Chapter 3
Kylie looked at Sereo with an icy gaze. Despite feeling immensely hurt when she saw him abandoning her to save Perla yesterday, she still believed their three years together warranted an explanation from him, though she couldn’t forgive him. But right now, she felt seeking an explanation from Sergio would only bring her more humiliation.
Getting no response from Kylie, Sergio turned to glance at Ethan.
Ethan’s striking appearance made Sergio pause for a moment. Soon, he recognized Ethan as the firefighter who had rushed in to save Kylie yesterday. At that time, Ethan was wearing a rescue helmet, and Sergio hadn’t clearly seen his features, only noting his towering height.
“Sergio, let’s break up,” Kylie said.
Their three–year relationship ended there.
Sergio felt a sudden pang in his heart. He looked at Kylie in disbelief, shock in his eyes. He was furious, pointing at Ethan, yelling, “Kylie, do you know who he is? He’s just a firefighter! You want to break up with me for him?”
Ethan’s eyes flickered slightly. There was a hint of mockery and coldness in his eyes, but he chose to remain silent. Despite his seemingly indifferent demeanor, he showed no intention of leaving.
“Why are we breaking up? Shouldn’t you know?” Kylie’s voice turned cold, carrying a hint of anger. “You chose to save Perla yesterday. Don’t you see? Sergio, stop treating me like a fool!”
Sergio, filled with emotion, suddenly froze. At that moment, he was speechless. He remained silent for a long time. His complex gaze held conflict, but after a moment, it turned into resignation.
“Perhaps, we were never meant to be together from the start.” Sergio looked at Kylie, his eyes tinged with regret and sadness. “Kylie, you’re too independent, too strong–willed. During our time together, I felt like I wasn’t necessary, even burdensome. You didn’t need me.”
Kylie looked at Sergio and suddenly chuckled. But inside, she felt a pain close to numbness.
Their first meeting was when she was a street performer trying to survive abroad. Sergio back then was a clean–cut youth, his smile as warm as spring, possessing a refined charm. He paid for her performance and began frequenting her shows. Over time, these two strangers,
a foreign land became acquainted, and then grew fond of
each other, starting dating.
Chapter 3
She told him about her troubled past, and he said it didn’t matter, believing in a bright future together.
Later, when the Moore Group faced a crisis, Sergio, fresh out of university, was urgently called back by the Moore family. Kylie, who was just starting to make progress abroad, chose to accompany Sergio back and threw herself into the Moore Group, working tirelessly with him day and night for two years. She attended his social events, and humbly bowed for investments, ultimately bringing the Moore Group back on track.
Kylie couldn’t believe that he now considered her independence and strength as her flaws, despite once thanking her for her unwavering support.
Sergio, with a voice tinged with guilt but also a sense of complete relief, said, “Take care of yourself from now on. If you ever face difficulties, you can find me. After all, we were in love before, and we can still be friends.”
“I don’t need your kindness or pity. I, Kylie, will never believe in a man who abandons me at a life–and–death moment. I’m not so desperate for your charity!” Kylie’s words were icy, laced with profound sarcasm. “Sergio, remember this. I, Kylie, broke up with you first! And I genuinely wish you and Perla a lifetime of happiness together. I hope you’ll never regret that you chose her!”
Sergio felt somewhat embarrassed by Kylie’s words. Leaving her yesterday was indeed. his fault, and he had nothing to retort. But Kylie’s imposing demeanor made it impossible for him to have a proper conversation with her. He looked at her heavily and said slowly, “Rest well, then.”
As Sergio left, he stopped in his tracks, casting a gaze toward Ethan. Ethan met Sergio’s
eyes,
his expression indifferent and cold.
“Men like him, with no money but a good appearance, I’ve seen plenty. They deceive women with just a handsome face and sweet words. Don’t fall for his tricks,” Sergio said indignantly.
Kylie didn’t want to hear another word from Sergio. “Sergio, I’ll be with whoever I want. You have no right to interfere!”
Ethan tactfully adjusted Kylie’s hair, displaying his willingness to support her.
“If you’re willing to give in to decadence, that’s your choice.” Sergio left in anger.
The room suddenly fell silent.
“Thank you for helping me back to bed and for playing along just now,” Kylie said. “But I’m really tired now, Mr. Hayden. Please leave.”
He said slowly, “Miss Stafford, rest well.”
18%計
Chapter 3
As the tall and elegant Ethan left, he placed a tissue at the bedside. Then, he said, “If a man feels pressure, it’s because he’s not good enough. It has nothing to do with you.”
Kylie was momentarily surprised. Ethan’s true character seemed different from his outward appearance.
Once Ethan stepped out of the ward, his pace noticeably slowed. He picked up the phone and dialed a number. “Lorenzo.”
“Yes, Mr. Hayden,” Lorenzo Deleon respectfully replied.
“When you make food for Jos next time, make an extra portion for the room next to his in the hospital.”
“Understood.”
Ethan had just hung up when the phone rang again. Glancing at the caller ID, he answered, “Joel.”
“Word is you just got back from abroad and your family’s hotel got burned down?” Joel Ellis on the other end joked.
“Yeah,” Ethan replied simply.
–“Must be quite a loss, huh? How are you feeling about it?” Joel teased.
“Great,” Ethan deadpanned.
“Has this incident hit you so hard that it’s driven you insane? How about me and a few friends come to comfort you? We can grab a drink together?” Joel suggested.
“Not necessary. But if it’s to celebrate for me, I can reluctantly accept,” Ethan said. “However, I’m busy at the moment.”
Joel was floored. He didn’t expect Ethan, after not seeing him for years, to turn from a genius to a fool.
“Isn’t Jos getting discharged today?” Joel finally caught on after a moment.
It was Ethan’s first day back in the country, and Joseph had an acute appendicitis attack, ending up in the hospital for,surgery. They had planned to throw a party to welcome Ethan back, but that plan was derailed.
“He’s not out yet,” Ethan added. “I extended his stay for another half month.”
“Jos is okay, right?” Joel asked nervously.
“He’s fine,” Ethan replied coldly. “He’s just chilling here.”
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Chapter 3
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That response left Joel utterly speechless. He wondered if Ethan considered the hospital a hotel.
“Goodbye.
“Ethan!” Joel called out urgently. “How about I bring in a psychologist to check on your right now?”
“I think you’re the one who needs it!” Ethan hung up abruptly.
Setting down his phone, he glanced back at the neighboring room. Ethan pursed his lips tightly and walked into his son’s hospital room.
