Fallen Leaves And Faded Love

Chapter 5 Being Pushed by Ethan

She took a taxi home alone, staggering in late at night.

Ethan stood at the top of the stairs, shouting angrily. "Where's Amber? She was supposed to read me a bedtime story!"

Susan summoned her strength. "She's sick at the hospital. I'll do it tonight."

"I don't want you!" Ethan pinched his nose, looking disgusted. "You smell like alcohol. Gross! Amber's pregnant—that's why she's sick! I'm calling Dad!"

Susan froze, cold dread seeping into her bones. "You knew Amber was pregnant?"

"Of course!" Ethan pouted. "Dad and Grandma knew too! Grandma said we'd kick you out to keep you from hurting her baby."

Tears burst from Susan's eyes. They had planned it all—steal her shares, force a divorce, and cast her aside.

She stepped closer, voice breaking. "Ethan… if Mom and Dad split… who will you choose?"

Ethan planted his hands on his hips, answering immediately and cruelly, "Dad, of course! What do you have? You're just a poor, dumb hick! You don't belong here!"

Every word felt like a poisoned needle, piercing straight into Susan's heart. She paled, barely able to stand.

Her phone rang—the hospital calling to confirm her pregnancy.

Ethan's eyes locked on her belly, and he shrieked, "Why are you pregnant? You said I'd be your only kid!"

Susan shielded her belly instinctively. "It was an accident—"

"I won't let you keep it!"

Ethan screamed and shoved her as hard as he could.

Caught off guard, Susan tumbled down the stairs. Agonizing pain shot through her abdomen, warm blood pooling beneath her.

She lifted her head, staring at him in disbelief. "Why… Ethan… why did you push me?"

Ethan glared down at her like an enemy. "Amber said, if you had a baby, Dad wouldn't let you leave! I only want Amber! Get out of my house! Don't even try to hurt Amber's baby!"

Susan's body shook with despair. How could the child she'd loved and nurtured with every ounce of her heart turn so vicious? Seven years of devoted care, day and night… yet it all meant nothing next to a few poisonous words from Amber.

She blacked out, overcome by cold, crippling grief.

When she woke, she was in a hospital bed.

Jensen stood over her, voice hoarse. "The baby is gone. We handled it to spare you the pain. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let you drink, which led to that terrible fall."

'Fall?' Susan's eyes flew open, wild with rage. "I didn't fall! Ethan pushed me! I wasn't that drunk!"

Jensen's face twisted with disbelief. "Susan! That's your own son! How could he do such a thing? I know you're heartbroken, but you can't shift the blame to him!"

"Amber turned him against me!" Susan blurted out.

"Enough!" Jensen roared, looking disgusted. "I can't believe you're actually slandering Amber and our son to avoid taking responsibility! She even made you soup—and this is how you repay her?"

He turned to the housekeeper. "Make her drink every drop. Make sure she stays here for the next few days and reflects on herself!"

With that, he slammed the door and left.