s hands paused on the wheel.

“She kicked me out of the house,” he said, looking down at his feet. “She said since I was already an adult, she was sure I could take care of myself.”

“So you decided to go to England?” Lily asked, anger in her voice. “Adrian, my house was yours as much as mine. My parents adore you. They always have. We grew up together. You could have come to us. But you didn’t say anything.”

She closed her eyes as a tear drop rolled down her cheek.

“Does the relationship between our mothers count for nothing? How could—”

“My dad’s death wasn’t an accident.”

Lily froze.

“What?”

“After the funeral, I still could sleep, so every night I used to stroll around the garden. I didn’t know when my uncle arrived. But he was with her in the maze, and I overheard part of their conversation.”

Ethan wandered around the garden in a daze, everywhere he passed held happy memories of when things were good. Before everything came crashing down. No, the happy life he thought he had was nothing but an illusion. His half-brother was only two years younger than him.

Suddenly, he heard voices coming from the maze, and he stepped closer.

“That old thing is finally gone. How do we deal with his precious son?”

Evelyn. Why was she here? Who was she talking to?

“You can’t. People are going to get suspicious. All our plans were ruined last time we were a little reckless.”

His uncle? Ethan almost laughed. His father had cheated on his mother with Evelyn. And now Evelyn was having an affair with his brother just a few days after his death.

“Didn’t you successfully get rid of him before he found out. Now we have everything.”

Ethan shook his head as if trying to erase the memory.

“I didn’t have enough evidence. If they could kill my father without leaving any traces, they might be able to harm you guys too.  I didn’t dare bet with your safety.”

Lily was quiet for a long moment.

“But,” she said finally. “That doesn’t excuse you from not reaching out at all during the years you were gone.”

“I just… didn’t want to be a burden.”

She turned to face him. “But you could burden Stacy.”

“Stacy?” Ethan blinked.

“She was the one who told me about your moving to England. And that she was going with you as your girlfriend.”

“We weren’t even in the same university. I was busy with school, and when I started my company, she was already a popular actress. She helped with publicity, but that’s all. We’ve never been in a relationship.”

“But she said, you were going to get married.”

“My dad did want to tie our families together when he was alive, but that has nothing to do with me. You had just started dating, and I didn’t want to interfere with your relationship with Miles.”

“My relationship with miles? What are you talking about?”

“He told me he was going to confess his feelings, and… I saw you hugging at the party.”

“So you came to my birthday party.”

“Yes. I left for England the day after. I was going to tell you goodbye, but I saw what happened and left. Then, when I got to the front of my house, I overheard my stepmom’s butler directing some men to search for me. I figured it would be safer for everyone if I just disappeared silently. That way, none of you would be affected.”

“Well, you saw wrong. I hugged him because— Never mind. It doesn’t matter anymore.”

“I misunderstood you.”

Ethan’s shoulders dropped.

“Is that why you were also cold throughout our marriage?”

“I know you only married me to fulfill my mother’s wish,” he said. “I thought since you didn’t love me, the least I could do was provide you with the best life possible.”

“Who said I didn’t love you?”

“I heard what you said to Chloe over the phone, after our first date.”

Lily exhaled. “We weren’t talking about you. It was the guy you beat up in my store earlier that day. His family cooperates with mine.”

He looked stunned.

“Also, the last thing I need is money,” she added. “I’m the heiress to the Monroe Jewelry Corporation. I have multiple inheritances from relatives. Why would I need you to give me the best life possible?”

“I— “ Ethan faltered. “You love me? I thought you didn’t.”

“I’m not sure I still do,” Lily said quietly. “I’ve been disappointed too many times.”

“Could we not get a divorce?”

She turned her wheelchair slightly. “Give me some time. I want to be alone right now.”

Ethan nodded slowly. “I understand.”

He walked out of the room and closed the door behind himself.