Chapter 109 A Public Confession
As the garden became more crowded, the atmosphere became livelier. Lauren was in a dilemma, unknowingly followed Ethan to the center of the stage.
It was then that Lauren realized the stage had been specially set up for her. On three sides of the platform, there were photos of her, documenting her growth at every stage of her life.
Unbeknownst to her, she and Ethan had known each other for so many years.
At this moment, Ethan let go of Lauren's hand with a smile, and knelt on one knee, said with utmost sincerity, "Lauren, I've liked you for a long time. I don't want to miss you anymore. Please be my girlfriend!"
Lauren was taken aback; she never expected Ethan to have the courage to confess his feelings in front of everyone.
In truth, she should have realized it earlier but had always been unwilling to face it. The way Ethan looked at her was very familiar to her; it was the same way she had looked at Quentin for the past two years.
The onlookers cheered and shouted, urging Lauren to accept Ethan's proposal. This grand gesture of love caught Lauren off guard.
Lauren thought Ethan understood her, knowing that she shouldn't be in the spotlight at this moment—she was a pregnant woman and a recently divorced woman.
Moreover, she had always viewed Ethan as a good friend. They could never be lovers or spouses. If that were possible, she wouldn't have fallen in love with Quentin.
"Ethan, could you please stand up? Everyone is watching," Lauren said, unable to reject him publicly and hoping to get him to stand up first.
Ethan looked at Lauren with anticipation. "Lauren, does this mean you agree?"
Lauren couldn't bear to hurt the earnest Ethan, but she didn't want to ruin his life either.
"Ethan, we've known each other for so many years. I believe you understand what I mean," Lauren said, furrowing her brow and attempting to convey her thoughts as gently as possible.
Ethan had decided to go all out this time. He resolved not to give Lauren any way out, believing that only by cornering her would she take action.
"Yes, I am the one who understands you the most and cares for you the most. That's why I will be the one who can make you the happiest person in the world. Lauren, please give me a chance. I will love you well and take good care of the child. Let me give you both a complete family, okay?" Ethan asked.
Mentioning the child seemed to pierce Lauren's heart. "No, I can't harm you. I can't be selfish anymore and agree with you about giving the child a complete family. That would ruin you."
"I'm willing! Lauren, I love you more than you can imagine. I went abroad to study because I couldn't accept the fact that you were getting married. By a twist of fate, you got divorced, and I won't miss this chance, no matter what," Ethan said passionately. He didn't want to see Lauren sad, and he couldn't bear to lose her again.
Lauren felt heavy-hearted, realizing she had unintentionally hurt Ethan in the past.
"Ethan, I've always considered you as a friend. I never thought there could be romantic feelings between us."
Ethan smiled. "You never thought about it before, but you can think about it now. Lauren, trust me and give me your hand. I won't let it go again. I will love you well and never let you be lonely again."
Lauren said with difficulty, "Ethan, don't push me. Can we talk about this later?"
Ethan pulled Lauren in with one hand and continued in his one-knee position, "Lauren, you don't want to leave me in an awkward situation in front of all these people, right? Just say yes!"
As the cheers from the crowd grew louder, Quentin, exuding a cold aura, stood out, completely out of place.
Quentin's eyes were cold as he watched Lauren and Ethan on the stage. He had heard Noah's words and couldn't resist coming to the hospital to see Lauren. But he didn't expected to witness Ethan's proposal to Lauren.
Quentin sneered at Ethan's meticulous arrangements, but watching them whisper on stage and seeing Ethan's joyful expression made him uneasy. "Could Lauren really be foolish enough to accept Ethan? After all, Ethan is in no way inferior to me, and many envious eyes in the crowd are fixed on Lauren."
Quentin couldn't hold back any longer. Without thinking, he pushed through the crowd and strode up to the stage.
"She won't say yes to you. Give up already!" Quentin grabbed Lauren and pulled her into his arms.
Quentin's action stunned everyone, including Lauren.
Lauren was utterly shocked, her eyes wide as she looked at Quentin.
This was their first meeting since the divorce, though she didn't know it wasn't the first.
Ethan's expression darkened. He hadn't expected Quentin to show up and cause trouble at this moment.
"Mr. Robinson, if I remember correctly, you and Lauren are divorced. You are her past, and I am her future. I hope you understand your position!"
Ethan didn't back down. He stood up and walked to Quentin, facing him directly, the tension between them palpable.
Only then did Lauren realize that she was in Quentin's embrace. Ethan's words reminded her of their divorce.
Lauren struggled to free herself from Quentin's arms, finally managing to stumble away from the two men. She stood at a distance, staring at them in a daze.
Feeling provoked by Ethan's words, Quentin retorted, "I don't need you to remind me of my position. And Lauren's child doesn't need you to take care of them. Don't use such despicable means to win Lauren's heart."
Lauren's face turned pale, and they thought, 'Does Quentin think so little of me? Does he see me as worthless?'
"Alright, both of you! I am a person with my own choices. Mr. Robinson, if you have the time to meddle in the love lives of ordinary people like us, please take care of your affairs," Lauren said coldly.
Lauren's attitude unsettled Quentin. Did she really want to accept Ethan?
Quentin's heart clenched tightly, as if his beloved treasure were being taken away by someone else—a feeling that made him very anxious.
He wanted to explain that he wasn't meddling, but that he genuinely didn't want her to be with Ethan because he loved her!
But in the end, Quentin couldn't utter a single word.
Quentin's sorrowful gaze deeply pained Lauren's heart.
However, the stark reality of their divorce reminded Lauren that what was lost was lost. The countless misunderstandings felt like an insurmountable chasm between them.
Even though Quentin was innocent in the matter with Wendy, his indifference over the past two years had left her to face the harsh scrutiny of public opinion, feeling like she was struggling alone.
Those haunting memories terrified Lauren whenever they crossed her mind. She didn't want to dwell on them anymore, nor did she wish to continue hiding away like a turtle in its shell. 'So, Quentin, it's time to say goodbye!' she resolved.
Lauren took Ethan's arm and said with deep emotion, "I will!"
