Chapter 3

Lila POV

The next day, I went to the hospital as usual.

The director was very surprised when he saw my training application. "Lila, this training opportunity is rare, but you'd have to spend two full years in Boston. Does Mr. Ford agree?"

I lowered my eyes, my voice calm but firm. "This is my personal career plan. It has nothing to do with him. I hope it can be approved as soon as possible."

Seeing my resolute attitude, the director sighed and signed it. "Alright, the procedures will take about a week. Prepare for the handover these next few days."

After work, I returned to the apartment and took out a large black trash bag, beginning to clean out the room.

Couple's mugs, couple's slippers, clothes he'd bought me, even the stuffed animals we'd gotten together at the amusement park... Everything that held memories of us together, I mercilessly threw into the trash bag.

I'd just carried two large bags of trash to the door when I heard the lock turn.

Ethan pushed open the door. Seeing the trash bags on the floor and the much emptier living room, he frowned slightly. "Why are you suddenly cleaning out so much stuff?"

"Season's changing, spring cleaning. I'm throwing out old things I don't need anymore." My tone was indifferent, and I didn't even glance at him.

Ethan didn't think much of it. He walked over and hugged me from behind, his tone carrying a hint of coaxing. "The company had too much going on last night, I couldn't keep you company. There's a charity gala tonight. Want to come with me?"

In the past, I would have considerately declined, afraid I didn't understand those high society rules and would embarrass him. But today, I turned to look at that affectionate face and nodded. "Sure."

The gala was held in the ballroom of a seven-star hotel.

I wore the haute couture gown Ethan had someone deliver, and walked into the venue on his arm. The moment we entered, we attracted quite a few glances.

We hadn't walked far when a woman in a wine-red evening gown with exquisite makeup approached. It was Vivian from the photos.

Vivian's gaze lingered for a moment on my arm linked with Ethan's. A flash of jealousy crossed her eyes, but she quickly masked it and spoke with a bright smile. "Ethan, you made it."

Ethan's expression showed a moment of discomfort. He instinctively withdrew his arm from mine and introduced us. "Lila, this is Vivian, a good friend of mine."

Good friend.

I laughed coldly inside, but my face showed no reaction.

Vivian held a Ragdoll cat in her arms and looked at me coquettishly. "I've heard Ethan has a girlfriend who's a veterinarian. Finally getting to meet you today. Miss Hayes, my cat hasn't been feeling well lately. Since you have so much experience caring for these little animals, could you take a look?"

She emphasized the last sentence heavily, her contempt undisguised.

Several of Ethan's friends gathered around and chimed in. "That's right, Miss Hayes. This is Miss Sinclair's beloved pet, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. More than your annual salary. You'd better take good care of it."

I stood there, my gaze cold as it swept over everyone, finally landing on Ethan's face.

Ethan frowned slightly, seeming to think Vivian's words were too much, but he didn't speak up to scold her. Instead, he said to me, "Lila, if you know how, just take a look for her."

The last trace of hope in my heart shattered completely.

I withdrew my gaze, glanced at the cat, my voice cold. "Miss Sinclair, the cat is severely stressed. Noisy environments like galas aren't suitable for bringing pets. If you truly loved it, you wouldn't use it as a tool to show off. Also, I'm a doctor, not a servant."

Vivian's expression stiffened. Just as she was about to lose her temper, Ethan interrupted her. "Alright, Vivian. Lila's right. Have someone take the cat back."

He seemed to be defending me, but the intimacy and indulgence in his tone was like a thorn stabbing deep into my heart.