Book1 Chapter4
When I got home, surprisingly, Ethan had made dinner, four dishes, and a soup, looking like he had put some effort into it.
He looked at me eagerly, “About what happened at noon, I didn’t take good care of you. Let me make it up to you tonight. I made your favorite dishes.”
Looking at the spicy dishes, I didn’t hesitate to refuse, “I’ve already eaten.”
The smile on his face froze, “Can you at least try it?”
“No,” I watched Ethan’s voice drop, and then continued, “I prefer lighter food. It’s Vanessa who likes spicy food.”
He said with a tone of compromise. “Then tell me what you like, and I’ll make it
for you. I’ve been really uneasy these past few days without hearing from you. I
know I might have ignored you too much in the past. No woman could tolerate her boyfriend crossing the line with someone else. It won’t happen again.”
“You don’t have to explain these things to me, Ethan. I understand. You and Vanessa have always been innocent,” I said, cutting him off.
He couldn’t hide his dissatisfaction and tried to explain, “I didn’t know she was going to post that on social media. It’s my fault for not handling it well.”
“Sure, it’s fine. I don’t need you to explain these things to me. I’m really tired recently and just want to rest.”
I didn’t want to keep arguing with him, so I went into my room.
Soon after. I heard him in the kitchen, probably throwing the food away.
That’s fine, too.
How many times had I thrown away food I made while waiting for him? How did it become such a grievance when it was his turn?
I was suddenly surprised by my impatience with him. Turns out, no matter how hard you try, some things just don’t work out.
I no longer had time to care about Ethan’s feelings; I had more important things to do.
Given Ethan’s pride, I thought he wouldn’t bother with me again.
But after a while, I heard a knock on the door.
“May I come in, Claire?” Rarely, Ethan spoke to me with politeness. He had always done whatever he wanted, never considering that I might be inconvenienced.
“The door’s not locked,” I murmured.
He came in with a bowl of strawberries:
“You need to eat more fruit to help your recovery. Are you studying? Don’t stay up too late; it’s not good for your health.”
He rambled on, making me feel like I had seen this scene before.
In the past, I used to talk to him like this, but back then, he just found me annoying. He even smashed a bowl because I said too much.
Looking at the strawberries, I smiled slightly, “Ethan, it’s Vanessa who likes
strawberries.”
You see, he couldn’t even be thoughtful when he was trying to care for me.
His face turned pale when I said that, and he quickly took the strawberries away:
“Then what do you like? I’ll go buy it for you now. The supermarket’s still open.”
“No, Ethan. I’m an adult. If I want something, I’ll buy it myself. If there’s nothing else, you should rest early. I have work to do.” I refused his kindness and began to ignore him, focusing on my work.
But Ethan didn’t leave. Instead, he approached me:
“Claire, weren’t you working at the front desk? Why are you involved in field treatment now?”
“Yes, this is something every medical professional should do. It’s important to constantly review and improve.”
“But didn’t you say your job was too exhausting? You don’t have to work so hard. I can take care of you,” he persisted.
I didn’t understand what Ethan was trying to convey.
When I wanted to go on a peacekeeping mission, he disagreed, saying it was for my own good, that it made him feel inadequate as a boyfriend, and that I didn’t consider his feelings.
Back then, Ethan acted like he was planning for our future together, and I believed him. I even transferred to a front desk position.
However, I still wasn’t satisfied and continued to learn surgical analysis and attend lectures in my spare time.
When he found out, he lashed out at me and we had a big argument.
At that time, Vanessa came to mediate:
“E is just looking out for you. Why can’t you be more considerate? Do you know what people in his field say about him? You’re always so busy and don’t make much money. Every time he comes home exhausted, there’s no food on the table. Several times, I had to cook for him when he came to me. You don’t know how much I envy you. If E liked me, I wouldn’t let him go.”
Back then, I was furious, but I also saw Ethan’s disappointment and frustration, as well as his admiration for Vanessa, so I gave in.
Looking back on it now, I’m certain Ethan did all that simply because he didn’t want to lose a maid who looked after him.
I snapped back at him, “I’m not Vanessa. I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”
Ethan’s face darkened: “Vanessa has her own career. She’s more capable than you think, Claire. We’re trying to solve our problems here. If you’re still upset about me saving Vanessa, we can continue to talk it out, but don’t attack her personally.”
Seeing Ethan standing up for her, I had no interest in communicating further.
Realizing I was speechless, he seemed to acknowledge his mistake, coughed awkwardly, and tried to change the subject:
“I have something else to ask you. This topic got a bit off track.”
I remained silent, so he continued:
“Our company is hosting a celebration banquet tomorrow night, and family members are required to attend. Do you want to come? I’ve had a dress prepared for you. They’re all looking forward to meeting you.”
Hearing his offer, I lost interest and declined while browsing through my work
materials:
“I won’t go. We have a training session tomorrow.”
“Claire, haven’t you always wanted to be acknowledged? I’m planning to introduce you to everyone tomorrow. Why won’t you come?”
“I’m really busy, and it’s not urgent to make our relationship public. We’ve managed all these years without it, haven’t we?”
Book Chapterd
With those words, I watched Ethan storm out of the room.
