Chapter 12
Ethan stood in the center of the kitchen, his expression dark and unreadable, reflected in the cold sheen of the marble countertop.
Mrs. Carson stood quietly off to the side, barely daring to breathe.
“So… for six years, she did all this on her own–and never once said a word?” His voice was hoarse, almost disbelieving.
Mrs. Carson nodded carefully. “Mrs. Caldwell never let us help. She said… you had a sensitive stomach, and store–bought hangover soup was too harsh. She needed to monitor the heat herself.”
Ethan’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the counter.
Six years.
Every time he came home after a late–night meeting or dinner, no matter how late, there was always a warm bowl of soup waiting.
He had never once wondered where it came from–or who had stayed up just to make it.
The housekeeper cleared her throat, hesitating. “Sir, would you like me to try making-”
“No,” Ethan cut her off, already turning toward the stairs.
“Everyone get some rest.”
As he passed the master bedroom, he paused at the door. Inside, Sophia was sound asleep. She shifted in her dreams, the silk comforter rustling faintly
with the movement.
He didn’t know why, but for some reason, his mind drifted back to Emily.
When they’d first gotten married, he hadn’t wanted anything to do with her–this woman foisted on him through an arranged corporate marriage.
He would find any excuse to leave the house, sometimes staying out all night.
But no matter what time he came back, she was always there in the living room, quietly waiting for him.
Emily had always been a light sleeper. The tiniest sound would wake her. But somehow, she still managed to fall asleep on that uncomfortable couch- curled up like a child. She must’ve been utterly exhausted.
He’d never cared. Back then, he barely gave her a second glance. He’d just head straight to his room.
And yet… she did that for years.
It wasn’t until much later that he started to slow down–started to pause at the door, maybe even tuck a blanket around her before walking away.
When had that started to change?
He remembered now–it was when Sophia came back.
He’d started running errands for her, managing things on her behalf. Eventually, he began staying home less and less.
Then came the day’Sophia said she wanted to meet the kids.
He brought them over without a second thought.
And from that moment on, it was like Sophia had slipped into their lives–slowly, but surely.
The kids began spending more time with her. Eventually, she was the one they ran to first.
Emily had confronted him once.
“You’re my husband. Lucas and Lily are my children. Why is it that every day, you’re checking in on someone else?”
Her voice had cracked with emotion, her eyes glassy with unshed tears.
“For a while now, I haven’t even known who’s supposed to be the wife in this house. Or who’s supposed to be the mother.”
He had brushed it off then, consumed by guilt and emotion for Sophia. He’d snapped back coldly, “Have you forgotten? If you hadn’t interfered back
then…”
“Sophia was supposed to be the one in this house. She should’ve been the one I married.”
Emily had just stood there, stunned, the heartbreak in her eyes slicing deeper than he realized.
Chapter 12
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