Hearts in Turmoil

Chapter 8: A Twisted Revelation

Chapter 8: A Twisted Revelation

Lily Zhao felt her heart drop as she heard Ethan's words. Her face went pale as she looked back at Lena, who stood by him with a confident look on her face. There was no doubting that Lena was a very attractive woman – tall, curvaceous and exuding confidence. Lily felt almost invisible next to Lena. Her simple figure and demeanour paled in comparison to Lena's bold allure.

That moment made Lily realise how far she had fallen short of her goal. She'd thought she might win him over, but seeing him with Lena, laughing and chatting away, made her feel a bit silly. It seemed like there was more of a gap between her and Ethan than ever.

She watched him, hoping for any sign that he had noticed her distress. But Ethan's gaze met hers only briefly, and he seemed as indifferent as ever. He didn't show any compassion or understanding. He just gave her a fleeting glance before turning back to Lena, as though she didn't even exist. The dismissal hurt more than any harsh words could have.

Daniel, who was standing nearby, took it all in. "That's Lena," he said casually, with a hint of amusement in his voice. She's back in China to work under Ethan's mentorship. She'd made the journey just for him. And why not? She's got the looks, the family background and the career. They're a perfect match for each other.

Lily's lips pressed together in a thin line. She didn't need Daniel to spell it out for her. The truth was obvious, and it hurt. Ethan and Lena were in a different league – Lily was no competition for someone like her.

As Lily left the hospital and got into a taxi at the back, she was overwhelmed by her emotions. She reached for her phone and started typing a message to Ethan, before she had a chance to think about it.

[Dr. Li, is this the end for us?]

She was waiting for a response, her heart pounding in her chest. When her phone buzzed, she was disappointed by the cold, formal reply:

[I hope you find happiness.]

The words were cold and lacking any warmth. Lily looked at the screen, feeling the finality in his response. But she wasn't ready to throw in the towel just yet. She quickly typed again, her desperation clear:

[But Dr. Li, you're important to me. I don't want to give up on us.]

No response. Her words were left hanging in the air, ignored.

...

Meanwhile, Lena checked her phone and saw that Lily had sent her a message. "Your stock is pretty high these days," she teased, her tone light but with a hint of smugness.

Ethan just quickly glanced at his phone, not really interested in the message. He went back to the report in front of him, looking calm and detached.

Lena, however, wasn't happy with his lack of reaction. She leaned in closer and asked, "If a woman keeps chasing you, would you eventually give in?"

Ethan's voice was cold and dismissive. "If there's no attraction, it's just pathetic."

Lena smiled, pleased with his answer. "So, do I look better than her?"

Ethan didn't hesitate. "You do."

Lena's eyes showed her satisfaction. She knew she had the advantage. To her, Lily Zhao was just a brief interlude, a fleeting distraction for Ethan.

Lena kept up her teasing. "I bet I'm better in bed, too."

Ethan barely looked up from his work. "Is that right?"

...

Lily was lying in bed across the city, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She'd always known Ethan was emotionally distant, but his indifference now felt more cutting than ever. She had been hoping for some kind of sign that he cared, but all she got was a cold rejection.

But she knew she couldn't let go. Ethan wasn't just a passing fancy; he was her best shot at getting even with Jason. She needed him, not just for emotional reasons, but because he was her way of getting revenge on Jason for everything he'd done.

That night, she couldn't get to sleep. When she closed her eyes, she saw Ethan's cold, detached expression. Every time she tried to calm her thoughts, Lena's confident smile and graceful figure flashed before her, reminding her of everything she lacked.

By the time morning came, Lily was pretty tired, both emotionally and physically. As she got up, she felt sick. She was so weak she could barely make it to the bathroom before vomiting into the sink, her body trembling with the effort.

Grace heard the commotion and rushed into the bathroom. "Lily, what's up?" "What's up?" she asked, her face showing her concern.

Lily was leaning against the counter, looking pale and shaky. "I don't know… I don't feel right."

Grace narrowed her eyes and studied Lily's face carefully. "Could it be something you ate?"

Lily shook her head and pressed a hand to her stomach. "No, I think I might be pregnant."

Grace was taken aback, her eyes widening in shock. "Pregnant?" But you and Jason never… So, who's the father?

Lily didn't respond, but her silence said it all.

The realisation hit Grace like a ton of bricks. "Ethan?" she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Lily gave a little nod, her face pale.

Grace took the initiative. "We need to get you to the hospital." "Let's find out for sure."

By the time they got to the hospital, Lily was really starting to worry. Her worst fears were confirmed when she saw Ethan, who was on duty.

Lily's heart was racing as she approached him. "Dr Li," she called gently.

Ethan's gaze was as cold and detached as ever. "I'll take you in for the check-up," he said, in a voice that was completely emotionless.

As Ethan got ready for the examination, he kept his tone clinical. "If you're pregnant, what are you planning to do?"

Lily hesitated, her voice small. "I… I want to keep it."

Ethan's lips curled into a mocking smile. "Using a child to secure your position—quite the strategy."

Grace's eyes widened in shock, her jaw dropping. "Wait, Lily and Ethan—what?"