My Mistake for Giving You My Remaining Years

To win Ethan’s love,she traded the special ability with her most precious possession,when he knew the truth,he was panicked and cried”No”!

"Ms. Wings, as per our agreement, in exchange for the special ability, you must give up your most precious possession. Are you sure you're willing to trade your entire future for Ethan's affection?"

Elena nodded without hesitation, her decision firm.

"Very well. You will gain the ability to make Ethan develop feelings for you. But this power will only last for one month. Once the time is up, your organs will begin to shut down, and you will die."

They sealed the deal with a handshake. She was gambling her life for just one month with Ethan.

Walking alone through the cold, silent streets, Elena made her way back to the hospital. As she looked up, she saw the news report from a week ago about the car accident.

The footage was shocking—paramedics rescuing two unconscious individuals from a car that had been nearly destroyed. It had been the day Ethan and Sienna went to get their marriage certificate. During the crash, all the impact was directed toward Ethan in order to protect Sienna.

After a day and night of struggle, Ethan had been pulled back from the brink of death, while Sienna only sustained minor injuries.

Just as Elena was about to leave, she overheard a group of pedestrians sighing with regret.

"Ethan loves Sienna so much... even in such a dangerous situation, he chose to protect her first. If that isn't love, then what is?"

"Of course, are you kidding? Sienna Bay is Mr. Scott's dream woman."

"I heard they've known each other since they were twelve, studied abroad together at eighteen, and when Sienna was twenty-three, she was signed by a film company and came back to the country to start her career. Ethan even went as far as setting up a personal management agency just for her. When Sienna didn’t want to get married, Mr. Scott waited patiently until she agreed."

"That's what love is—careful and gentle. Even when facing life and death situation, he was still thinking about Sienna. We, the onlookers, were all moved by Mr. Scott's devotion. So, of course, Sienna must feel the same way. Mr. Scott is truly the best man in the world."

A hint of sarcasm flashed in Elena's eyes.

Love? Sienna had always just used Ethan. After all this chaos, she was the first to distance herself. Ethan's love for her seemed more like food for the dogs.

As usual, Elena returned to the hospital. Ethan had already woken up, and Sienna was in front of him, crying and putting on an act.

She didn’t need to listen to know that Ethan would forgive her as always, even though the accident was caused directly by Sienna deliberately leading paparazzi to follow them.

"Ethan, I really want to stay here and take care of you, but my work schedule is packed, and I just can't get away. You won’t be upset with me, right?"

Sienna was the most skilled actress Elena had ever seen.

Whenever she and Ethan came home, Sienna would purposely leave the door slightly ajar, just enough for Elena to see inside. She would also send Elena every little detail of her and Ethan’s relationship, complaining about how many gifts Ethan had bought her.

Elena never once replied.

Ethan noticed Elena standing at the door and gave her a knowing smile. "Why are you standing out there? Come in."

Elena faltered slightly. Had he forgotten?

Before the accident, she and Ethan had had a huge argument. When she found out he was about to marry Sienna, she lost control, crying and asking why she couldn’t be the one he loved.

His response had been full of disbelief and anger. "Elena! Your mother entrusted you to my care! I have a responsibility to look after you! I’m so much older than you—I'm your elder! How could you even think of liking an elder?"

Chapter 2

"But there are so many older men with younger women now, and you’re not old at all..."

For the first time in years, Ethan spoke sharply to her. "If you keep talking nonsense like that, get out! And don’t ever come back!"

"Ellie?" Ethan’s voice snapped Elena back to reality as he called her over to the bedside. His gaze landed on the thermos she was holding.

It was the soup she had spent the entire afternoon making just for him.

"Is this for me?" Ethan loved the soup she made and always praised her talent for it. He even asked her to make it for him every Wednesday and Friday, bringing it to his office.

Elena was overjoyed. No matter the weather—wind, rain, or even a storm—she would always bring him the soup without fail.

Before Elena could say anything, Sienna suddenly took the thermos from her hands, flashing a sweet smile.

"Thanks, Ellie. Didn’t Ethan tell you? Actually, I’m the one who loves your soup. I didn’t want to trouble you since you’re always so busy, so he said it was his favorite instead."

Elena’s smile faltered, and her face went pale for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. Ethan’s affection for Sienna was something she could never have. In her most desperate moments, she had even wished she could be Sienna.

But what did it matter? Only Elena knew the truth—that Sienna was just a stand-in.

Ethan’s face darkened as he coldly ordered Sienna to return the thermos. "When did Ellie’s soup become yours?"

Both Elena and Sienna froze at his words.

Elena couldn’t hide her shock. So… this was the affection she had earned by sacrificing her entire future?

Sienna’s face turned sour as she handed the thermos back to Elena. Usually, when she pouted, Ethan would indulge her every whim without hesitation. But this time, Ethan didn’t even give her a chance to speak.

The room fell silent as Ethan finished his soup. Unable to hold back, Elena finally asked, "Why did you send Sienna away?"

"You don’t like her, do you?"

Elena was stunned. She had never forgotten how much she disliked Sienna. She remembered the first time Ethan brought Sienna home to spend the night—Elena had taken a cold bath in the dead of winter, pushing herself until she had a high fever, and Ethan had stayed with her in the hospital all night.

Whenever they went on dates, Elena would always find a way to call Ethan back. Facing his anger, she would always openly admit that she didn’t like Sienna and didn’t want them to be together.

However, Sienna had said that everything in life had its proper order, and love was no different. From the very beginning, Elena had lost.

So, if even Sienna could see her feelings, why couldn’t Ethan?

Ethan seemed to have truly changed. As Sienna’s visits to the hospital grew fewer, on the day Elena accompanied him to check out, Ethan had arranged for a car to take them to a bridal shop.

The eager staff immediately welcomed them, ushering Elena inside.

"Mr. Scott has specially ordered ten wedding dresses. After you try them on, let us know if any adjustments are needed, and we'll have our designer make the changes right away."

Elena was confused. She wasn’t the one getting married, so why was she here? She quietly looked at Ethan, who walked over and gently stroked her hair.

"Sienna couldn’t make it, but you two are about the same size. Could you try them on for her? I’ll take photos and send them to her."

Elena froze, her heart sinking. After a long pause, she managed to force a smile. So, nothing had changed.

He still hadn’t given up on marrying Sienna.

Like a puppet, she tried on each wedding dress while Ethan snapped photos, sending them to Sienna for her to choose. When Elena went to change into the last dress, she suddenly found a lighter hidden in the fabric.

Unable to control herself, she flicked it on, and the expensive gown was quickly engulfed in flames.

Chapter 3

The sudden fire caused chaos in the store, and Elena panicked, rushing out of the fitting room and throwing herself into Ethan's arms.

As she looked up, she was met with Sienna’s strikingly beautiful face.

Elena had just burned the wedding dress Sienna had personally chosen, but Sienna didn’t seem angry at all. Instead, she smiled and quickly made excuses for her.

"Ellie did the right thing. I’ve never liked these dresses. Ethan, didn’t you forget that you promised to go with me to the class reunion today?"

Ethan gently patted Elena’s back to comfort her, always treating her like a child. When she was ten and first sent to his home, she had been so scared, refusing to speak or eat. He had patiently comforted her for an entire day and night.

At twelve, after she was bullied at school, Ethan had gone to the school as her guardian, and after that, the boys and teachers who tormented her were never seen again.

At sixteen, when she had her first period and was writhing in pain, Ethan had hurried to make her ginger soup, pressing a hot water bottle against her stomach, nervously staying by her side, keeping watch.

The moment Elena realized she had fallen in love with Ethan, she swore she would never leave him. But everything changed on her eighteenth birthday.

That day, Sienna had sent her a photo of Ethan lying in her bed, apologizing for not being able to spend the evening with her because he was too tired and had already fallen asleep.

She pulled away from Ethan’s arms, stubbornly shaking her head. "You’re still recovering; the doctor said you need to rest."

Sienna acted as if she hadn’t heard, pushing Elena aside as she linked arms with Ethan.

"Ethan, it’s just a quick visit. We’ll be done soon, and I’ll go back home with you afterward."

Elena knew exactly what Sienna was up to. She just wanted to show off, and Ethan’s presence would only add to her shine. But Sienna still hadn’t admitted to her mistake of hiring paparazzi to follow them.

Ethan paused for a moment, then told Elena to go home and wait for him. Elena, with red-rimmed eyes, shook her head. She insisted on going with them.

"Ethan, let Ellie come too. She’s been taking care of you these past few days. It wouldn’t hurt to take her out for a nice meal."

Whenever Sienna spoke, Ethan never said no.

Ethan and Sienna took one car, while Elena was in another. When they made the agreement, the other party had said that gaining affection would take time.

Unfortunately, Elena only had one month, and she couldn’t afford to wait.

When they arrived, Elena realized it wasn’t just a reunion, but a charity auction organized under Sienna’s name.

The old classmates, thrilled by Ethan’s presence, crowded around him, eager to get closer.

"Sienny, Mr. Scott really spoils you! He came straight from the hospital to support you—looks like today’s ‘Celestia’s Crown’ is definitely yours."

"Mr. Scott is a total 'wife guy,' always putting Sienna first, even in life-or-death situations. I’m so jealous of her."

Sienna basked in the spotlight Ethan brought, her radiant face glowing with a smile full of happiness.

Ethan exchanged a few words with the crowd, scanning the room until he spotted Elena in the corner, holding a wine glass, lost in thought. Elena had always hated crowded places, and he was surprised she even agreed to come this time.

"Are you hungry? I can have the chef bring over a few steaks to hold you over."

Elena blinked at him in confusion as Ethan crouched down to meet her gaze, casually taking the wine glass from her hand.

"Kids can’t drink alcohol. If you want some, I’ll drink with you when we get back."

"I’m not a kid anymore. I’m of legal marriage age."

"Still no. As long as I’m around, you’d better stay away from alcohol."

Suddenly, Elena remembered the last time she had drunk too much—she had clung to Ethan, crying and pleading with him, begging him, "Could you please not marry Sienna?"

Chapter 4

Ethan spent some time with Elena before Sienna pulled him away to mingle with the guests.

The charity auction, accompanied by dinner, was split into two parts. The ‘Celestia's Crown,’ which was meant to be the highlight of the auction, had been scheduled for the first half to accommodate Ethan’s timing.

Elena’s eyes were drawn to the dazzling crown on stage. The so-called ‘Celestia's Crown’ was a queen's crown, adorned with countless diamonds that sparkled like stars. From a distance, it almost seemed to shimmer with the brilliance of the night sky.

This one-of-a-kind treasure had caused a stir the moment it appeared.

Ethan noticed Elena’s gaze fixed on the crown. She had never been interested in such rare treasures. Their house was filled with priceless jewels, but she never even spared them a glance.

When the auction price reached one hundred million, Ethan raised his paddle.

"Two hundred million."

The room was in shock. With a single bid, Ethan secured the crown, and no one dared to compete.

Everyone assumed it was a gift for Sienna and cast envious glances her way.

"When you two get married, wearing the Celestia’s Crown and walking down the aisle together, it’ll be so lovely."

The crowd couldn’t help but admire Sienna’s good fortune. Everyone knew how well Ethan treated her. Their public romance had been the ultimate love story, a reality show that showcased their affectionate moments to the world.

"Ellie, go get it."

Ethan looked at the stunned Elena, and she snapped out of her daze, quickly running to retrieve the two-hundred-million-dollar treasure.

She had grown used to being the one running errands for their relationship. Every time Ethan asked her to fetch a gift for Sienna, he would always get her something as well, never letting her do it for free.

But what about this time?

All eyes were on Ethan and Sienna as Sienna blushed, waiting for Ethan to present the gift to her. She knew that tonight’s headline would be about her—the woman with the two-hundred-million-dollar crown, the most dazzling queen of the night.

Sienna was already planning to have Ethan put the crown on her head himself, building up the drama to the fullest.

Ethan stood up, and Sienna eagerly followed suit, excited for what she thought would be the most spectacular moment of the evening. But everything she had imagined didn’t unfold.

"Sienna, I’ll take Ellie and leave. You two carry on."

Everyone froze, including Elena.

She, too, had thought the ‘Celestia's Crown’ was for Sienna. Her emotions went on a rollercoaster ride, and she quickly hurried to follow Ethan.

Confused, she wondered why he would spend such an extravagant amount if the crown wasn’t meant for Sienna.

"It’s for you."

Elena was stunned, speechless. Then, it hit her—was this the affection she had traded her life for?

Had Ethan finally begun to develop feelings for her?

"Huh?"

"You wanted it, didn’t you? You’ve been eyeing it for quite a while. You never even look at things you don’t like."

Ethan knew Elena so well. Her likes and dislikes were always clear, just like how she didn’t like Sienna and would never pretend otherwise in front of him.

Elena’s heart churned with a storm of emotions. All she had ever wanted was a bit of Ethan’s affection, even if it was just out of pity.

"Ethan, aren’t you worried Sienna will be upset?"

"Nah, she won’t be."

The next day, Elena understood why Ethan was so confident that Sienna wouldn’t be upset.

After they left, Ethan had ordered the delivery of the "Tears of the Immortal Heart," a symbol of lifelong companionship. It was rumored that when a man gives this to a woman, it signifies a lifetime together.

Elena felt as if she had been struck, but soon, she let it go. It had always been like this, hadn’t it?

The most precious things were always reserved for Sienna.

Elena received a call from the hospital, urging her to return quickly for her surgery.

Chapter 5

Elena gave up and requested the hospital to keep her condition strictly confidential.

Even if the treatment succeeded, the survival rate would only extend her life by a few years. To her, trading those few years for one month of peace was worth it.

After hanging up the phone, Elena turned to see Ethan approaching from behind. He noticed her anxious expression, and an inexplicable unease stirred in his heart.

“Who were you calling? Why are you so flustered?” he asked.

“Oh, don't worry about it.” Elena hurried to follow him as she saw he was about to leave.

Ever since Ethan was discharged from the hospital, she had been like his shadow, never leaving his side.

“I’m heading back to the family estate. You stay here and wait for me like a good girl,” Ethan said, patting her head.

Elena had always disliked the atmosphere of the Scott Family’s old estate. Back when Ethan wanted to adopt her, the estate’s residents had strongly opposed the decision, leading to a major fallout between them.

In recent years, Elena only visited the Scott Family estate on New Year's Eve, worried they would label her rude if she didn’t. Even though she faced cold shoulders and humiliation, she gritted her teeth and went to pay her respects.

“I want to go with you,” she said firmly.

Her gaze was unwavering. With so little time left, she couldn’t afford to waste it. Every second spent with Ethan mattered.

Ethan was a bit surprised. Normally, the mere mention of visiting the estate would make her retreat instantly. Today, however, she was unusually proactive.

“Not afraid of their words?” he asked.

“Other than your words, I don’t care what anyone else says,” Elena replied, pointing to her ears. “In one ear, out the other.”

Ethan chuckled. He remembered that the estate had recently hired a chef from Elena’s hometown.

If she went, she could enjoy some familiar dishes, so he agreed to take her along.

What Elena didn’t know was that Sienna would also be there.

Today’s meal was meant to discuss Ethan and Sienna’s wedding. After the car accident, Ethan had taken Sienna to register their marriage without informing his family in advance. Now that things had unfolded the way they did, the Scott Family could see how deeply Ethan loved Sienna.

Reluctantly, they agreed to the marriage.

There was one condition though: Sienna had to leave the entertainment industry.

“Sienny, our Scott Family doesn’t like women putting themselves in the spotlight, especially in an industry with such a bad reputation. Leave your career before joining our family—that’s the old man’s stance as well,” said Esther, Ethan’s mother. Her tone was indifferent, neither warm nor cold.

Sienna wasn’t Esther’s ideal choice, but she was leagues better than Elena. Esther was determined to prevent Elena from staying by Ethan’s side and causing more trouble.

“Elena, Ethan is about to get married. You’re already grown up—it’s not appropriate for you to keep living with him. Find some time to move out,” Esther said firmly.

Esther had never liked Elena. She’d dropped countless hints, both subtle and direct, but Elena always pretended not to understand. Now, using Ethan’s impending marriage as an excuse, Esther seized the opportunity to push her out.

Elena couldn’t figure out what she had ever done to deserve this treatment.

“Mom, Ellie can live wherever she wants. She’ll make her own arrangements,” Ethan interjected.

“After you marry Sienny, having such a third wheel around—are you fine with it? Would Sienny be fine with it?” Esther shot back, deliberately dragging Sienna into the conversation.

Sienna knew exactly what Esther wanted her to say. But having just been forced to agree to leave the entertainment industry, she was already feeling resentful.

“Auntie, I’ll listen to Ethan,” Sienna said with a practiced smile. “Besides, Ellie has been with Ethan for so many years. It’s not something she can easily change overnight.”

Esther’s expression darkened further. “It’s all the fault of that worthless mother of hers, bringing such trouble into the world.”

Elena’s body stiffened at the cruel words. Even after dinner, while waiting for Ethan in the courtyard, Esther’s harsh comment echoed in her mind.

Ethan’s marriage was a significant event, and the entire Scott Family was bustling with preparations. Yet Elena felt increasingly lost. She could sense Ethan’s kindness and affection toward her, but why did he still went on in marrying Sienna?

Drawn by curiosity, she moved closer to the family’s meeting hall. From inside, she could hear the tone Esther used with Sienna had completely shifted.

Chapter 6

“Sienny, after you leave the industry, your focus should be on supporting your husband and raising children. Being the daughter-in-law of the Scott Family is far more complicated than you might think,” Esther said with an air of authority.

“And as for Elena—you’re too softhearted. Keeping her around will only bring disaster to your marriage with Ethan.”

Elena didn’t wait to hear the rest. She turned and left quietly, her heart sinking. Esther and Sienna shared the same goal: to drive her away. They would stop at nothing to make it happen.

Her mind was a chaotic mess as she wandered aimlessly, eventually reaching the gates of the old estate. She tripped over something she couldn’t see and fell hard onto the ground.

Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision, and through the haze, she saw Sienna standing before her.

“Still playing the pity card? Do you think this will let you stay by Ethan’s side forever? I’ve been meaning to ask—when are you planning to move out?” Sienna’s tone was sharp, her posture exuding the authority of someone who considered herself the rightful partner.

Elena felt suffocated. Sienna stood tall, lecturing her as if she were already Ethan’s legitimate wife. It was just one step away—soon, Sienna would officially claim that title.

Looking down at her scraped palms, Elena let out a faint laugh. “What if the Scott Family found out that on the day of the accident, it was you who tipped off the paparazzi? That you deliberately orchestrated the chaos to stage a car crash, almost costing Ethan his life? Do you think you’d still be able to marry him then?”

Sienna’s face froze for a moment, but she quickly recovered, letting out a chuckle. “You know quite a bit. Unfortunately, it won’t make any difference.”

The blaring sound of a car horn cut through the air.

A car came barreling toward them, out of control. In an instant, Sienna’s expression changed. She shouted, “Ellie, watch out—”

With all her strength, she pushed Elena aside, stepping directly into the car’s path.

Bam!

As Sienna was hit, Elena saw Ethan sprinting toward them, his eyes bloodshot with panic as he yelled for someone to call an ambulance.

He held Sienna tightly in his arms as he carried her away, not sparing Elena even a glance.

Elena’s initial fear and shock gradually gave way to bitter self-mockery. So this was how it was—no matter how much fondness Ethan might have shown her, the most important person in his heart was still Sienna.

The contract had only promised that she could win Ethan’s affection. It had never guaranteed that he wouldn’t marry Sienna.

In the cold, sterile hallway of the hospital, Elena curled up on a bench, waiting outside the room.

Though Sienna had taken a hard fall, the car had braked just in time. She wasn’t seriously injured, only shaken from the experience.

The incident at the gates of the Scott Family estate left the entire family furious.

Esther stormed into the hospital, her anger blazing. Without warning, she slapped Elena hard across the face.

“It’s because she was trying to save you that Sienny ended up in danger! How many lives do you think you have to trade for her peace of mind?”

Elena was stunned by the slap, unable to react. When Esther raised her hand for a second strike, Ethan arrived just in time to stop her.

“Ellie is a victim too! How can you treat a child who’s just been through such a scare like this?” Ethan said firmly.

“Child? Ethan, take a good look. Do you really think she’s the kind of well-behaved child you imagine? What kind of ‘good child’ would harbor such filthy thoughts toward someone twelve years her senior?”

Boom!

Elena’s mind went blank, as if it had exploded. Each word from Esther was like a sharp slap to her face, cutting deeper and deeper.

Ethan drove the dazed Elena home in silence. When they arrived, she remained motionless, lost in her thoughts.

He gently took her hand, startled by how cold her palm felt.

“Ellie, we’re home. Don’t be afraid—I’m here,” he said softly.

Her tears, held back for so long, finally broke free, spilling down her cheeks uncontrollably.

“Ethan, is liking someone really so filthy?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Ethan had once accused her of being filthy too, telling her to leave if she ever had such thoughts again. It was the first time he’d spoken so harshly to her, shattering the confidence she’d always had in her feelings.

It was just an age gap. She had never thought that something as simple and pure as liking someone could be considered so shameful.

Chapter 7

From the moment Elena was sixteen and realized her feelings for Ethan, until she turned twenty-one, she spent five years praying that she would grow up faster, praying that Ethan would slow down his plans to marry Sienna.

The day Ethan went to register his marriage with Sienna, Elena tried everything to keep him. In a desperate moment, she took a pair of scissors and aimed them at her wrist, hoping to force him to change the date.

Ethan was no longer the same as before.

His cold, indifferent voice shattered the last bit of reason Elena had left. “Elena, no one can stop me from marrying her. If I had to choose between you and her, you would never be the answer.”

That day, the sharp scissors slid across her delicate wrist, blood pouring out, but Ethan still walked away without a second glance.

Elena, in her despair, pleaded for even the smallest bit of Ethan’s affection—just a trace of his love was enough to let her breathe.

But it seemed like he had forgotten everything.

Ethan avoided Elena’s gaze. This time, he didn’t scold her harshly but instead told her not to talk about her feelings for him so openly anymore.

“Ethan, you hate that I like you. You think my feelings for you are disgusting, don’t you?”

“Ellie, I am your elder. I’m twelve years older than you.”

“You’re only saying that because you like Sienna,” Elena shot back.

Time and time again, Elena lied to herself, telling herself that Ethan didn’t care for Sienna that much. But each time, she was slapped with the harsh reality—he was kind to her, but even kinder to Sienna.

“My engagement with Sienny is set. Stop making a scene. I can forget everything you’ve said, but if you want to stay by my side, you’ll have to forget too.”

Ethan dropped Elena off at her house, but as he turned to leave, his body swayed, and he leaned against the wall, unable to calm the storm inside him.

Elena was starting to resemble her mother more and more, especially as she blossomed into a graceful young woman. Everywhere she went, there were traces of her mother in her.

But how could he, a friend of her mother, ever think of her that way?

The hospital called, saying that Sienna refused to eat. They were at their wits' end, and by the time Ethan arrived, Sienna was in tears, asking the doctor if the scars on her face would remain.

She had injured her face while saving Elena, and for a female celebrity, that was a potentially career-ending scar.

Ethan moved to comfort Sienna, wrapping his arms around her and gently patting her back. “Don’t worry, I’ll find the best doctor to help you remove the scar. It won’t leave any trace.”

Sienna buried her face in his chest, sobbing, her shoulders shaking with each breath.

“Ethan, will you still want me?” she asked, her voice trembling.

“Of course I will.”

“Then... what about the wedding?”

“Just discuss it with my mother. You can do whatever you want,” Ethan said, his tone indifferent. He had no particular thoughts about the wedding.

The Scott Family needed dignity, and Sienna wanted a grand ceremony. It was only natural for her and Esther to come to an agreement.

Sienna wasn’t seriously injured, and on the day she was discharged, she pouted and whined to Ethan, “Ethan, can I stay with you? My ankle’s still a little swollen, and it would be easier for you to take care of me. What if something happens when I’m alone...?”

Without hesitation, Ethan shut her down, extinguishing her hopes.

“No, Ellie doesn’t like having anyone else in the house.”

Sienna froze. He had refused her for Elena’s sake?

“Then… can you stay with me tonight? I’m a little scared alone.”

Ethan agreed, and Sienna smiled contentedly. “I knew Ethan would always be the best to me.”

Elena spent the whole night waiting for Ethan, but he never showed up. When she finally picked up her phone, a message from Sienna popped up on OurTalk.

It was a photo of Ethan, with the caption: "Ellie, Ethan just couldn't leave me at ease, so he's staying with me tonight. You don't need to wait for him, get some rest."

Elena stared at the screen, her face expressionless. She stared at the message, scrolling back and forth for a long time.

What was Sienna doing?

Claiming her territory?

Chapter 8

How insecure must she be, to repeatedly use such childish methods to show off and provoke?

Elena tossed the phone aside and walked into Ethan’s room, lying down on his bed.

The first time she slept in the same bed as Ethan was when she was ten. She had been crying and too scared to fall asleep. The house was so big, even speaking seemed to echo, so in the middle of the night, she had snuck into Ethan’s room, hugging her pillow.

“Can I sleep with you? Mom always used to sleep with me. I’m scared to sleep alone.”

Ethan, usually cold and unyielding, was always softhearted when it came to her.

That night marked the beginning, and even until she was forty, whenever Elena had nightmares, she would still instinctively go to Ethan. But ever since she began to change physically, Ethan had made it clear that she was no longer allowed to enter his room.

Elena wrapped herself in the blanket, still smelling of Ethan, as she tossed and turned the entire night, plagued by nightmares. Even in her dreams, she could hear Esther’s harsh words, cursing her as filthy.

The next day, however, things took an unexpected turn. A video of Esther publicly berating Elena at the hospital went viral online.

Elena’s feelings for Ethan were suddenly exposed to the public.

Sienna, a rising star, had long been the subject of envy for her relationship with Ethan, and now, with the news out, Elena was immediately thrust into the spotlight, her name trending on social media for all the wrong reasons. The insults were too vile to bear.

“Disgusting, how could she develop those feelings for someone who raised her? Ethan could practically be her uncle!”

“How dare she? She’s nothing but a wolf in sheep’s clothing! Knowing full well that Ethan is engaged, she still clings to him shamelessly!”

“Our Sienny has been through so much, hasn’t she? She got hurt just trying to save Elena, and now this—Elena is after Sienny’s fiancé.”

“She must be the third party, right? I heard she even lives in Ethan’s house, while Sienny hasn’t even been allowed to stay there.”

The malicious comments flooded in online, and Elena was caught off guard. The person who had managed to capture that video was one of the few who had the chance.

Unable to reach Ethan, Elena hurriedly ran to his office to find him.

On the way, Sienna posted an update on her social media.

Sienna posted a video, her face tired and drawn, the scar on her cheek clearly visible.

Calmly addressing the viral scandal, she said, "Everyone, I apologize for taking up public space, but I’d like to make a statement. Ethan and I have a very strong and healthy relationship, and there’s no third party involved."

"Elena is young and doesn’t fully understand things, and perhaps some of her actions have been misunderstood. But both Ethan and I will guide her to avoid making mistakes, and we hope everyone can be understanding toward her."

"Additionally, I have some good news to share. Ethan and I will be getting married on the 8th of next month. I hope everyone will bless us."

The 8th of next month, just half a month away.

The video quickly racked up over ten million views, with the comments sharply divided. On one side, there were well-wishes for Sienna, and on the other, the most venomous insults aimed at Elena.

People praised Sienna for her grace, while viciously condemning Elena as disgusting, saying she should have died long ago.

Elena’s name was trending, but Sienna’s efforts only seemed to fuel more hatred.

Numb, Elena turned off the comments and called Ethan again.

His phone wouldn’t connect.

She dialed again and again, but still couldn’t reach him. Panic gripped her, her breathing shallow and erratic, feeling lost and helpless.

She remembered back to middle school when she was bullied. She had fought back fiercely, wrestling with the tormentor and leaving them battered and bloody. Ethan had always been there, unwavering in his protection, telling her that no one would ever hurt her.

But now? Would he stand by Sienna or her?

When the phone showed the 39th call, Ethan finally picked up. Elena, like a drowning person clinging to a lifeline, choked on her words as she asked, "Did Sienna have someone record and post that video?"

Chapter 9

No one else had a motive to record such video except for Sienna. Esther wouldn’t do it since it would tarnish Ethan’s reputation.

Ethan didn’t answer her question. Instead, he asked, “Where are you now?”

Elena screamed in despair, “Answer me, is it you?!”

“Sienna has already dealt with her subordinates. They didn’t do this on purpose. I’ll handle it. Don’t worry about it.”

Such cold words. Was this still the Ethan who once promised to protect her, who swore no one would ever hurt her?

To protect Sienna, he chose to sacrifice her, making her the target of everyone’s criticism?

Her voice trembled as she asked, “Why? Do you think I’m disgusting too? That I should die and never stand in the way of your happiness with Sienna?”

“Elie, calm down. This will blow over soon. If you don’t want to be disturbed, I can send you abroad for a while. Once everything settles, you can come back. I’m really busy right now, so stop causing a scene.”

With that, Ethan hung up the phone.

He said she was causing a scene…

He even said he’d send her abroad. In the end, he didn’t want to keep her around anymore.

Sienna’s move was indeed effective. Unable to drive Elena away directly, she forced her out with this method. Even if Elena refused to leave, she would be harshly criticized as filthy and shameless, bearing the weight of everyone’s scorn.

Elena’s insides twisted in pain. Her body, already drained, couldn’t take much more. After everything that had happened, she was more certain than ever of Ethan’s determination to marry Sienna.

She had traded the remaining of her life for his affection, but in doing so, she had forgotten to ask for his marriage.

Around 9 PM, Ethan returned home and found that Elena wasn’t there. He drove around, eventually spotting her curled up outside a pharmacy.

Elena's body was still wracked with pain. Despite taking a large dose of painkillers, they offered no relief. With less than ten days left until the deadline, she felt as though her death was already closing in on her.

"Are you feeling unwell?" Ethan’s voice suddenly rang out above her.

Elena felt no joy anymore.

"Come back home with me." Ethan helped her up from the ground, and the bottle of painkillers she had dropped fell to the floor with a soft thud.

"What’s wrong? Where does it hurt?"

Elena stared at him in confusion as he anxiously examined her, her breath faint as she smiled weakly. "It’s just that time of the month... my stomach hurts."

He let out a sigh of relief, and as they made their way back home, Ethan finally began to discuss the matter with her.

"Ellie, I’ve bought you a place in the next neighborhood, not far from here. You’ll move in tomorrow."

Elena’s face drained of color, her expression one of utter disbelief.

Her gaze cut through him, sending a sharp pain straight to his chest.

"You’re all grown up now. It’s not appropriate for us to live together anymore. And once I get married, Sienna will be moving in as well."

Elena forced a bitter smile. She had always known that one day, Ethan would abandon her.

Now, even he didn’t want her.

Before Elena had even moved out, Sienna had already moved in without hesitation.

Her luggage was all moved into Elena’s room, prompting the maid to step out and say, “Ms. Bay, this is Ms. Wings’ room. Sir Ethan specifically instructed that you use the other guest room.”

Elena’s room was directly across from Ethan’s, close enough for him to hear anything from next door. The other guest room, however, was down the hall, a fair distance from Ethan’s room.

“Ellie is moving out soon, and the room will be empty anyway. Plus, these two rooms are close. Makes it more convenient for me when I finally move into Ethan’s room later.”

The maid hesitated, stealing a glance at the silent Elena. “But, Ms. Bay… she…”

Chapter 10

Sienna walked straight up to Elena, acting concerned.

"Ellie, how’s the packing going? I’ve already organized your new place as Ethan requested. If you can’t manage to move everything by yourself, I can get some help."

Elena ignored her, slinging her heavy backpack over her shoulder and heading out. All the things here had been bought by Ethan; none of it was really hers.

Even the "Celestia's Crown" that Sienna had once desperately wanted was carelessly left in the room.

Sienna hurried after her, asking what should be done with the items in the room. Without even glancing back, Elena replied, "Throw it all away."

That evening, when Ethan returned home, the place was completely transformed—flower walls, balloons, a cake, and a gathering of their mutual friends and family.

Sienna eagerly rushed to take his coat, giving their friends a playful glare.

"It’s all their idea to decorate. They heard you were proposing and insisted on coming to join the fun."

Ethan frowned subtly, but Sienna, her cheeks flushed, leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I don’t want them to waste a trip. I’ve already got the ring ready. How about you just play along?"

Sienna had always been one to care about appearances, and accustomed to being the center of attention, she had been eagerly waiting for Ethan’s grand proposal.

Ethan gently touched her face and said, "It’s only right. I owe you this proposal."

A wave of joy surged through Sienna’s heart. She had known Ethan would give in to her wishes—after all, it was always him who wanted to marry her, not the other way around.

Ethan took her hand and led her to the balloon arch before kneeling down with the ring in his hand.

Someone had already set up a live stream, and the camera was focused on them. Within moments, millions of viewers flooded the stream, causing the traffic to skyrocket.

Sienna’s fans flooded the comments with messages congratulating her on her happiness and urging Ethan to treat her well.

Ethan had long prepared his proposal speech, and even if he hadn’t written it down, the words came naturally.

"Sienna, we’ve known each other for so many years, and we’ve been together for so long. This proposal should have come much earlier. I will do everything I can to care for you, to love you, and I hope every day you spend with me will bring you happiness. Please, marry me."

Sienna, touched, pretended to be overwhelmed with emotion, her eyes welling up as she feigned disbelief.

Meanwhile, the fans in the live stream were incredibly envious...

"Wow, Mr. Scott’s surprise proposal made Sienny so emotional she’s crying! Mr. Scott is such a great guy."

"Mr. Scott really loves Sienny. Even with his busy schedule, he still found time to prepare this surprise for her. You can really tell the difference between love and indifference."

Sienna was overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming down her face as she nodded and pulled Ethan to his feet.

Ethan gently placed the diamond ring on her finger, and she suddenly stood on tiptoe, pressing a soft kiss to his lips.

The evening’s proposal surprise lasted deep into the night, and Sienna, feeling thoroughly satisfied and having drunk a little too much, waited until everyone had left before she took Ethan's hand.

"Ethan, what you said during the proposal—was that all true?"

Ethan gave her shoulder a reassuring pat before turning and heading upstairs.

Sienna suddenly felt a pang of anxiety. His silence—what did it mean? She quickly followed him, but bumped into his back when he stopped in his tracks.

"What’s going on?"

Ethan stared at the room in front of him, now completely unrecognizable. It no longer had Elena’s touch— even the dolls Elena had loved so much were gone.

Sienna felt a twinge of guilt, but then reminded herself that she had his approval to move in, so she had the right to decide what the room would look like.

"Ellie said she didn’t want any of her things, so I could do whatever I wanted with them. I was worried she might come back and want to find something, so I had the maid move everything to the garage…"

Chapter 11

"Who told you to stay in this room?"

When Ethan turned his head to look at her, Sienna's heart skipped a beat.

"Ethan, are you mad at me? I just thought… staying here would bring me closer to you. Besides, Ellie’s never going to live in this room again. Leaving it empty would just be a waste."

Ethan froze for a moment.

Elena had been sent to her new home—she really wasn’t coming back. What was the point of holding onto this room anymore?

He turned and headed downstairs. Sienna hurried after him. On such a beautiful night, was he really planning to leave?

"There’s work at the company. Don’t wait for me; go to bed," Ethan said, his tone cold, as if addressing a stranger. Without another word, he walked out the door.

Meanwhile, Elena sat on a park bench, chewing on a stale baguette to pass the time. Across the way, the city’s largest screen had been rented out for a live-streamed proposal.

When she saw Ethan and Sienna on the screen, her heart felt like it had been stabbed.

The familiar home, awash in vibrant colors, and Ethan kneeling on one knee to propose to Sienna—the image burned itself into Elena’s mind.

Ethan’s proposal to Sienna became the talk of the town, eclipsing every other topic, including the buzz surrounding Elena just days before.

Sienna's fans, while showering blessings on their "big sister," couldn’t resist throwing shade at Elena.

“As expected, a vile, disgraceful woman who doesn’t belong in the spotlight. Mr. Scott can’t avoid her fast enough.”

Elena’s eyes were dry; she couldn’t cry anymore. The pain in her body had started up again, but the painkillers were becoming less and less effective.

She had fought hard to earn Ethan’s favor, but then what? He was still going to marry Sienna.

Her phone buzzed incessantly with calls—all from Ethan. After a brief silence, a call came in from someone who never reached out to her: her mother, Laura.

“Ellie, what’s going on? Why didn’t you tell me you were sick? Where are you right now? I’m booking a flight to come and take care of you. The arrangements for treatment abroad are almost done.”

Elena’s nose suddenly stung. How many years had it been since she last heard her mother’s voice? Was it possible her mother actually cared about her condition?

Maybe it was better this way. If she had to die, at least she could do it by her mother’s side, sparing Ethan from seeing her in such a pathetic state.

“The hospital couldn’t reach you, so they contacted me. Does Ethan know about this?”

“Don’t tell him…” Elena rasped through her dry throat, quickly making up an excuse. “He’s already done enough by raising me all these years. Now that he’s about to get married, don’t let my problems distract him.”

In attempt to keep Ethan in the dark, Elena had listed Laura as her emergency contact at the hospital. She hadn’t expected them to actually call her mother.

“Alright, I’ll book your flight right now. I’ll send you the details shortly,” Laura said.

Elena hung up, her gaze falling on the large screen across the street, which was frozen on an image of Sienna kissing Ethan.

Maybe… she was simply never meant to be with him.

When Ethan arrived at the house he had arranged for Elena, he realized she wasn’t staying there.

A sharp pang clenched his chest. He called her repeatedly, but every attempt went unanswered. Just as he was preparing to turn the city upside down to find her, a message from Sienna came through.

[Location: Elena’s here. Go look for her.]

The location pointed to a bar.

Elena was working there, selling drinks. Now that she was out from under Ethan’s protection, she had to earn her own living. She refused to spend a single cent of the money he had given her.

After finishing her shift, she’d just scraped together enough for a ticket to see Laura. Carefully, she tucked the last bit of money into her pocket after selling her final drink.

Suddenly, someone grabbed her wrist.

Ethan’s cold, stern face loomed over her. Without saying a word, he dragged her out of the bar.

Chapter 12

Elena could clearly feel Ethan’s anger radiating from him. She stumbled, nearly falling, and reached out with her free hand to pry his grip off her wrist.

“You’re walking too fast—I’m going to fall,” she protested.

Ethan shoved her into the car, his hands bracing against the doorframe as he loomed over her.

“Are you that desperate for money? The money I gave you wasn’t enough? So much so that you have to work in a place like that?”

Elena’s wrist throbbed with pain, her whole body trembling. She suddenly found it laughable—this exchange agreement between them seemed completely useless.

Was this really his version of “goodwill” toward her?

“You’re about to marry Sienna. There's no way I'm spending your,” she said, her voice barely audible.

“What does she have to do with this?”

Elena lowered her head, silent, her heart void of any expectations. Yet, she couldn’t stop herself from wanting to hear the answer straight from his lips.

“Ethan, are you really planning to marry Sienna?”

“Isn’t that obvious?”

Ethan frowned, a wave of irritation surging through him at her question.

“When you two went to register your marriage, it was her who tipped off the paparazzi, hoping for a big headline. That’s what led to the car accident.”

“Sienna works in entertainment. Wanting attention and headlines is normal for her,” Ethan replied dismissively.

"Really?"

What else could Elena say?

Sienna could do anything, and Ethan would justify her actions. Yet, Elena hadn't done a thing and was still scorned by strangers online, calling her shameless.

"Come back with me," Ethan demanded, about to slam the car door shut when she spoke up.

"Back where? That empty house?"

"Ellie, that's your new home. You'll have to stand on your own eventually," he replied firmly. "And one more thing—don’t ever work in places like this again. If you do, I’ll break your legs."

Elena said nothing. Ethan took her silence as agreement and drove her back.

That night, Elena sat alone in the darkened living room.

In her inbox was a plane ticket Laura had bought for her—a flight scheduled for 4:30 the next afternoon.

She thought about it and decided she should at least tell Ethan. After all, he'd taken care of her for so many years.

The next morning, Elena spent hours preparing a meal in her so-called "new home." She wasn’t a great cook, but Ethan liked her cooking. After painstaking effort to make a full table of dishes, she nervously called Ethan.

However, the voice on the other end wasn’t his—it was Sienna’s.

"Ellie? What’s up? Ethan’s busy taking wedding photos with me right now."

Elena’s heart skipped a beat, her instincts catching a hint of provocation in Sienna’s tone.

"Tell Ethan to come back. I need to talk to him."

"Ellie, you're old enough to know right from wrong. Do you really think clinging to him like this is has a point? The whole internet is mocking you, yet you persist. It's shameless, really."

Sienna’s sharp and blunt insult pierced straight through Elena’s heart.

The line went dead. Holding back her tears, Elena didn’t know how long she sat there before finally letting out a bitter laugh.

She once believed she and Ethan could stay together forever. Every time she passed a temple, she’d pray to the gods.

She begged them to let her and Ethan never be apart.

Ethan used to tease her for how earnest she was when making wishes, asking what impossible dream she was hoping to fulfill.

As it turned out, this dream would always be impossible.

Elena threw away all the food she had painstakingly prepared, dumping it into the trash. Slinging her heavy backpack over her shoulders, she left without looking back.

As the plane took off, she sent Ethan a message on OurTalk: [Ethan, wishing you a happy marriage.]