Chapter 3~ Missing you.

SIX MONTHS LATER ~

Ethan's POV~

It's been six months since Scarlett left and thoughts of her still linger in my mind.

Granted, our marriage was arranged, but I've come to develop feelings for her, and just when I thought I had finally found my place in her heart, she betrayed me.

I never missed her, but I still can't stop thinking about her.

There aren't any signs of her, no traces and no contact.

Clenching my fists, I glared at the paperwork of construction sites and projects that needed to be handled. I've felt empty, my concentration diverting with my spirit sinking as the day goes by.

I rubbed my temple, frustration and exhaustion eating me up.

I should be feeling happy that I've gotten rid of Scarlett. But I'm certainly not. My six-month-old son is terminally ill, and even after providing the best nannies and medical care, I can sense his distress, likely feeling her absence deeply.

A knock on the door cut through the thick silence and I raised my head, my gaze lingering on the figure who walked in.

It was James, my secretary.

He walked in with a practiced ease, his steps measured.

Reclining on my chair, I drummed my fingers impatiently on the table, awaiting his reports.

“Any news about her?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

There was a pause. His hesitation spoke volume.

“No, sir.” He finally admitted. “I've searched the entire city, but she's nowhere to be found. I've just heard she's cut ties with the Harpers..”

The news dropped like a bombshell. I sat upright, my eyes wide with shock.

“Cut ties with the Harpers?”

“Yes. Also, I heard she was adopted and isn't their biological daughter.”

“What!” I whispered, rising to my feet, my face contorted in confusion as his words replayed in my mind.

“And they have no clue where she is?”

“Yes, Mr Ethan. According to reports, she chose to distance herself from them after discovering she was adopted. There aren't any traces of her.”

“No. That's not possible. She should be here. Somewhere. I need you to do all you can to find her.”

“Okay sir,” He replied with a bow before turning to leave.

A deep sigh escaped my lips as I slid my fingers into my hair, anxiety gnawing at my chest.

Why did the Harpers just claim she was adopted after all these years?

Straightening my suit, I made my way to the boardroom, which now feels like a funeral home. Clearing my throat, I glanced at the members awaiting me with a mix of apprehension and anticipation.

“I'm sorry to announce but the meeting has to be adjourned.” With that, I walked away and slid into the backseat of my car.

“Where to, sir?” The chauffeur asked as he grasped the steering wheel.

“The hospital.”. I mumbled, tearing my gaze away from him.

As we stepped into the hospital, the familiar scent of antiseptic enveloped me

The steady rhythmic beeping of the machines welcomed me as soon as I stepped into my son's ward.

Jasmine got on her feet the moment she sighted me. She'd been with my son since early morning, watching over him with an unwavering decision.

I watched in vulnerability as my six months old son was hooked to the machine, his tiny body surrounded by wires and tubes.

The middle-aged doctor approached me, his face filled with sympathy, “Your son has a ventricular septal defect, a hole in the heart. We'll need to monitor him closely until he's old enough for surgery."

“Also–” He hesitated, staring at me.

“He needs the care of his mother more than ever now.”

He said lastly before turning to leave.

His words hang heavily in the air, replying in my mind.

Jasmine approached me and reached for my hands. “Ethan.” She called in a trembling voice.

Her gaze drifted to Eric, my son, and then returned to me.

“It's so sad seeing a six-month-old go through so much suffering.”

“Thanks for everything you did to Eric. I really appreciate it.” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Ethan,” she called once more, holding my chin.

“Why don't we get married?” She suggested, her eyes holding me in their grasp.

“Eric needs a mother and you know that. The doctor said he needs enough care and I'm willing to take on that responsibility, to be there for him and to care for him as my own.”

I swallowed the huge lump in my throat, weighing the intensity of her words in her eyes.

Ever since Scarlett left, I don't feel like getting married to some other lady. But Eric. He needs a mother. .

Wrapping her arms around me, she held me tight, her warmth and scent enveloping me.

“I know we're just childhood friends but - I love you, Ethan. I'm willing to marry you and be there for both of you.”

Sighing, I brought her hands down as several thoughts raced across my mind.

“Eric. Don't you feel anything for me? Are you still thinking about Scarlett?”

There was a thick silence as she awaited my response.

“Are you still interested in that fool who betrayed you? She almost ended my life by pushing me down the stairs. Tell me, are you still in love with her?”

Her questions met mine, searching for answers.

“Ethan!” she yelled.

“Let's get married.” I declared against my own will. I've never loved her, but I had to do this for my son.

“Re - really?” She stuttered, her eyes going wide with a mix of surprise and excitement.

I nodded, my heart heavy with uncertainty.

********

Scarlett’s POV

“Thank you, Leslie.” I whispered after stepping out of my best friend's apartment.

Since my foster parents sent me out of their mansion, Leslie has been the one accommodating me.

The brash daddy's princess pawned one of her father's treasures, which was valued at $100,000, and handed me the money so I could live comfortably in another state.

“I'm glad I could help, Scarlett,” Leslie whispered, giving my cheek a gentle stroke.

Her face softened, instantly picking up on the tremor in mine. “I know things have been hard, but I want you to get over it. Go out there and make a new life for yourself, you've got this.”

“Your support means everything to me, Leslie.” I said as I embraced her in a warm hug.

Leslie felt the blood rush to her head, overwhelmed by the cuteness of my daughter, Emily.

She pulled her cheeks gently and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"She's more beautiful than ever. Please, take good care of her, Scarlett.”

“I will. She's everything I have left,” I said, my voice steady despite the crack threatening to break it.

“It's Ethan's loss. I'm sure he'll regret what he did,”

As Leslie spoke, Ethan’s face flashed in my thoughts and with it came bitterness, and hatred, the size of a river with strong currents to drown me.

He will definitely regret what he did. That, I'm so certain.