Chapter 5

Lila POV

The three of us walked together to the hotel's underground parking garage.

Ethan had just pressed the car key to unlock when Vivian quickly walked over in her high heels, her face showing just the right amount of distress. "Ethan, my car won't start, and my driver took the day off. Could you give me a ride home?"

Ethan frowned slightly and instinctively glanced at me.

I stood in place, my expression indifferent, as if I hadn't heard Vivian's words.

Seeing Ethan hesitate, Vivian bit her lip, her voice softer. "Mom specifically told me today to come home early and rest. We still have to try on wedding dresses tomorrow. If you don't take me home and Mom asks..."

Hearing "Mom" and "try on wedding dresses," Ethan's expression darkened, but he finally nodded. "Get in."

A flash of triumph crossed Vivian's eyes as she walked straight to the passenger seat and opened the door.

"Oh my," she suddenly exaggeratedly covered her nose, fanning the air in disgust. "Why does the passenger seat smell like dog hair? Miss Hayes, you sit here all the time and don't bother to clean up? I'm allergic to animal fur."

I watched her crude performance coldly. I was wearing an evening gown today and hadn't been to the hospital at all. Where would dog hair come from?

Ethan's frown deepened. He looked at me, his tone carrying a hint of imperceptible irritation. "Lila, sit in the back. Vivian has allergies."

I didn't argue, didn't even hesitate for a second. I directly opened the back door and got in.

My movements were quick and decisive, which actually made Ethan freeze for a moment. He probably expected me to make a scene, to feel wronged. But I was as calm as stagnant water.

The car left the parking garage and drove onto the road.

Vivian sat in the passenger seat, happily chatting with Ethan about their families' collaborative projects and the upcoming engagement party details.

"Ethan, that French restaurant has great desserts. Let's use them for the engagement party favors, okay?"

"Sure."

"Also, the wedding dress, the designer said it'll be ready tomorrow. You have to come with me to try it on."

"Mm, I'll pick you up tomorrow morning."

They chatted happily, treating me in the back seat as if I were air.

I leaned back against the seat and closed my eyes. The neon lights flashing by outside the window alternated across my pale face. Listening to their intimate conversation up front, I felt wave after wave of nausea.

I used to think Ethan was a man of few words. It turned out he just had nothing to say to me. In the social class he belonged to, he could be just as gentle, considerate, and talkative.

The car first drove to Vivian's family villa.

Before getting out, Vivian deliberately turned to look at me, her eyes full of a victor's pride. "Miss Hayes, thank you for giving me the passenger seat today. Ethan, see you tomorrow."

The car door closed and the car fell silent again.

Ethan cleared his throat, attempting to explain. "Vivian has been spoiled by her family since childhood. She says things that are a bit much. Don't take it to heart. I only took her because our families are working together..."

"Ethan," I interrupted him, slowly opening my eyes, my gaze clear and cold. "Pull over at the intersection up ahead. The hospital just messaged me. There's an emergency surgery and they need me to come back."

Ethan was taken aback. "It's so late and you still have to go back? I'll take you to the hospital."

"No need. It's not on your way." My tone was firm.

The car stopped at the intersection. I pushed open the door and walked into the night without looking back.