Ethan’s friend smiled, giving him a playful pat on the shoulder before walking off, leaving us alone. Ethan turned to me, his gaze holding mine for a long moment before he gave a slow nod.
“That’s right,” he said, his voice steady. “Moonlight is my company.”
I was stunned. I had no idea Ethan had been behind so much of what had helped me recover. Without the treatment plans and medical equipment from Switzerland these past two years, there was no way I’d have healed so fast.
“But… why are you so good to me?” I asked softly, my voice tinged with confusion.
Ethan took my hand and squeezed it, his thumb gently rubbing over my skin. He let out a quiet sigh, his expression turning serious.
“Lily, I’ve liked you since we were kids. Before my mom took me away,” he said, his eyes clouding with memories. “I was too young to understand everything back then, and I never imagined we’d be separated for so long.”
He paused, the weight of the years between us hanging in the air. “When I finally came back, ready to find you, my mom fell really ill. I had to stay with her, take care of her.”
His eyes softened as he looked at me. “By the time I heard you and my brother were in love, I thought I’d missed my chance. I decided to watch over you from afar, silently. That proposal two years ago was my last attempt, with almost no hope.”
He gave me a small, bittersweet smile. “I guess fate had other plans. After all this time, I finally got my second chance.”
His words hit me hard. All those years of longing, silently waiting… for me. How had he done it?
“I’m so sorry… I kept you waiting for so long,” I whispered, my heart aching for him.
Without thinking, I hugged him tightly, feeling his body tense for just a second before he wrapped his arms around me, holding me like he never wanted to let go. He kissed my forehead gently, then pulled back just enough to look at me.
“Actually,” he started slowly, “these past two years, I’ve been looking into what really happened with your accident.”
I pulled away slightly, my eyes wide with surprise, but Ethan didn’t seem to hesitate.
“I also found out about Jack and Rachel’s betrayal. I just didn’t know how to tell you. If I’d known how my brother would treat you, I would’ve taken you away from him in a heartbeat.”
He paused, his expression softening. “Now that you’ve figured it out for yourself… Lily, if I told you there’s more to your accident than you know, would you be able to handle it?”
His words left me breathless. What if my accident wasn’t an accident at all?
He held me tighter, reassuring, “But no matter what, I’m here now. I’ll always support you, no matter what comes. You’ll never have to face anything alone again.”
I rested my head against his chest, feeling the warmth of his promise. “It’s okay. As long as you’re here, I can handle anything.”
Just then, a commotion outside broke through our quiet moment. The sounds of shouting and the frantic rush of footsteps filled the air, followed by the unmistakable noise of reporters.
One of the bodyguards rushed in, looking tense.
“Mr. Thompson, your brother is causing a scene outside. It looks like things might get violent…”
Ethan’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing. He turned to me, searching for confirmation.
I nodded, my heart racing.
Without another word, he put his arm around me, guiding me toward the door. He turned to the bodyguard, his voice cold and commanding.
“Let’s go see what’s happening. Bring the suspects we’ve been investigating. It’s time we settle everything and make sure those who hurt Lily pay for it.”
