Chapter 138 Not Really His Home
Ethan didn't respond, his expression cold as ice.
Emily Sullivan, however, walked straight into the hospital room, smiling as she approached the bed. "How are you feeling? Any better?"
Ethan gave a slight nod, his voice detached. "Thank you for your concern. I need the room."
"I have something to tell you," Emily replied. "I'll leave once I've said it."
Ethan remained silent, his gaze frigid as he stared at her, waiting for her to speak and leave.
Emily smiled slightly. "To be perfectly honest, I'm not interested in this 'arranged marriage' business either." She shrugged her shoulders. "Unfortunately, my family is old-fashioned and insists I find a man of 'suitable background.'"
Ethan extended his hand. "Ms. Sullivan, please sit down."
Emily sat on the sofa beside his hospital bed and gave him a slight smile.
"Mr. Bennett, you're a businessman. Would you be interested in making a deal with me?"
"What kind of deal?"
"A fake engagement," Emily replied.
Ethan's brow furrowed.
Emily quickly continued, "It would be a contractual relationship—just for show in front of our families. In private, we'd each live our own lives. That young lady of yours—you can keep her at Oakwood Estate. I could even provide an alibi for you when necessary."
Ethan remained silent, but he knew this might be the best solution to his current predicament.
Emily stood up and smoothed her dress with elegant precision.
"Think it over, Mr. Bennett. I need your answer by the second day of the New Year at the latest. I'm leaving for Paris on the third to attend Fashion Week."
With that, Emily turned to leave.
"Ms. Sullivan," Ethan called after her.
Emily paused with her back to Ethan, a smile curling at her lips before she slowly turned around.
"I accept your proposal," Ethan said. "But I have conditions."
"Go on."
"No marriage—just an engagement, scheduled for next October."
His grandfather had originally demanded an engagement in early next year and a wedding in October. Ethan was pushing to delay the engagement until October, making the wedding an indefinitely postponed event.
Emily agreed without hesitation. "Fine. No marriage. I'll handle the explanation—I'll say I'm still young and want to wait a couple years before getting married."
She paused, then smiled again. "I understand. You're waiting for that girl to graduate, aren't you? I'll try to buy you two years. Does that work for you?"
---
After waking up, Olivia ate a little and retreated to the study to read. She couldn't focus.
But if she didn't read, the day would drag unbearably.
The problem was, she couldn't focus on television or her phone either. Since winter break began, she'd been confined to the house.
After a few minutes, Olivia would pick up her phone, her thumb scrolling aimlessly as she opened her conversation with Ethan for the hundredth time.
She desperately wanted to call him, to ask what he was doing, but she knew she couldn't. Ethan was with his family today, and calling would only put him in an awkward position. Since he hadn't reached out, he must be busy with family celebrations.
If she suddenly called, how would that look? Like she was seeking attention? Or intentionally causing trouble?
Despite the aching loneliness in her heart and the feeling of abandonment, Olivia restrained herself from calling Ethan.
At lunch, she barely ate anything, having no appetite.
After a few bites, Olivia returned to her bedroom for a nap, but lying in bed, she couldn't sleep at all. She finally got up and took Sarah out to walk the dogs in the garden.
At five in the afternoon, Olivia received a call from the Beverly Hills Hotel's general manager, informing her that dinner had been sent over.
Just as Olivia was about to call Ethan to confirm, she received a message from him instructing her to collect the meal at the door.
There were eight dishes total—roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, prime rib, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, stuffing, and a large tureen of butternut squash soup.
Sarah looked at the lavish dinner with delight. "Mr. Bennett is so thoughtful! We're in for a feast tonight!"
Olivia smiled faintly and went upstairs to call Ethan.
She had to call twice before he answered. Through the phone, she could hear the chaotic sounds of multiple conversations, the distinctive shuffle of cards being dealt, and the crisp clinking of poker chips. Then came an enthusiastic shout: "All in!"
"Am I interrupting?" she asked with a forced smile.
Ethan, with a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, replied somewhat indistinctly, "Not at all."
"Merry Christmas," Olivia said. "I hope you're having good luck with your cards tonight."
"Olivia." Ethan suddenly called her name with unexpected formality.
Olivia's heart skipped a beat, and she responded softly, "Yes?"
After calling her name, Ethan fell silent.
"What is it?" Olivia asked. "Why aren't you saying anything?"
"Nothing," Ethan finally said. "Merry Christmas. Enjoy your dinner."
"I will," Olivia replied.
After hanging up, Olivia felt a heaviness in her chest. She sensed Ethan had wanted to tell her something but ultimately decided against it.
She could guess what it might be.
This was precisely why she couldn't fully open her heart to him. She knew the Bennett family would never allow her and Ethan to be together, that they would do everything possible to match Ethan with a woman from their social circle.
So, Ethan, will you eventually give in?
Or rather, how long until you do?
Eight dishes were arranged on the table.
Fortunately, the portions weren't too large, or Olivia and Sarah would have been eating leftovers for three days.
Sarah raised her wine glass with a bright smile. "Merry Christmas, Liv!"
Olivia raised her glass in response, managing a small smile. "Merry Christmas."
Sarah took a large gulp of wine and made a satisfied sound. "This is delicious."
Olivia smiled and took a small sip.
After one glass, both Olivia and Sarah felt lightheaded.
Sarah's cheeks flushed red, and she hiccupped.
She quickly covered her mouth in embarrassment, then uncovered it and gave a charming laugh.
Olivia smiled back. "Drink less—this wine has a strong kick."
Sarah nodded with a smile. "Okay, I'll stop. Maybe we can drink together again tomorrow night." A moment later, Sarah's smile faltered. "Oh wait, that won't work. We probably can't drink together tomorrow."
Olivia teased her. "Why not? Are you leaving tomorrow?"
"Of course not!" Sarah raised her voice. "Where would I go? I'm definitely staying."
Olivia laughed. "Then why can't we drink together tomorrow?"
Sarah asked, "Will Mr. Bennett be coming back tomorrow?"
Olivia paused, then smiled. "I don't know. Probably not. He'll likely still be at home with his family."
Sarah blurted out, "So this isn't considered his home?"
Olivia fell silent.
Sarah immediately regretted her words. "I'm sorry, Liv, I didn't mean to—"
Olivia cut her off with a smile. "You haven't done anything wrong. Why apologize?"
Sarah lowered her head. "I shouldn't have asked such a stupid question."
Olivia replied, "Technically speaking, this is just where he stays. It's not really his home."