Chapter 237 Agreeing to Ethan
Ethan inhaled the fragrance of Lauren's hair, completely intoxicated.
Ethan gently patted Lauren's back, comforting her tenderly, "Lauren, what's going on with you today? Why did you suddenly bring this up? It's making me a bit uncomfortable."
Lauren lifted her tear-streaked face, crying and laughing at the same time, and said, "Ethan, I'm serious."
Ethan lovingly wiped away Lauren's tears and said, "Alright, I know. If you keep crying, you'll look like a cat."
Lauren nodded, and at that moment, Ethan suddenly knelt on one knee.
Lauren was startled and said, "Ethan, what are you doing?"
Ethan smiled and took out a ring from his pocket, his eyes shining brightly, reflecting Lauren's image.
"I've carried this ring with me for three years, hoping that one day it would come in handy, and that day has finally arrived. Lauren, can I put it on you this time? I want to give you and Matthew a warm home. Please let me have a legitimate reason to protect you and Matthew," Ethan confessed deeply, seizing this hard-won opportunity.
Lauren covered her mouth in surprise, unable to process it. Hearing that Ethan had prepared the ring for three years touched her deeply. It turned out Ethan had never thought of starting a new life. He had always been waiting for her.
They said that when a man was deeply in love, he gave his all. Lauren understood this from Ethan. With Ethan's wholehearted love, she had nothing to worry about.
Lauren's tears welled up in her eyes again. She smiled brightly and extended her hand, allowing the overjoyed Ethan to put the ring on her.
Ethan stood up and gently embraced Lauren. He said, "Lauren, thank you. Please believe me, and I will never let you down."
Lauren replied, "Ethan, thank you."
Kimberly and Matthew came downstairs and saw Lauren and Ethan embracing. Kimberly quickly stopped Matthew, and they quietly went back upstairs.
Matthew frowned, wondering if this meant Ethan would really become his dad. He felt a bit sad and silently returned to his room, feeling angry.
Lauren went into the kitchen to prepare dinner while Ethan followed her closely like a puppy as if afraid she would change her mind.
Lauren turned back with a smile and said, "How come I never noticed you being this nervous?"
Ethan immediately rushed in front of Lauren and gave her a big kiss on the cheek, saying, "It's because you've been torturing me all these years. Now that my wish has come true, I'm so afraid this is just a dream."
Lauren stiffened at Ethan's kiss. She didn't like such intimate gestures, and a strange feeling crossed her mind, telling her she didn't like Ethan's kiss either.
She clenched her hand, warning herself not to do anything to hurt Ethan again. She forced a smile, trying to appear happy.
"Alright, it's my fault. It would help if you went out now. I can't cook with you standing here." Lauren shooed Ethan away, feeling a bit uncomfortable with their new relationship.
Ethan grabbed Lauren's hand and said, "I'm not leaving. I want to be with you all the time. How about I help you wash the vegetables?"
Lauren pulled her hand back and gently pushed Ethan out of the kitchen.
"No, I'll be grateful if you don't cause trouble. Why don't you rest in your room? Dinner will be ready soon." Lauren blushed, looking very cute.
Ethan had no choice but to listen to her and returned to his room.
Over an hour later, Lauren brought dinner to the table and went upstairs to call everyone to eat.
Kimberly smiled at Ethan, who scratched his head in embarrassment. They were lost in their thoughts and didn't notice the silent Matthew.
At the dinner table, Ethan held Lauren's hand and made a promise to Kimberly.
Ethan promised, "Aunt Kimberly, Lauren and I have decided to be together. Don't worry, and I will take good care of her and love Matthew as well."
Kimberly beamed with joy, saying, "That's wonderful! Ethan, I believe in you. I wish you both happiness!"
Lauren just kept smiling foolishly, unsure how else to face Kimberly and Matthew.
Ethan placed some food on Matthew's plate and patted his head, saying, "Matthew, I will love you even more from now on, okay?"
Matthew's face fell as he looked at Ethan, then glanced at the smiling Lauren and Kimberly. He felt a wave of grievance and suddenly burst into tears.
Matthew shouted, "No! Why does Uncle Ethan have to become my dad? I only have one dad! I don't want him."
Matthew cried sadly. Hearing his words, Lauren felt a pang in her heart. She apologized to Ethan, saying, "Ethan, Matthew just needs some time to adjust. Don't mind him. I'll take him to his room and talk to him. He will accept you."
Matthew stood by, glaring at Ethan as if he were an enemy.
Ethan looked a bit embarrassed but then showed concern and said to Lauren, "It's okay. I don't mind. Just talk to Matthew. I believe he will understand."
Lauren nodded and gently took Matthew back to his room.
Back in the room, Lauren let go of Matthew's hand.
"Matthew, why did you suddenly throw a tantrum? Do you know how much your words hurt Uncle Ethan?" Lauren spoke earnestly, hoping for Matthew's happiness.
Matthew pitifully grabbed Lauren's hand and said, "Does Dad not like me? Is that why you're with Uncle Ethan? Uncle Ethan is my uncle. I have a dad, and I don't want him to be my new dad."
Matthew cried, his calls making Lauren feel very uncomfortable.
Lauren explained, "Matthew, your father loves you. I just want a life I desire, but that doesn't change the fact that both your father and I love you very much."
Matthew vigorously shook his head , asking, "Mom, can't you be with Dad? We can be a happy family together."
Lauren said, "Matthew, your father has his own life too. Didn't I tell you that we shouldn't be selfish and should respect others' choices? Although those choices make others sad, we can't interfere. Besides, Uncle Ethan treats you so well. Do you really want to hurt him?"
Lauren tried to reason with Matthew, believing that her usually sensible son would understand.
However, Matthew wouldn't listen. He would usually heed Lauren's advice on other matters, but on this issue, he had his own firm opinion, much like Quentin.
