I almost laughed—out of sheer frustration.
This level of shamelessness was beyond anything I'd ever seen. So much so that I couldn't even find the words to refute it.
I turned to leave, but Ethan lunged at me like a madman, grabbing my arm in a desperate grip.
"You're not going anywhere! Call Amanda right now. Tell her to marry me. She can't abort our baby! If she does, I'll never stop pestering you!"
I frowned and tried to shake him off, but he clung to me like a drowning man clutching a lifeline.
My expression turned cold.
"My patience is wearing thin. Let go."
"Not a chance!"
Ethan's face twisted with desperation.
"Call Amanda right now, or we'll stand here all day if we have to!"
"You've completely lost it!"
My temper snapped. I raised my leg and kicked him hard in the stomach.
With a grunt of pain, Ethan staggered back and finally loosened his grip. I seized the moment to deliver my warning, my voice like ice.
"Don't ever come near me again. Next time, I'll call the cops. And tell me—do you really think Amanda would still want you after you've got a criminal record?"
I wasn't bluffing.
With Amanda's current status, there was no way she'd accept a man with a rap sheet as her future husband.
Ethan froze.
For a long moment, he just stood there, gritting his teeth. Then, finally, he looked up, eyes filled with desperation.
"For the sake of the child... just help me this once. I swear I won't come looking for you again."
I didn't even spare him a glance as I turned and walked away.
The crowd, having lost interest now that the drama was over, tossed a few parting insults before dispersing.
Ethan stood there, lost and helpless.
Between losing his child and losing Amanda—his financial lifeline—it was clear which one he feared more.
Going from rags to riches was easy. But from riches back to rags? That was the real nightmare.
He had grown too comfortable with luxury. The thought of returning to an ordinary life was unbearable.
Back at the hospital, Sophie had already been moved into a ward.
Noticing my expression, she gave me a concerned look. "What's wrong?"
I forced a smile. "Nothing."
Then, I picked up the lunchbox beside me.
I had bought it on my way back—after all, Sophie hadn't eaten anything since this whole ordeal began.
"Do you need me to feed you?"
"Obviously." Sophie raised her cast-covered hand.
"You're responsible for me now."