Chapter 108 The Grand Proposal
Quentin's eyes burned with jealousy, though he was unaware of it. He also didn't understand why he had come to the hospital, to the room outside Lauren's ward.
Quentin overheard Dr. Olivia's conversation with Lauren and sees Ethan caring for Lauren in the hospital room, and he can't wait to tear Ethan apart, the man who has replaced him as Lauren's sole source of support.
But Quentin stopped dead in his tracks, knowing that he had no business going over there again, that the source of all the suffering that had happened to Lauren was him.
Following Lauren and Ethan to the ultrasound room, Quentin watched as Ethan entered as Lauren's husband. Who knows how jealous and angry he felt that he should be the one sharing the joy of a growing child with Lauren, not Ethan!
Quentin looked outside for a long time, and after he made a few phone calls, he managed to get permission from the dean to share a copy of Lauren's 4D ultrasound with him.
After Lauren and Ethan left, Quentin retrieved the data and began to look at it with great interest.
So this was what his child looked like. Quentin cracked a smile; his genes were strong and he could tell right away that the baby's brow resembled his. Filled with pride, Quentin resumed his former aloofness.
"If you don't look like me, I might have to throw you away," Quentin said to the baby's image.
Quentin found himself inexplicably drawn to this child. Though the baby was not yet fully developed, he could deeply feel the warmth of their shared blood connection.
Perhaps this was the precious and wondrous nature of life.
Knowing Lauren and the baby were well, Quentin finally left the hospital, feeling assured that Ethan was there to take care of Lauren.
For the next few days, Quentin went to work as usual. One afternoon, Quentin arrived at the office and found Noah waiting for him.
"Quentin, Wendy has already left City A. Are you really going to let her get away like this?" Noah knew Quentin well. If he were set on dealing with Wendy, he would pursue her at any cost.
Quentin walked over and sat down. "What are you worried about? Even if I wanted to deal with her, it would be as easy as crushing an ant. You don't need to worry so much."
"It's not that I'm worrying for nothing; City A is not very peaceful recently, and I don't want you to get into trouble." Noah sighed.
"Since I promised you to let her go, as long as Wendy doesn't show up in City A, I won't make a move on her," Quentin replied to Noah worries.
Noah nodded. "That's good. So, how is Lauren?"
Hearing Noah mention Lauren, Quentin's expression became unnatural. "She's probably fine. After all, she has a loyal protector by her side."
Noah couldn't help but chuckle at the jealousy in Quentin's words. "I know who you're referring to. By the way, I've also heard you're planning to collaborate with the White Group. We don't have any business that aligns with that company, do we?"
"We don't, that's why I want to expand the Robinson Conglomerate's business. Is that not allowed?" Quentin awkwardly fiddled with the pen in his hand to ease his discomfort.
Noah couldn't help but tease, "Sure, of course, it's allowed. Whatever you say is right. It's just such a coincidence that our partner is the company of Lauren's suitor. Anyone who doesn't know better might think you're doing it to get close to Lauren."
"Get close to Lauren? Do you think I have nothing better to do? I'm telling you, don't mention Lauren's name in front of me again. We're done," Quentin declared.
Noah feigned indifference. "Alright, today, when I was at the jewelry store with my new girlfriend, I happened to run into Ethan. He was buying a diamond ring. I wonder if he's planning to propose to Lauren."
Sure enough, Quentin's face darkened instantly upon hearing this.
Noah, noticing his reaction, continued, "I really hope he succeeds. After all, a man who can love someone else's child as if it were his own is worth committing to for life."
"Shut up!" Quentin was furious, feeling an urge to strangle Noah for adding fuel to the fire!
"Fine, I'll shut up. I've said my piece. There's no need to kick me out. I'm leaving!" Noah left Quentin's office with a grin.
But Quentin couldn't calm down, wondering, 'Would Lauren really accept Ethan's proposal?'
Quentin didn't want to believe it, but he couldn't help but feel uneasy when he recalled how happy Lauren and Ethan seemed at the hospital.
No way. The kid and Lauren are mine. I can't just hand them over to Ethan,' Quentin thought.
Ethan, after much thought, decided to confess his feelings to Lauren as soon as possible. He didn't want to miss his chance with her again.
So, with meticulous planning, he decided to propose to Lauren at the hospital in front of all the expectant mothers.
Ethan requested Dr. Olivia to bring Lauren to the garden outside the obstetrics department, where he had set up the proposal scene.
When Lauren heard that Dr. Olivia was looking for her, she thought it was about the baby and went to the obstetrics department without much thought.
Lost in thoughts about the baby, she didn't notice the scene unfolding in the garden. Upon reaching the entrance of the obstetrics department, all the pregnant women waiting outside took out a rose.
Lauren was surprised and thought, 'What day is it today? Why does everyone have roses? Why don't I have one? Am I being treated as an outsider?'
Lauren hurried to enter the examination room but was stopped by Dr. Olivia.
"Lauren, take a look outside," Dr. Olivia said with a smile, pointing to the window. Across the way, two sentences were displayed on the building.
"Lauren, I love you!"
"Lauren, marry me!"
Lauren's mind went blank, and couldn't process what was happening. Before she could react, a nurse pulled her into the garden.
Ethan was dressed in a suit and tie, holding a bouquet of roses. He stood on a platform that had been set up at some point, smiling warmly at Lauren.
"Lauren, come with me!" Ethan jumped down, took Lauren's hand, and led her up step by step. It felt like a prince leading a princess towards a happy life, just like in the fairy tale.
It was only then that Lauren realized what Ethan might be about to do. She attempted to pull her hand back, but Ethan held it firmly.
"Lauren, so many people are watching. Will you let me finish what I have to say?" Ethan's voice was as gentle as a feather, drifting towards Lauren.
"I..." Lauren hesitated.
"Alright, come with me. I have a gift for you," Ethan insisted, pulling Lauren to the center of the platform.
Lauren looked at Ethan with a complex expression, hoping that this was all just a prank.
Ethan's eyes sparkled as he looked at Lauren. He had waited too long for this moment and finally gathered the courage.
If the distance to happiness with Lauren was ten thousand steps, he was willing to take the initiative to take nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine steps, hoping that Lauren can bravely take the final step forward.
