On the day of the wedding banquet, Lily Bennett tried to kill herself—again.
My husband set down his glass and walked out without hesitation.
Under the gaze of a hall full of guests, I grabbed his wrist, lowering my voice.
“Today is our wedding. Our parents are here.”
“If you leave now, what are they supposed to think?”
He pulled his hand free, his brows knitting tightly.
“Lily just lost her parents. She’s emotionally unstable. I’m her attending physician—I’m responsible for her.
”
“You’re a doctor too. You should understand that a life is at stake. Don’t be so unreasonable.”
A bitter ache spread through my chest. I let out a cold laugh before I could stop myself.
“Are you worried about your patient… or because that patient is her?”
His steps faltered for a moment—but he didn’t turn back.
I clenched my fists and shouted after him.
“Ethan Walker! If you walk out that door, don’t ever come back!”
He finally stopped.
Then turned around, his gaze heavy and unreadable.
“You’re pregnant. Watch your emotions. Stop making a scene.”
With that, he left—without a single glance back.
Half an hour later, Lily updated her social media:
【The one who always arrives before death itself is Dr. Walker. For the one who loves me, I’ll keep living well from now on.】
In the photo, Ethan’s hand—still wearing his wedding ring—was interlocked with hers.
The room fell into an awkward silence.
People exchanged glances. No one dared to speak.
My father’s face turned ashen. He slammed his hand against the table.
“I told you from the start this man wasn’t reliable, but you insisted on marrying him!”
“Our family’s reputation is completely ruined!”
Mrs.
Walker hurried over, taking my hand as she tried to smooth things over.
“Sophia, Ethan just has a strong sense of responsibility.”
“Maybe the patient’s condition is really serious. Try to understand him.”
Before she could finish, my father cut her off sharply.
“Responsible? Is abandoning his wife at their own wedding what you call responsibility?”
“Are there no other doctors in the hospital? Is the patient going to die without him?”
“I think he never took my daughter seriously at all!”
The tension escalated instantly.
I took a deep breath and gently patted my father’s back.
“Dad… let’s cancel the wedding.”
All eyes fell on me.
Mocking. Piercing.
Unfamiliar to others—but all too familiar to me.
On my last birthday, I waited in a restaurant for four hours.
The only thing I got… was a phone call from Ethan.
“A patient with a wrist injury just came into ER. Once she stabilizes, I’ll come find you.”
As a doctor, I understood.
So I stayed. And finished the cake alone.
But the next day, during rounds, I realized—
That “patient” was Lily Bennett.
Just a superficial cut on her arm.
Ethan had peeled fruit for her himself, carefully arranging it on a plate.
When he saw me, he naturally handed me a slice of apple.
“Lily had a depressive episode last night. She cried all night.”
“I didn’t feel comfortable leaving her alone. Don’t overthink it.”
I took the apple.
Bit into it.
It tasted… unbearably sour.
In the end, the wedding banquet fell apart.
My parents drove me back to the new house.
The moment the door closed behind me, all the strength drained from my body.
I leaned against the wall, barely managing to stay upright.
My phone vibrated in my pocket.
A message from Ethan:
【Lily’s condition is critical. I’m not coming back tonight.
Get some rest.】
Cold. Detached.
Not a trace of apology.
I opened the chat box, typed something… then deleted it.
Again. And again.
Until suddenly, a new notification popped up—
Lily’s latest post.
The caption was ambiguous.
The photo even more so.
It reeked of provocation.
A sharp pain twisted in my abdomen.
I pressed my hand over it, frowning—
And before I realized it, tears were already sliding down my cheeks.
I never thought…
The girl I once pulled out of a car accident—
Would end up tearing my life apart, piece by piece.
And I never thought…
The man I had loved for years—
Would one day choose someone else.
I turned and walked into the bedroom.
And closed the door behind me.
I lay in bed, staring at the email from the Africa medical aid team, wide awake the entire night.
By the time daylight finally crept in, I heard the sound of the front door unlocking.
I quickly turned off my screen and pretended to be asleep.
Ethan’s hand, still carrying a trace of cold from outside, slipped under the covers. His voice was low and gentle.
“Sophia… about yesterday—I didn’t think it through.”
“But Lily has no family left.
I’m the only person she can rely on. I couldn’t just ignore her.”
I didn’t open my eyes, only murmured vaguely,
“It’s fine. I understand.”
He paused, clearly caught off guard.
Then he leaned closer, his presence enveloping me.
“I’m sorry. I can only make it up to you with something my wife likes most—Bvlgari.”
His warm breath brushed against my forehead.
Ethan had always been distant by nature. He was never the type to coax or sweet-talk.
So I instinctively opened my eyes and looked at him.
“Where did you learn these tricks to charm girls?”
He chuckled softly as he slipped a bracelet onto my wrist.
“Treating my wife well is only natural. Do I really need to learn that?”
“I know I was wrong. In my heart, you and the baby matter most. Just forgive me this once, okay?”
The cold touch of the metal made me shiver slightly.
Ethan smiled, leaning in to kiss me.
I turned my head.
His lips brushed against my ear instead.
“Get some more rest. I’ll go make breakfast.”
With that, he changed out of yesterday’s suit and walked into the kitchen.
A corner of a receipt peeked out from his pocket.
I pulled it out.
An eighty-thousand necklace.
And a three-thousand “complimentary” bracelet.
For a moment, I couldn’t help but let out a faint, self-mocking smile.
So that’s how it is.
I quietly slipped the receipt back, pretending I had seen nothing.
We tacitly avoided mentioning the wedding again.
On the day our marriage leave ended, the hospital held an awards ceremony.
Ethan, as a candidate for Outstanding Physician, sat in the front row.
His hair was perfectly slicked back—more polished than even on our wedding day.
When it was his turn to go on stage, the spotlight followed him.
Holding the heavy trophy, he thanked his mentor.
Thanked his parents.
Even thanked the patients who trusted him.
But not once—
Did he mention me, his wife.
The applause thundered when he finished.
Then suddenly—
A small figure rushed onto the stage.
Lily Bennett.
She held a bouquet of flowers, a dazzling necklace gleaming at her neck, and stood right in front of him.
Tilting her head up, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
“Today, in front of everyone… I want to say something to Dr. Walker…”
The air seemed to freeze.
All eyes turned toward them.
And from the slight tremor in Ethan’s gaze—
I saw something I shouldn’t have.
Expectation.
Lily tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks flushed, and spoke softly:
“Thank you… for becoming the only light in my life.”
Someone in the audience started clapping.
Soon, the room filled with cheers and teasing whistles.
Ethan smiled helplessly—
Then reached out and gently patted her head, his expression full of indulgence.
The stage lights swept across the audience.
His eyes found me—sitting alone in a corner.
A flicker of panic crossed them.
But the next second—
Lily threw herself into his arms.
He hesitated for only a brief moment—
Before tightening his hold around her.
I lowered my gaze.
Supported my aching lower back.
And quietly stood up, leaving through the side door.
By the time I reached the restroom, I could barely hold it in anymore.
I gripped the sink and retched violently.
The stall door opened behind me.
Two nurses walked out, chatting.
“Wasn’t that girl just Dr. Walker’s patient? Does she really look depressed to you? More like lovesick.”
“Hey, don’t say that. Dr. Walker is married. His wife is even pregnant.”
“So what if he’s married? I heard he left his bride at the wedding to run to her. Who his ‘true love’ is… that’s still up for debate.
”
I slowly lifted my head.
In the mirror—
My face was pale as paper.
The two nurses froze when they recognized me.
Their expressions stiffened instantly.
Then they hurried out, as if fleeing.
I leaned against the wall, a chill spreading from my spine through my entire body.
When I stepped out, Ethan was already standing at the end of the corridor, his expression dark.
He walked toward me, stopping just in front of me, looking down from above.
“Lily is sensitive. There’s no need for you to spread things like that and make it known to everyone.
”
“She’s seriously depressed. If she hears those rumors and something happens, who’s going to take responsibility?”
I didn’t feel like arguing with him.
My voice was calm, almost indifferent.
“If you also think it’s something shameful… then why do it?”
His expression changed instantly.
He suddenly raised his hand—
Only to freeze midair for a few seconds before letting it drop heavily.
“I’ll just assume your brain isn’t working clearly because you’re pregnant.”
“From now on, don’t—”
Before he could finish—
A sharp scream echoed from the other end of the hallway.
We both turned at the same time.
Lily Bennett was curled up in the corner, clutching her knee, trembling.
“I’m sorry… but I really don’t like you. Please stop harassing me!”
A man bent down and grabbed her shoulder roughly.
“You little bitch. When you were flirting with me before, you weren’t acting like this.”
The atmosphere instantly dropped several degrees.
Ethan’s veins bulged as he rushed forward and kicked the man hard in the chest.
“Get lost! If you dare harass her again, I won’t let you off!”
The man tried to say something more but was quickly dragged away by security who had rushed over.
Ethan carefully helped Lily up.
As if she were something fragile—like porcelain that might shatter at the slightest touch.
The tenderness in his eyes…
Was something I hadn’t seen in a very long time.
Lily buried herself in his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
The way they clung to each other—
Like lovers who had just survived a disaster together.
I shook my head, about to turn away.
“Sophia!”
He called out to me from behind, his tone carrying unmistakable authority.
“Help me take care of Lily. I’ll go get some medicine.”
Without waiting for my response—
He left in a hurry.
Just like he had on our wedding day.
Leaving me—
Alone with her.
The moment we were left facing each other, the fragility on Lily’s face disappeared.
The corners of her lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.
“Dr. Carter is really generous, isn’t she?”
“Seeing how much your husband cares about me, and you can still stay this calm?”
I slipped my hands into my pockets and let out a soft sigh.
“Lily Bennett… are you proud of yourself?”
She frowned slightly, as if she didn’t understand.
I leaned down, looking straight into her eyes.
“All that scheming… just to win a man’s attention?”
Her smile froze.
Her fingers tightened around the hem of her dress.
“Who are you pretending to be so high and mighty for?”
“You’re just jealous that I’m younger—and that I took Dr. Walker’s love away from you!”
She snapped, her composure completely breaking.
I curved my lips faintly.
Then took out two bandages and handed them to her.
“Is his love really something that valuable?”
“I became an associate chief physician at twenty-six.”
“At twenty-nine, I was already a leading cardiology professor on a global level.”
“Even the hospital director treats me with respect.
”
“You think someone like Ethan Walker—”
“He’s nothing more than the most insignificant line in my résumé.”
With every word I spoke—
Her face grew paler.
As if suddenly remembering something, she lifted her chin stubbornly.
“And everything you have now—wasn’t it all given to you by Dr. Walker?”
“Without him, what are you?”
I let out a soft scoff.
Taking a step forward.
She instinctively stepped back.
“Instead of competing with me over a man…”
“Why not think about how to improve yourself?”
She bit her lip tightly, saying nothing more.
I walked past her toward the exit.
Just then, Ethan returned with the medicine.
His eyes were deep, unreadable.
When we crossed paths—
I didn’t stop.
He reached out and blocked my way, lowering his voice.
“Later, come with me and apologize to Lily.”
“What you said just now was too much.”
I looked at him—
My gaze colder than ever.
“Apologize? To her?”
“She’s emotionally unstable. Why do you have to argue with her?”
Ethan’s brows furrowed tightly. “You’re a doctor. You should know that patients with depression can’t handle stimulation.”
“And who can handle it?”
I pointed to my stomach.
“Him?”
He fell silent.
I stepped past him and walked straight toward the auditorium.
Just as I reached the entrance, the hospital director approached me head-on, excitement written all over his face.
“Dr. Carter! About the Africa medical aid team—the hospital committee has discussed it, and it’s been unanimously approved!”
“Even during pregnancy, you volunteered to go abroad. This kind of compassion and dedication is something the entire hospital should learn from!”
I smiled politely and exchanged a few words.
Only after he left did Ethan suddenly appear again.
He grabbed my wrist and pulled me into a corner, his face dark with anger.
“When did you apply? Why didn’t you discuss it with me?”
I pulled my hand free, my eyes ice-cold.
“And when you make decisions, do you ever discuss them with me?”
He froze.
Then lowered his voice, anger laced through it.
“Sophia Carter! Can you stop making a scene?”
“I’m not like you. You’re pregnant—what are you doing going to some medical aid mission? How am I supposed to explain this to our parents?”
I looked at him, my tone firm.
“There’s nothing to explain.”
“I’m an adult. I can take responsibility for my own decisions.
”
His lips parted, but no words came out.
I turned to leave, but he grabbed me again.
“I don’t agree!”
He stepped in front of me, his voice trembling with suppressed emotion.
“I know you’re doing this because of what happened before—you’re angry at me.”
“But Lily and I are completely innocent. I only feel responsibility toward her as a doctor!”
I met his eyes.
“Do you really not understand the difference between responsibility and feelings…”
“Or do you simply not want to?”
Before he could answer, I pulled my arm free.
“Move. I’m off work.”
All the way home, my phone kept vibrating nonstop.
Message after message from Ethan.
【Sophia, if you withdraw your application, I can make up the wedding for you.】
【If you’re going to Africa because you misunderstood Lily, she’ll blame herself to death. Even if you won’t think about me, at least think about the patient.】
Even now—
The person he worried about most…
Was still Lily.
I didn’t reply.
I blocked his number directly.
But what I didn’t expect—
Was that he would bring her home.
The moment I opened the door, I saw Lily clutching the hem of Ethan’s shirt, standing in the entryway, her voice trembling.
“Sophia… I’m sorry. This is all my fault.”
“I shouldn’t have lost control of my emotions. I shouldn’t have called him.”
“Please don’t fight with Dr. Walker because of me. Even if I really die someday, I won’t call him again…”
The more she spoke, the more pitiful she sounded.
Her tears fell at just the right moment.
Ethan reached out to support her, his voice soft with comfort.
“Don’t say such foolish things.”
“You’re my patient. Taking care of you is only natural.”
She said she came to apologize—
But her eyes never once left Ethan.
As if she were enduring humiliation…
All for his sake.
My mother couldn’t hold back any longer.
She stormed out of the bedroom and stood in front of me, blocking me protectively.
“What do you mean bringing another woman into the house at night?”
“To apologize,” Ethan replied calmly.
“Sophia made a scene at the hospital. Lily wants to explain things clearly.”
“Explain?”
My mother let out a cold laugh.
“Does she look like she’s here to apologize? This looks more like a provocation!”
Lily quickly stepped forward.
“Auntie, I truly just want them to reconcile.”
“If Sophia went to Africa because she misunderstood me… and something happens to her, I’ll feel guilty for the rest of my life…”
Smack—!
My mother’s slap landed hard across Lily’s face.
She staggered back, clutching her cheek in disbelief, collapsing straight into Ethan’s arms.
He lowered his head, gently touching the swelling on her face.
When he looked up again—
His eyes were terrifyingly cold.
“You’re an elder. I’ve always respected you.”
“But Lily is innocent. She’s unwell, and she even came here in person to apologize. Isn’t that sincere enough?”
“There’s no need to humiliate her like this.”
At that, my mother let out a laugh of pure anger.
“Innocent? You abandoned my daughter at her own wedding for this woman, and now you have the nerve to bring her here to disgust us?”
“What part of this shameless behavior makes her innocent?!”
Ethan’s expression darkened.
“Watch your words.”
“And what if I don’t?” my mother shot back, stepping forward.
Lily shrank back like a frightened bird.
Ethan instinctively raised his hand to block—
Trying to shield the woman behind him.
But that push—
Landed squarely on my mother’s shoulder.
She lost her balance.
Her entire body tipped backward—
“Mom—!!”
I screamed, rushing forward—
Only to watch helplessly as she slammed into the sharp edge of the table.
Her body went limp.
Blood seeped through her hair—
Spreading across the pale floor tiles.
Ethan stood frozen, as if trying to explain something.
But when he met my bloodshot eyes—
The words died in his throat.
I looked up at him, my voice trembling violently.
“Ethan Walker… call an ambulance! Save her!”
He had just taken out his phone—
When Lily suddenly began breathing rapidly, her whole body shaking.
She collapsed into his arms.
“Dr. Walker… I’m so scared… Did I hurt Auntie?”
“This is all my fault… I’m the one who deserves to die, right…?”
His arms tightened around her.
“Don’t be silly, Lily. This isn’t your fault.
”
“She just lost her balance. It was barely a push, and she fainted—who knows if she’s even pretending.”
I stared at him—
As if the man standing before me were a complete stranger.
Suppressing the rage surging through my chest—
I said nothing.
Instead, I took out my own phone and dialed emergency services.
Then I knelt down, pressing a towel tightly against my mother’s bleeding wound.
My hands trembled uncontrollably—
But I didn’t dare loosen my grip even slightly.
Ethan stood beside me—
But all his attention…
Was on Lily, who was crying pitifully in his arms.
He didn’t even ask once about my mother.
Soon, the ambulance arrived.
The paramedics rushed in, preparing to lift my mother onto the stretcher—
But Ethan stepped in front of them.
He glanced at me, then at Lily.
“Lily just had a shock. Her depression is acting up. Let her go first.”
Lily curled up in the corner, tears streaming down her face.
“Dr. Walker… don’t worry about me… Just let me die…”
The paramedics froze, unsure what to do.
I looked at Ethan—
And roared.
“Have you lost your mind?!”
“My mother is injured!!”
His expression remained calm.
“Lily is emotionally unstable.
Something could happen.”
“You’re a doctor. Can’t you take care of your own mother?”
I said nothing more.
Instead, I gathered all my strength—
Lifted my mother—
And slammed into him, forcing him aside.
After placing my mother onto the ambulance—
I turned back.
Looking at Ethan, whose face was filled with resentment—
I raised my hand—
And slapped him hard across the face.
His head snapped to the side.
He froze.
“This slap—”
“Is for your complete disregard for human life!”
The second slap landed.
“This one—”
“Is for your betrayal, and your lack of basic humanity!”
He covered his face, staring at me in disbelief.
This time, I didn’t hesitate.
I pulled out my phone—
And called my father.
“Inform everyone—withdraw all investments from the Walker family.”
“Blacklist Ethan Walker across the entire industry.”
“I want him—”
“To lose everything.”
The ambulance sped toward the hospital.
Blood from the back of my mother’s head soaked through my clothes.
I pressed down hard on the gauze, my fingertips turning pale from the force.
“Mom… hang on. We’re almost there.”
Her eyelids fluttered slightly.
She seemed to want to say something—
But only faint, broken sounds escaped her lips.
I leaned closer, pressing my ear beside her mouth.
“Sophia… don’t be afraid…”
Tears fell instantly.
When the red light above the operating room lit up, I leaned against the wall, my legs giving out beneath me.
My phone kept vibrating.
Message after message from Ethan popped up.
【What did you mean just now? What do you mean by blacklisting me?】
【Sophia, calm down. What happened to Mom was an accident. I shouldn’t have pushed her, but you’ve already slapped me—what more do you want?】
【Lily’s depression relapsed. She’s in emergency too. Can’t you try to understand?】
I stared at the screen— And suddenly laughed.
So hard that tears streamed down my face.
Understand?
I had understood him for five years.
I understood his late-night shifts in the ER.
I understood his devotion to his patients.
I even understood his “special care” for Lily.
And what did I get in return?
He placed my mother’s life—
Below Lily’s emotions.
The doors to the operating room opened.
A doctor stepped out.
“Dr. Carter, the patient has a skull fracture at the back of the head and a subdural hematoma.
She needs surgery immediately.”
My mind went blank with a loud buzz.
“But there’s a problem—” the doctor hesitated. “The patient has RH-negative blood. Our blood bank supply is insufficient. We’ve contacted the blood center, but it will take time.”
I grabbed his arm.
“Take mine. I’m RH-negative too.”
The doctor shook his head.
“You’re pregnant. You can’t donate.”
“Then find my father!”
When the call connected, my father was already at the airport.
His voice trembled.
“I’ll change my flight right now. Four hours—four hours at the fastest!”
Four hours.
My mother didn’t have four hours.
I crouched down in the corridor, clutching my head.
Then suddenly—
A thought flashed through my mind.
Ethan Walker.
He was RH-negative too.
I used to joke that even our blood types matched—
That we were destined to be together.
My fingers trembled as I dialed his number.
Three rings.
He hung up.
I called again.
Hung up again.
I sent a message:
【Pick up! My mom needs a transfusion for surgery. You’re RH-negative!】
One minute later, the phone rang.
His voice sounded tired.
“Sophia… I’m with Lily right now.”
“She cut her wrist earlier. She lost a lot of blood. She’s in surgery too.
RH-negative blood is already scarce, and the hospital just used all of it for her.”
My mind went completely blank.
“What… did you say?”
“Lily needs blood. The supply from the blood center is still on the way. She can’t wait—”
“Then what about my mom?!”
I screamed.
“Ethan Walker, my mom can’t wait either! She has a skull fracture, a subdural hematoma—she’s going to die!”
Silence fell on the other end.
For a few seconds.
Then he spoke.
“Lily cut her wrist because of you. She feels guilty for hurting your mom. She doesn’t want to live anymore.”
“As for your mom… you’re there, aren’t you? You’re a doctor.
You figure something out first.”
“Ethan Walker—!”
“Lily just woke up. I have to go.”
Beep—
I stood there in the corridor, holding my phone.
As if someone had poured a bucket of ice water over me from head to toe.
He chose Lily.
Again.
No—
This time…
He used my mother’s life—
To choose her.
Slowly, I sank to the floor, burying my face in my knees.
My phone rang again.
It was the blood center.
“Dr. Carter, the plasma has been dispatched. It will arrive at the hospital in twenty minutes!”
I shot to my feet.
Twenty minutes.
My mother could hold on for twenty minutes.
The surgery lasted six hours.
I stood outside the ICU, staring at the tightly shut doors.
Not moving an inch.
At three in the morning, the doctor finally came out.
“The surgery was successful. But due to excessive blood loss and the brain injury, she still needs to be closely monitored.”
I nodded.
Then slowly slid down against the wall, sitting on the cold floor.
Just before dawn, footsteps echoed from the end of the corridor.
Ethan Walker appeared.
His white coat was stained with blood, his face exhausted.
He walked over and stopped in front of me.
“Lily is out of danger.”
I didn’t say a word.
He crouched down, reaching out to touch me—
I avoided him.
“Sophia… about yesterday… I was wrong.”
“But Lily really did cut her wrist. There was blood everywhere. I couldn’t just ignore her.”
I finally looked up at him.
“Her cutting her wrist… was because she felt guilty.”
“Yes.”
“She felt guilty because she came to my house, provoked me, and caused my mother to fall.”
He frowned.
“That was an accident—”
“What about you?”
I cut him off.
“When you pushed my mother—was that an accident?”
“When you stopped the ambulance from taking her first—was that an accident?”
“When you gave all the RH-negative blood to Lily—was that an accident too?”
He opened his mouth—
But no words came out.
I stood up, meeting his eyes.
“If my mother dies… then you’re a murderer.”
His face turned pale instantly.
“What nonsense are you talking about—”
“Nonsense?”
I laughed.
“When she needed blood in the operating room, where were you?”
“You were holding Lily, telling her ‘it’s not your fault.’”
He grabbed my wrist tightly.
“Sophia, I know you’re angry. But Lily really did it because of you—”
“Because of me?”
I shook him off.
“Did she cut her wrist for me, or to steal my husband?”
“Is she feeling guilty for me—or trying to drive my mother to her death?”
His pupils shrank sharply.
“What do you mean?”
“What I mean is—”
I spoke slowly, word by word.
“If Lily can cut her wrist today, she can jump off a building tomorrow.”
“Every time something ‘happens’ to her, you abandon me to go save her.”
“She knows exactly how soft-hearted you are.”
“She knows you’ll always choose her.”
His expression shifted again and again.
“Don’t make her sound so disgusting—”
“Disgusting?”
I let out a cold laugh.
“Ethan Walker, answer me honestly.”
“Does she really see you as nothing more than her doctor?”
He didn’t respond.
I stepped past him, walking toward the ICU.
Behind me, his voice rang out.
“And what about you?”
“You signing up for Africa, cutting off investments, trying to ruin me—is that any more honorable?”
I stopped.
“I did those things because you don’t have me in your heart.”
I didn’t turn around.
“And you—did everything you did… because you don’t have her in yours?”
The hallway fell silent.
So silent I thought he had left.
Then, after a long time—
I heard his hoarse voice.
“I do have her in my heart… but not in the way you think—”
“That doesn’t matter anymore.
”
I cut him off.
Still without turning back.
“Ethan Walker…”
“Let’s get a divorce.”
The divorce papers were delivered to Ethan’s office by a lawyer.
I heard he tore them up on the spot.
The next day—
A new set of documents, along with a court summons—
Were sent directly to the Walker family.
Mr. Walker called me again and again.
I declined every single call.
Eventually, he came to the hospital in person.
That day, I had just stepped out of the ICU.
My mother had finally been transferred to a regular ward.
He stood waiting in the hallway.
His hair had gone half white.
He looked like he had aged ten years overnight.
“Sophia…”
I raised my hand, stopping him.
“Mr. Walker, if you’re here to plead for him, there’s no need.”
His lips trembled.
“Sophia, Ethan is a fool—I know that. But withdrawing investments and blacklisting us… you’re destroying the entire Walker family!”
“Our business is finished!”
I looked at him quietly.
“My mother almost died.”
He froze.
“Do you know?” I continued, my voice steady but cold.
“When my mom needed a blood transfusion during surgery, your son gave all the RH-negative blood to Lily.
He told me himself—‘She needs it more.’”
Mr. Walker’s face turned ashen.
“That… that can’t be…”
“You can ask him yourself.”
I walked past him and pushed open the ward door.
My mother was propped up against the bed, her face still pale.
When she saw me, she forced a small smile.
“Sophia… who was that just now?”
“No one.”
I sat down beside her and took her hand.
“Mom… I’m sorry.”
She shook her head gently and reached up to touch my face.
“Silly girl. Why are you apologizing to me?”
I lowered my head onto the edge of the bed, tears silently slipping down.
Outside the window, the sunlight was bright and warm.
But inside me—
It felt like a snowstorm that would never end.
Ethan’s punishment came down.
Six months’ suspension. Public criticism across the entire hospital.
But he didn’t stop.
Every day, he sent messages. Called me. Switched numbers when I blocked him.
When I didn’t answer, he sent texts.
【Sophia, I know I was wrong. I really do.】
【About Lily… I was stupid. I thought she was fragile and needed protection. I didn’t realize what kind of person she really was.】
【My dad is in the hospital because of the bankruptcy.
Could you… could you go see him?】
【You can yell at me, hit me—just don’t ignore me.】
I didn’t reply to a single one.
Until one day—
I ran into Lily at the hospital entrance.
She was wearing an expensive designer dress, her arm looped through a pot-bellied man’s.
When she saw me, she paused for a moment—
Then smiled.
“Dr. Carter. Long time no see.”
I ignored her and walked straight ahead.
But she let go of the man’s arm and hurried after me.
“Sophia Carter, what are you so proud of?”
I stopped.
She lowered her voice, her eyes filled with malice.
“You think you’ve won?”
“Ethan Walker is divorcing you for me.”
“He’s been calling me every day, begging me to go back to him.”
I looked at her calmly.
“Is that so?”
She lifted her chin.
“Of course. He said he regrets everything. Said I’m the one he truly loves.”
“Sophia Carter, you’re nothing more than the one he abandoned after weighing his options—”
“Lily Bennett.”
I cut her off.
“He’s calling you because the Walker family is finished. He’s trying to squeeze the last bit of value out of you.”
Her expression changed instantly.
“You’re lying—”
“That man.”
I tilted my chin slightly toward the man waiting at the entrance.
“His name is Richard Zhao. A real estate developer.”
“He went through bankruptcy restructuring last year.”
“He’s currently two hundred million in debt.”
Lily’s face turned deathly pale.
“You think you’ve found yourself a rich man?”
I smiled faintly.
“Your taste in men is… impressively consistent.”
Her lips trembled.
She wanted to argue—
But no words came out.
I stepped closer, leaning in beside her ear.
“Oh, right.”
“Ethan Walker has been suspended.”
“He’s no longer a doctor.”
“From now on, those little performances of yours—cutting your wrists, playing depressed—”
“No one will be there to indulge you anymore.”
She staggered back.
I looked at her, my voice cold and final.
“Lily Bennett… take care of yourself.”
Then I turned—
And walked away without looking back.
One month later, my mother was discharged and returned home to recover.
The Walker family officially declared bankruptcy.
Ethan’s suspension period ended—
But the hospital never reinstated him.
I heard he drank every day, losing weight until he was almost unrecognizable.
Mrs. Walker came to see me once, crying, begging me to go see him.
I refused.
That afternoon, I went to the hospital to complete the final paperwork.
The Africa medical team was leaving next week. I still had handovers and endless details to handle.
As I passed the cardiology department—
Someone suddenly grabbed my wrist.
I turned around.
Ethan stood in front of me.
He looked drastically thinner. His eyes were sunken, his beard unshaven.
Gone was the composed, refined man he used to be.
“Sophia…”
His voice was hoarse.
“Can we talk?”
I pulled my hand away.
“There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Just five minutes.”
He stepped in front of me.
“Five minutes. That’s all I’m asking.”
I looked at him for a long moment.
Then nodded.
At the café downstairs in the hospital.
He sat across from me, holding his cup, silent for a long time.
I glanced at my watch.
“You have three minutes left.”
He suddenly lifted his head.
“Sophia… I know I was wrong.”
“About Lily—I was stupid. I thought she really needed me. I thought what I felt was just responsibility.”
“But later I realized—she never needed me.”
“What she needed was just a man who could benefit her.”
I took a sip of water. Said nothing.
“My dad went bankrupt.
My mom cries every day. We’ve lost everything.”
He lowered his head.
“I called Lily… asked if she could lend me some money.”
“She blocked me.”
I set my cup down.
“Ethan Walker, what exactly are you trying to say?”
He looked up, his eyes reddened.
“I want to say… I finally understand who’s the one who truly cared about me.”
“Sophia… can we start over?”
I looked at him.
For a long time.
Then—
I smiled.
“Ethan Walker… do you know what I was thinking the day my mom was in surgery?”
He froze.
“I was thinking—if she dies… how am I supposed to go on living?”
“I was thinking—how did the man I loved for five years become like this?”
“I was thinking… whether I should even keep the child in my womb.”
His face turned deathly pale.
“Sophia—”
“You asked me to understand you. To forgive you. To stop making a scene.”
I stood up, looking down at him.
“But when have you ever tried to understand me?”
“When you left me at the wedding for Lily—did you think about me?”
“When you brought her into our home—did you think about me?”
“When you stopped the ambulance from saving my mother first—did you think about me?”
He grabbed my hand desperately.
“I know I was wrong! I really know! Just give me one more chance—I’ll do everything you say from now on—”
I pulled my hand away.
“Ethan Walker… do you even know what love is?”
He stared at me, stunned.
“Love means you can’t bear to let the other person suffer.”
“Love means putting them first.”
“But you… have never once put me first.”
I turned and walked toward the exit.
Behind me, his voice broke.
“Sophia! What about the child?”
“You’re going to let them grow up without a father?!”
I stopped.
Slowly turned back to look at him.
“The child?”
I smiled.
Tears slipped down.
“Ethan Walker… the day my mom was in surgery, I was waiting outside the operating room alone.”
“Waiting for blood.
Waiting for the doctors. Waiting for her to survive.”
“I waited too long.”
“The child… is gone.”
“That night…”
“I miscarried.”
“While you were holding Lily, comforting her—telling her not to feel guilty…”
“Our child…”
“Died.”
He stood there as if struck by lightning.
Staggering back, knocking over the chair behind him.
“No… that’s impossible…”
“You can check the medical records.”
I turned away.
“Ethan Walker, there’s nothing left between us… except hatred.”
This time—
I didn’t look back.
On the day the Africa medical team departed—
The weather was beautiful.
The airport was crowded, filled with people saying their goodbyes.
I stood at the boarding gate, glancing at my phone one last time.
There was one final message from Ethan.
Sent three nights ago.
【Sophia, I went to see our child’s grave.】
【It’s very small. There isn’t even a name on it.】
【I stood there for a long time… not knowing what to say.】
【I wanted to tell you I’m sorry. But I know you don’t want to hear it.】
【I don’t ask for your forgiveness. I only hope… that you live well.】
I deleted the message.
And turned off my phone.
The boarding announcement sounded.
I picked up my luggage and walked toward the gate.
“Sophia Carter!”
A voice called out from behind.
I stopped.
But didn’t turn around.
“Sophia!”
The person ran up, slightly out of breath.
Emily Davis.
My college roommate.
My closest friend.
Her eyes were red as she threw her arms around me.
“You idiot! You’re going to Africa and didn’t even tell me?! If I hadn’t seen the hospital notice, I wouldn’t even know you were leaving today!”
I patted her back gently.
“I didn’t want you to cry.”
“I’m already crying!”
She pulled back, wiping her tears.
“Sophia… are you really okay?”
I looked at her.
Then smiled.
“Emily, I’m okay.”
“I lost a terrible marriage.”
“A man who didn’t love me.”
“And a child who wasn’t meant to stay.”
“But I’m still alive.”
“My mom is still alive.”
“I still have my career, my friends… and my future.”
Her tears fell even harder.
“Then… you have to come back.”
“I will.”
I hugged her once more.
Then turned—
And walked toward the boarding gate.
As the plane took off, I leaned against the window, watching the ground grow smaller and smaller.
That city.
Those memories.
That pain.
All of it—
Slowly fading away.
Until nothing remained.
A flight attendant approached, her voice gentle.
“Ma’am, would you like something to drink?”
I shook my head.
“No, thank you.”
She left.
I closed my eyes.
Images flashed through my mind—
The moment Ethan turned away at the wedding.
My mother lying in a pool of blood, while he held Lily.
Me, alone outside the operating room, waiting for blood.
And that night—
The unbearable pain in my abdomen.
The overwhelming flood of red.
I opened my eyes.
Outside the window, the clouds stretched endlessly—pure white.
I placed my hand over my abdomen.
There had once been a life there.
Once.
But now it was gone.
Just like my love for Ethan.
After turning my phone back on, a message from Emily came through:
【Sophia, Lily’s rich sponsor got arrested—for illegal fundraising. She’s having a hard time now, borrowing money everywhere.】
【As for Ethan… his father passed away. After the bankruptcy, he couldn’t take the blow—heart attack.】
【Ethan’s now working at a small private clinic. He’s not doing well.】
I read it.
Then deleted it.
The plane broke through the clouds.
Sunlight poured in—
Warm.
Bright.
I leaned back in my seat and slowly closed my eyes.
Let everything soaked in sorrow…
Stay in the past.
The sky over Africa—
Must be bluer.
