Chapter 184 Good News

Chapter 184 Good News
I walked out of the building in frustration. I couldn't believe I had just confessed my feelings to Spencer, especially before we had even started working together. The thought of spending eight hours near him from now on made me feel horrible, but I didn't have any other option. Ethan and Mum wouldn't let me work anywhere else unless it was in my profession. As I walked away, I suddenly had an idea about how to get my certifications back.
I was so deep in thought that I forgot I was on the streets alone. I was just a few doors away when I heard Ethan’s voice.
"Cora! Where are you going? Didn't we tell you not to wander the streets alone for a while?"
I stopped, my expression revealing my surprise.
"I... I’m sorry, Ethan. I... I was calling a taxi."
He sighed and shook his head.
"No need. I'll take you home."
He took my hand and led me to his car. On the way, he turned to me and asked, "Have you talked to Spencer?"
I sighed. "Have you heard anything?"
He smiled slightly. "Not much, Cora. I only heard that you don't want him to see Ellie very often."
I sighed again. "I know it’s cruel, Ethan, but I feel like he doesn't deserve Ellie's love."
Ethan smiled a little. "I think the same."
I glanced at him, surprised by his response. "Really?"
"Yes, he was a jerk. He doesn't deserve you or Ellie." He sighed, then his expression turned serious. "But as my brother, I feel sorry for him. He messed up, and believe me, he’s suffering a lot inside. He was afraid when he got together with you and would rather leave than announce your relationship. I understand that was incredibly difficult, but still, if you make a mess, you must clean it up. Then he got together with that witch, who kept him under control, just like Mr. Astor did. He had to face the truth you told him, and what's more, he had to confront the fact that he was a parent, even if he truly believed Ellie couldn’t be his. I believe he feels terrible about it."
He stopped the car as we arrived back at Mum's house. I looked at him, deciding to be honest.
"Ethan, it’s not that I can't forgive him for believing I left him on purpose. Just like he said, when a police officer and a private detective say something, you tend to believe them. I even understand he tried to start a new life with Carla. But how could I forget that evening? Spencer was out of his mind and told me things I will never forget. He held my neck, and even though he didn’t use strength, it reminded me of what Ray did to me."
I hated that my eyes were getting moist, but I felt his hand holding mine.
"Cora, I understand you’re hurting, and I have no clue what was going through his mind. All I know is that he deeply regrets that evening, and he loves you just as much as he did back then. He told me he would do everything to earn your forgiveness. He loves Ellie, and I think he feels she’s the only one left from your relationship."
"I don't want him to stop seeing Ellie; I just want him to be around less."
"But now you’ll be working next to him."
I sighed, and the first tear rolled down my cheek. "I know, but I feel like I have to move away from Mum so that I can control how often he visits."
Ethan chuckled. "I don't think he would go to Ellie less than that." He stared at me for a while. "He is still in love with you, and you love him as well. You two have Ellie. If I were you, I would consider forgiving him. I understand it takes time, but you should think about it, Cora. I'm sure if you got back together, he would treat you like his treasure."
I smiled through my tears. "I don't think that will happen, Ethan. I understand he is your brother and you want him to be happy, but right now, I feel like you are hoping in vain."
He sighed and handed me a tissue. "Get back inside. I’ll head back to the office and make some space for you tomorrow."
I nodded. "What time do I need to be there?"
Ethan chuckled. "Cora, I'm not your boss. Spencer and I usually start at eight. But we'll have time to discuss things since Mom invited us for dinner."
I rolled my eyes, making him laugh. "I’ll see you then," I told him. He waited for me to leave the car and only drove away once I entered the house.
When Ellie saw me, she rushed over with a smile. I picked her up and kissed her sleepy face.
"What happened, Cora?" Mom looked at me with a frown, reminding me that my eyes were probably still teary.
"Nothing special, Mom."
"Then why were you crying?"
I smiled. "I’m happy because I start working tomorrow."
She rolled her eyes. "I see," she said, revealing that she understood the emotions that were troubling me.
We took Ellie outside, but not long after four o'clock, Spencer and Ethan arrived. They tried to play football with Ellie, who was having a great time. Watching them filled me with a bittersweet feeling.
Mom retreated to the kitchen, leaving me alone with the boys and Ellie. I watched them play in a daze when the doorbell rang.
I stood up, but Spencer stopped me. "I'll get that," he said, acting like a protective man who didn’t want his beloved to get hurt in any way.
We walked into the living room to find Miss Turner entering. She smiled at us apologetically. "I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour, but I have some good news that I wanted to share immediately."
Ethan offered her a seat and quickly went to find Mom, who greeted Miss Turner. Although Mom's expression was a little worried, she looked at the advocate with excitement.