Chapter 7: I Need Your Kidney
774 Words
Ethan Carter turned to look at her. “What’s wrong?”
Even though they hadn’t seen each other in a long time, Emily Lane was still finely tuned to his moods. She could sense immediately that he was displeased, so she forced a smile and hesitantly followed him inside.
The restaurant wasn’t crowded. As she expected, it was a French bistro—exactly the kind of place Lily Morgan loved.
The staff recognized Ethan instantly, their eyes lighting up as they rushed over to lead them to a private dining room.
Ethan walked ahead, his usual calm and composed self.
Once they were inside, he courteously pulled out a chair for her.
Emily, completely taken by surprise, sat down in a daze, under the envious stares of the waitstaff.
Soft piano music filled the room, the floor gleamed, and everything seemed so full of life. Even though Emily had spent a week in the apartment to adjust, this was her first time really stepping back into society after the months she’d spent locked away. The outside world was so far removed from the tiny, suffocating prison cell she had grown accustomed to.
She tugged nervously at her sleeves, trying to hide the scars that lined her arms.
But in her clumsy attempt, she knocked over the coffee cup with a loud clatter.
She wanted to apologize, but no words came. Her throat betrayed her, and her face flushed red with embarrassment. Only after a long moment did Ethan speak to the waitstaff, his voice calm but dismissive. “Clean this up.”
His gaze drifted to her scarred arms, and a hint of disdain flashed across his face. “Are you showing me this on purpose?”
Emily blinked, confused, unsure of what he meant.
“Still the same act.” Ethan had had enough. He tossed the menu aside and told the server, “Just bring the house specials.”
Eating with someone like Emily—a woman so full of lies—made everything lose its flavor.
As the server left, Ethan glanced back at her and added, “No spicy food. Change the coffee to water.”
Did he just glance at her belly?
Emily felt a flicker of warmth. He must have remembered she was pregnant and was being considerate.
The discomfort she felt earlier melted away, replaced by a small, growing happiness. She sneaked a shy look at Ethan, feeling guilty for ever doubting him.
For a brief moment, Ethan had entertained the idea that Emily might not be as terrible as he had come to believe.
He had seen all her efforts over the years—her devotion, her sacrifices—and in return, he had given her everything she could want: status, wealth, the title of Mrs. Carter. At one point, he had even considered opening his heart to her.
But she didn’t deserve it.
He looked up at her, noticing the nervous way she was sitting, her every move cautious. His irritation flared again.
Why was she always like this? If she were truly innocent, wouldn’t she have fought harder, screamed louder, and demanded justice? Shouldn’t she have cried when it hurt or struggled when things were unfair?
But no—Emily always acted like the world owed her something, waiting for someone to save her.
Ethan felt like a weight was pressing down on his chest, making him restless. He thought about the evidence Lily had shown him and gave a bitter smile. What was he even hoping for? Just as Lily had said, Emily’s silence was her confession. She had accepted her guilt long ago.
Without further hesitation, Ethan knocked on the table and tossed a document in front of her. “Sign it.”
The atmosphere in the private room grew oppressive, Ethan’s presence becoming colder by the second. He was like a human icebox, radiating a warning for anyone to stay far away.
Emily didn’t dare ask what it was. But the moment she glanced at the papers, her heart sank.
It was a legal agreement for organ donation.
Emily’s hands trembled as she picked up the document to read more closely. Her wide, tear-filled eyes scanned the page, and she nearly stopped breathing, terrified that if she let herself breathe, the tears would fall.
Ethan hated seeing her cry. If she cried, he’d be even more upset.
Ethan leaned closer, his sharp features almost mocking as he scrutinized her reddened eyes. His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Didn’t you say you’d do anything for me before? Now, I’m only asking for a kidney, and you’re not willing to give that?”
- Writer
