Chapter 14

The tension in the room was thick as Ethan sat across from his parents, Robert and Margaret, their expressions a mix of disappointment and anger. The air was heavy with unspoken words, but Margaret finally broke the silence.

“Ethan, we can’t support this,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. “You’ve made a terrible mistake by getting involved with Sarah. You need to think about your future, not just this moment.”

Ethan clenched his fists, frustration boiling inside him. “I’m not going to abandon her, Mom. She’s pregnant, and I’m not going to turn my back on my child.”

Robert shook his head, disbelief etched on his face. “You’ve already destroyed your marriage with Lily. We thought you would come to your senses, but now you want to bring this—this girl—into our family? She’s not even a decent person!”

“She’s not just ‘this girl'!" She’s the woman I’ve always loved!” Ethan shot back, his voice rising. “I married Lily because you forced me to. I never wanted that life. I’ve always wanted Sarah, and now that she’s pregnant, I’m not going to walk away.”

Margaret’s eyes filled with tears. “Ethan, we feel terrible for Lily. She was a good woman who loved you. How could you do this to her?”

Ethan’s expression hardened. “You don’t know the whole story. I never loved Lily the way you think I did. I was trapped in a marriage I didn’t want. I loved Sarah before I even married Lily, and I’m not going to let you dictate my happiness anymore.”

“Move on? By getting involved with someone who is clearly not right for you?” Robert’s voice was sharp. “If you continue down this path, you’ll lose everything—your family, your reputation, your career. Do you really want that?”

Ethan stood up, anger coursing through him. “I don’t care! I’m not going to let your judgments dictate my life. I’m going to be there for Sarah and our child, no matter what you think!”

Margaret looked at him, desperation in her eyes. “Ethan, please. If you bring Sarah into this family, we won’t be able to accept her. We won’t allow it. You’ll be making a huge mistake.”

“What do you want me to do? Just walk away from my responsibilities?” Ethan shot back, frustration spilling over. “I’m not like you! I won’t abandon my child!”

Robert’s voice turned cold. “If you choose her over us, Ethan, don’t expect any support from this family. We will not accept a woman who has already caused so much chaos in your life.”

Ethan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of their words.

“I’m done with this conversation. I’m going to take care of my family, whether you like it or not.”

With that, he stormed out of the room, leaving Robert and Margaret in stunned silence, grappling with the reality of their son’s choices.

****

Mia sat on the couch, glancing over at Lily, who was propped up with cushions, looking more comfortable than she had in days. The rain pattered softly against the window, creating a calming atmosphere in the cozy apartment.

“Are you okay?” Mia asked, concern lacing her voice as she watched Lily’s expression.

“Better than the hospital,” Lily replied, a hint of relief in her tone. “I hate hospitals and all the medicine.” She managed a small smile, gratitude shining through her eyes. “Thank you, Mia, for everything.”

Mia moved closer, settling beside Lily on the couch. They both turned to the window, watching the raindrops race down the glass. The world outside was gray and dreary, mirroring the emotions that lingered in the room.

Mia could sense that Lily was still upset, her thoughts consumed by the chaos surrounding Ethan. “You know, you don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to, but I’m here for you.”

Lily’s gaze remained fixed on the rain, her expression distant. “It’s just… I can’t believe he would do this to me. I thought we had something real, but I guess I was wrong.” Her voice trembled slightly, betraying the hurt she felt.

Mia placed a reassuring hand on Lily’s back. “You weren’t wrong, Lily. He’s the one who’s messed up. You deserve so much better than someone who treats you like that.”

“I know,” Lily replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s just hard to let go."

Mia nodded, understanding the weight of those words. “Sometimes people don’t know how to love properly. You deserve someone who will cherish you, not someone who runs away.”

Lily turned to Mia, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Thank you for being here. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

Mia smiled warmly, squeezing Lily’s shoulder. “You’ll get through this. One step at a time. And I’ll be right here with you, every step of the way.”