Chapter 608 Don’t Want to Be a Stray Cat or Dog Anymore
"How have things been for you lately?" Fiona's voice was soft and caring.
Ethan nodded in response. "I’m doing well."
"I've handled those people." Fiona produced the IOU. "This is for you."
Ethan hesitated before accepting it. His hands, frostbitten and swollen, tugged at Fiona's heartstrings.
Fiona's eyes brimmed with emotion. She felt a pang of sympathy for him.
"Thank you." Ethan looked at the IOU, murmuring his gratitude.
In his younger years, Ethan hadn't known the extent of his parents' financial support.
"Tomorrow, you can return to school without fear of harassment or bullying..." Fiona paused, choosing her words carefully, "Ethan, I genuinely care for you. Would you like to come live with me?"
Ethan was caught off guard, eyebrows knit in a mixture of shock, confusion, and... a hint of panic.
"I have another son, Chicago's twin brother, your age. He's keen on physics, chemistry, and math. You two could become good friends," Fiona continued.
"Charles?" Ethan queried.
"Yes, have you met him?" Fiona inquired.
Ethan shook his head, "Charles just transferred and solved a math problem I couldn't figure out."
Fiona didn't underplay Charles's achievements. "Indeed, he's exceptional at math. You both can learn and grow together in the future."
A nurturing new mother.
A lavish new residence.
It all sounded enticing.
"Thank you for your kindness, Aunt. I saved Chicago, and you've helped me out. Let's call it even." Ethan's gaze lowered. "You can go now."
This response didn't surprise Fiona. Ethan was inherently independent.
Why would he readily accept charity? "I won't force you," Fiona reassured gently. "You have my number. If you ever reconsider or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out."
Ethan nodded.
Fiona glanced at the dimly lit billiards hall. Several burly figures eyed her warily.
Ethan seemed to grasp her concerns. "I'll return to my own place."
"Okay," Fiona acknowledged. "Then, I'll take my leave."
Ethan nodded again. Fiona departed without lingering.
"Are you dense, kid?" The tattooed boss emerged as soon as Fiona left. "That was Fiona! Some folks never get near her in their entire lives. She practically offered to adopt you, and you turned her down?"
How old was Ethan? Even with his fierce aunt and uncle gone, living alone seemed less desirable compared to being cared for in a spacious home.
Ethan lowered his gaze, offering no response.
Ethan calmly packed his backpack and headed home.
He pondered more than most.
Fiona had her own child; she only sought to adopt him out of pity.
It was akin to passersby wanting to adopt stray cats or dogs out of sympathy. The mentality was similar.
Even though Ethan was solitary, he refused to be a stray or a tool to accompany Chicago and Charles in their upbringing.
Strays, tools—they were easily abandoned by their owners if they fell out of favor. Ethan loathed abandonment, so he rejected that path from the outset.
Late into the night, Ethan returned to his empty home. He flicked on the lights. The billiards hall uncles had tidied up, replacing the broken windows and furnishing a new sofa in the bedroom.
The modest abode comprised two bedrooms and a living room.
Once bustling, it now felt eerily vacant to Ethan.
His aunt had placed a picture of God within. Ethan retrieved his parents' photos from his backpack, swapping God out for them. "Dad, Mom, I'm home," he murmured before their images.
In the silent dwelling, there was no reply.
Ethan lingered for a moment before retiring to his room. The following day, he rose early, shouldered his backpack, and headed to school.
Chicago had rested at home for a few days. Despite Darwin's reluctance, she insisted on attending school. He stayed home, his car parked outside the school until Chicago's dismissal.
Thalassa teased Fiona, "Is your husband suffering from separation anxiety?"
Fiona chuckled. "It's fine. Now Chicago perceives Dad as fragile, so she's been treating him better."
"There's something Darwin probably hasn't shared," Thalassa ventured.
"Oh?" Fiona's smile faltered, sensing Thalassa's impending revelation.
"Lilian was bailed out by someone. The news hasn't leaked; the public remains unaware," Thalassa disclosed. Kenny had informed her. As for how Kenny found out, Thalassa had no idea.
"When the news breaks, it'll cause a stir, won't it?"
"After Lilian's release, she promptly arranged for a paternity test," Thalassa whispered. "Just as you foresaw, she's deeply concerned about the child she carries and whether it's as you described."
Fiona shrugged nonchalantly. She wasn't surprised in the least. In fact, she was already aware.
The individual who bailed Lilian out boasted a mysterious identity. But to secure Lilian's release at such a critical juncture, their identity wasn't difficult to deduce.
"She's likely received the DNA results by now," Thalassa mused, nearing the mark.
Thirty minutes prior, Lilian had received urgent DNA results. Until then, she'd clung to hope.
She had nurtured this life within her, feeling its vitality daily.
It had to be her child.
The DNA results shattered Lilian's remaining hope. The child she carried bore no genetic link to her. In a frenzy, Lilian resolved herself.
"Get me a doctor, get me to a hospital. I want an abortion!" Once, Lilian harbored affection for the child within her. After all, it was her and Darwin's offspring. But, Anniston, that deranged woman, she dared to commit such a vile act.
Now, Lilian's feelings toward the creature feeding on her flesh and blood were pure disgust. She wished only to expel it from her body posthaste. She wanted to crush it and flush it away! How much suffering had Lilian endured and how much ridicule had she faced for this child. Even if it wasn't Darwin's, she could've accepted it as her own.
"Ma'am, Mr. Simon will arrive in Armie the day after tomorrow. Perhaps you should discuss this matter with him," the man before Lilian suggested, evident concern etched on his features.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
