Chapter 6

Lila POV

For the next few days, I practically lived at the veterinary hospital.

Using work handover and emergency cases as excuses, I declined all of Ethan's invitations and didn't return to the apartment even once.

Friday afternoon, the training approval documents were officially issued. Next Monday, I would fly to Boston.

I arranged to meet my best friend Chloe at a coffee shop near the hospital.

"What? You're going to Boston for two years of training? And you're breaking up with Ethan?!" After hearing my words, Chloe nearly spit out her coffee.

I stirred the coffee in my cup, calmly recounting the invitation, Vivian's provocations, and that phrase in the lounge about "keeping on the side."

"Ethan, that bastard!" Chloe slammed the table in anger, drawing glances from surrounding customers. "I used to think he was one of the rare devoted ones among the wealthy! Having a marriage alliance with a rich heiress while still wanting to keep you as a mistress? How dare he!"

I smiled bitterly. "Yeah, I used to think he truly loved me too. But now that I see clearly, it's good I can end this mistake early."

"When are you planning to make it clear to him?" Chloe held my hand sympathetically.

"The day I leave." I lowered my eyes. "I don't want to fight with him, and I don't want to hear his hypocritical explanations. Leaving quietly is the last dignity for this relationship."

Just then, the wind chime at the coffee shop entrance rang.

I instinctively looked up, and the color drained from my face instantly.

The person walking in was none other than Ethan and Vivian.

The two walked in side by side. Vivian intimately held Ethan's arm, tilting her head to say something, smiling radiantly. Though Ethan's expression was neutral, there was no resistance in his eyes. He even considerately pushed open the glass door for her.

This scene stabbed my eyes and completely ignited Chloe's fury.

"These two bastards actually dare to show up right in front of us!" Chloe shot up from her seat, about to rush over and confront them.

I grabbed her, clutching her wrist tightly, my voice trembling slightly. "Chloe, don't. It's not worth it for people like them."

The commotion on our end caught Ethan's attention. He turned his head, his gaze cutting through several tables to collide directly with my cold stare.

Ethan's body went rigid. He instinctively tried to withdraw his arm from Vivian's grasp.

Vivian also saw me. Not only did she not let go, she held on even tighter, defiantly lifting her chin.

Ethan's expression changed.

He quickly walked to my table, his tone tinged with panic he himself hadn't noticed. "Lila, what are you doing here? I... Vivian and I were just discussing business nearby and stopped in for coffee."

"Discussing business requires holding arms? Mr. Ford's business methods are truly unique!" Chloe laughed coldly, her mockery merciless.

Ethan's brow furrowed. He ignored Chloe, staring intently at me. "Lila, let me explain..."

"There's no need to explain." I stood up, my tone terrifyingly calm. "Mr. Ford, this is your private matter. You don't need to explain it to me. We have things to do. We're leaving first."

I didn't call him Ethan, but Mr. Ford.

I pulled Chloe along and walked out of the coffee shop without looking back.