Chapter 2
Kylie followed the sound and saw a little boy standing at the door of the ward. He seemed to be about 5 or 6 years old, wearing the same patient gown as her. His delicate features were so striking that they held her gaze.
Suddenly, something soft stirred inside Kylie, as if something inside her had been gently tugged, creating an indescribable feeling.
The little boy quickly ran to Kylie’s bed without hesitation, using his little legs to swiftly climb onto her bed. He wrapped his soft body around her, exclaiming, “Mommy, did a bad guy hurt you?”
Then he let her go, clumsily wiping a
her tears with his small, careful hands. It dawned on Kylie that maybe she was too upset earlier, so upset that she couldn’t control her tears. Yet, the boy’s actions at this moment melted her heart. But she was sure she didn’t know him at all.
She smiled, touched the boy’s soft curly hair, and in a surprisingly gentle voice, said, “Sweetie, are you mistaking me for someone else?”
“No, you’re my mommy. Dad and I will protect you in the future,” the boy said confidently. Then, with a sudden excitement, he added, “Although Dad has a bad temper, likes to look serious, doesn’t talk much, comes and goes at odd hours, always has a stomach ache, and doesn’t eat on time, and he smokes. But my dad is handsome. and rich. Please don’t leave us again.”
Listening, Kylic felt a bit helpless. “Even though you’re very cute, I’m really not your
mommy.”
“You are my mommy. I know a secret…”
Suddenly, a magnetic, indifferent male voice came from the ward door. “Jos.”
The little boy trembled. He turned his small head to look back. Kylie also glanced in that direction. Despite having seen many handsome men in her upper–class society, none seemed to compare to the man in front of her.
He wore a white shirt with the top button undone, exuding an indescribable sense of restraint. His features were like finely crafted jade sculptures, exuding wisdom and composure. His dignified and upright figure carried an air of aristocratic calm.
“Dad!” The little boy obediently called out.
Kylie withdrew her gaze, now understanding why the little boy was so good–looking. He had inherited his father’s outstanding genes.
Chapter 2
“Go back to the ward, the man said sternly.
The little boy pouted seemingly a bit unwilling, but nodded obediently.
Kylie now realized that this child had received an excellent upbringing.
The little boy turned to Kylie and said, “Mommy, I’m going back to the ward. My room is next to yours. Will you come see me later?”
Looking into the eager eyes of the little boy, Kylie couldn’t refuse.
“Okay.” She nodded in agreement.
She planned to explain to the boy later that she wasn’t his mom.
“Oh, by the way, Mommy, my name is Joseph Hayden. Just call me Jos,” Joseph introduced himself before reluctantly walking toward the man at the ward’s door. The man was tall, probably above six feet. Joseph standing next to him created an interesting height difference.
The man led Joseph away without sparing her a glance from start to finish. His demeanor was stiff, distant. Yet, it didn’t strike her as impolite. Handsome people. probably never leave too negative an impression.
Truth be told, Kylie wasn’t fond of interacting with people. The man’s cold and distant behavior toward strangers actually made her feel comfortable and at ease.
She got up from the bed, her right leg still in a cast, making her movements extremely inconvenient. Nonetheless, stubborn and proud, she used the crutch and made her way. She realized she had grown accustomed to this. For most of her life, she’d managed on her own. Even during the three years with Sergio, she never bothered or relied on him.
She felt a strange sense of relief for being this way. It was because of this that she could endure even the toughest situations.
Struggling with the crutch, Kylie finally emerged from the restroom and was taken. aback to find a man standing in the room.
The man looked at her pale face and in a deep, magnetic voice asked, “Does my face look terrifying?”
“No.” Kylie shook her head. “I just didn’t expect someone to be in the room.”
This man happened to be the father of the little boy she’d just encountered.
Initially relieved by his cold demeanor, she hadn’t expected him to suddenly show up. His abrupt appearance made her feel somewhat wary.
Noting the shift in her emotions, the man pursed his thin lips slightly. “I’m Ethan Hayden, Miss Stafford. The banquet hall where your engagement party was held yesterday, belongs to me.” Ethan got straight to the point.
It dawned on Kylie. The banquet hall had suddenly caught fire, and the owner did bear some responsibility.
Ethan, with a formal tone, explained, “I deeply apologize for the accidental fire in the banquet hall, which caused you to be trapped and led to your right leg being fractured. I will cover all your hospital expenses, including hospitalization, treatment, caretakers, meals, and recovery. In addition, Miss Stafford, you can claim compensation from me for lost wages, emotional distress, and all the losses incurred during the engagement party.”
“No need.” Kylie said calmly. “Mr. Hayden, covering my medical expenses is sufficient.”
Ethan’s eyes held a peculiar expression as he looked at her.
Kylie had been, standing for too long. Her legs were getting numb.
“Do you need help?” The man obviously noticed her difficulty in moving.
“No… Ah!” Kylie’s words were cut short. The crutch suddenly slipped, and she was about
to fall.
With a swift step, Ethan caught her in his arms. Startled, Kylie caught a whiff of a faint cologne scent. Simultaneously, she seemed to hear the urgent yet steady beating of his heart against his chest.
She quickly tried to get up. She wasn’t used to such close contact with people. Even during her three years with Sergio, despite their good relationship, they rarely went beyond holding hands because Sergio knew about her past experiences and her discomfort with physical contact.
Sergio used to be considerate and respectful, but eventually, he changed.
With Ethan’s help, Kylic managed to stand straight. However, the crutch, having fallen, left her unsteady on one foot. Just as she was about to fall again, Kylie, startled, instinctively grabbed the man’s neck.
In that moment of embrace,/she immediately felt the closeness was too much. Hastily, she released her grip. Her usually pale face turned slightly flushed.
Ethan noticed every move Kylie made, understanding her discomfort but reluctantly choosing to remain silent. He guessed she probably didn’t want any entanglements with him.
19:34 Fri, 1 Mar D·
Chapter 2
The ward wasn’t spacious, and he only needed to carry her a few steps to get her back to bed. She would only have to endure it for a few seconds. Tightening his lips, Ethan
lifted Kylie and placed her back on the bed.
“What are you doing here!”
A familiar male voice suddenly erupted in the ward, filled with anger. Kylie’s heart. skipped a beat, and she unconsciously bit her lip. Ethan remained unmoved, seemingly indifferent to the voice, yet his eyes seemed to fluctuate while observing Kylie. He walked steadily, placing Kylie on the bed.
“Kylie Stafford!” Sergio stormed toward them, shouting, “You’re still as loose as ever, aren’t you?!”
