Chapter 141 Sorrowful Parting
Ethan continued to maintain his smile, but his eyes were filled with deep sorrow.
"Thank you, Lauren. I'm really happy that you all managed to resolve this crisis. I wish you eternal happiness and joy," Ethan said.
"Thank you, Ethan. But why are you suddenly saying these things? It sounds like a farewell," Lauren exclaimed.
Ethan answered seriously, "Yes, Lauren, you're right. I'm leaving City A."
Lauren was taken aback. "Where are you going?"
Ethan's smile faded as he said seriously, "I've decided to continue pursuing my PhD abroad."
He couldn't face watching Lauren and Quentin be happy together. Although seeing Lauren happy should have brought him peace, he had to admit that losing her was more painful than death.
So, Ethan left again, as he had done the last time Lauren decided to marry Quentin. At least this way, he wouldn't have to face things he didn't want to face.
"But didn't you say before that you didn't want to pursue further studies? What's with the sudden change? And hasn't your father always wanted you to come back and help with the company? Does he agree to this?" Lauren was very reluctant. Ethan was her only good friend, and she didn't want him to go to such a distant place.
She knew it was selfish to think this way, but if Ethan insisted on going, she would still support his decision.
Ethan resumed his cheerful smile. "My dad's in good health, while my brother is there to help with the company, so there's nothing for me to worry about. Besides, after I get my PhD, I can still come back to help with the company. Isn't that great?"
Lauren fell silent. It seemed Ethan had made up his mind. She couldn't say anything except to give him blessings.
"Don't be so down. You and Quentin are back together and happier than ever. You should be happy. The last thing I want to see is you looking so sad. You have no idea how ugly that looks!" Ethan tried to lighten the mood with a casual tone.
Lauren's eyes welled up. "You really are heartless. Can you bear to leave me, leave City A, and leave all your family and friends?"
"It's not about bearing. I'm not gone forever. You're acting like I'm never coming back. Lauren, don't worry. When you have your baby, I'll definitely come back to celebrate with you all." Ethan's eyes were indifferent. Perhaps by then, his feelings for Lauren would have faded a bit.
Even though Ethan promised this, Lauren still felt uneasy. She really couldn't bear to see him leave. During this time, Ethan had helped her so much. Without him, she might have given up long ago.
Facing Lauren's sadness, Ethan clenched his fists. He hated his weakness and hated that he had missed those two years with Lauren. Otherwise, their ending would be different from this.
Lauren wiped away her tears, laughing and crying at the same time. "You see, I'm too sentimental. I'm just a bit reluctant to let you go. But I can't be so selfish. You have your own life and your path to follow. Just promise me, Ethan, don't disappear like you did those two years. If you have time, we can video chat or call. At least keep us updated about your life there, okay?"
"Okay," Ethan agreed readily, his smile bright and dazzling, even more so than the sun.
"When do you plan to leave? We'll see you off," Lauren asked.
"Tomorrow night. It's too late; don't see me off. Besides, I don't like goodbyes. Just rest well at home, and I'll message you when I get to Metropolis," Ethan replied.
"Do you leave tomorrow? So soon?" Lauren found it hard to accept, not expecting Ethan to leave so quickly.
"Time is tight. My previous advisor supports me continuing my PhD at the same school, so the paperwork is much simpler." In truth, Ethan wanted to leave early. Although he had nowhere to stay, he didn't want to remain in City A any longer.
Lauren felt sad. "I see. What time is your flight tomorrow night? I really want to see you off. Please let me go."
Ethan flatly refused, "Stop nagging. You're not well now. Next time, I promise I'll let you see me off. Enough, the food's getting cold; let's eat."
Though Lauren had been starving, she had lost her appetite. She picked up her utensils and forced a smile, but tears fell onto the table. For her, Ethan's departure was a terrible thing, leaving her temporarily unable to calm her emotions.
Ethan felt heartbroken, but he could no longer stay by Lauren's side. He handed her a tissue, refraining from wiping her tears himself. That was Quentin's place now. "Lauren, I truly hope you find happiness. And when I confessed to you in the hospital, I meant every word. If Quentin ever wrongs you, I won't forgive him, and I won't let go again." Ethan's expression was serious. The only girl he ever loved had ended up becoming someone else's wife.
Lauren wiped her tears and smiled. "Well, I'm sorry, but I believe you won't get the chance. Ethan, you should hurry up and find a wife. It's not good for you to be alone like this. You need a girlfriend to keep you in check."
Ethan grinned roguishly. "Yeah, I wonder what kind of girl could keep me in check?"
"Don't be too picky; someone decent will do," Lauren said.
As they chatted and laughed, the conversation lightened up. During a break in their meal, Lauren received a message from Quentin.
Hearing the notification on Lauren's phone, Ethan said, "It looks like Mr. Robinson is quite attentive. Well, it looks like you're done eating. Let me get you home quickly, or Mr. Robinson might come looking for you."
Lauren smiled awkwardly. "He's waiting for me in the car outside the restaurant."
"Alright then, I'll go settle the bill and make sure you get to the car safely so Mr. Robinson can be at ease." Ethan's heart was breaking, but he spoke like a gentleman.
Lauren didn't refuse. After Ethan paid the bill, they walked together to Quentin's car.
"Quentin, you seem pretty relaxed to wait for us so long. I'm really sorry. If I'd known, I would have invited you to join us," Ethan said, his words carrying hidden meanings.
Quentin looked at Ethan seriously, thinking that a defeated rival still dared to be so arrogant. But considering Ethan's genuine care for Lauren, Quentin decided not to argue.
"Mr. White, thank you for taking care of my wife and even thinking about me," Quentin said.
He and Ethan exchanged a challenging look, but Ethan soon decided not to continue the confrontation.
"Quentin, take good care of Lauren. Don't let her be sad again. Otherwise, I will come back," Ethan said.
"Lauren is my wife. Of course, I'll take good care of her. Mr. White, don't worry," Quentin responded coldly.
Ethan turned and gave Lauren one last, deep look. Perhaps this was the last time he would look at her this way.
