Don't Say You Love Me (Emily and Ethan) novel Chapter 243

It took Emily a long while to steady herself, her dizziness slowly fading.

Ethan’s face came into focus gradually, sharp and clear once

more.

Pulling her hand away from his grip, she spoke in a cold, flat tone, “Ethan, if you insist on this, you’ll ruin Sophie.”

Climbing to her feet, she’d lost all desire and patience to with him.

argue

After saying those words, she walked past him and headed out of the bedroom.

Watching her retreating figure, Ethan didn’t call out or say a word.

Inside the bedroom, he lit a cigarette, but thought better of it— stepping into the hallway to smoke instead.

Downstairs, Emily was already gone, no trace of her left.

Once the cigarette burned out, Ethan made his way to Sophia’s

room.

Sitting by her bedside, he stared at her for a long time before finally mustering the courage to shake her gently.

Sophia blinked awake drowsily, breaking into a grin the secondo she saw him. “Dad, you’re home!”

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laced with apology. “Sophie, daddy’s gonna take you Nancy. Okay?”

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Nodding eagerly, Sophia said with a smile, “Yes! Yes! I’m so worried about Nancy. I’ve been wanting to see her, but Rebecca wouldn’t let me.”

Hesitating for a moment, Ethan tested the waters. “What if Mom doesn’t want you to go, either?”

As she thought of Emily’s cold attitude, Sophia’s little face twisted with anger. “Dad, it’s my business! I can go wherever I want–it has nothing to do with Mom. Besides, she doesn’t even care about me… she wouldn’t even let me eat shrimp!”

Ethan’s heart felt heavy at his daughter’s words, a dull ache settling in his chest. But with Nancy waiting, he hardened his resolve, lifting Sophia into his arms.

Helping her get dressed, he took her away–nearly midnight by

then.

They reached the hospital around half–past twelve.

Pushing open the ward door, Sophia found Nancy scrolling through videos.

Hearing the noise, Nancy quickly put her phone away, turning around with a bright smile and holding out her arms. “Sophia, come here–come to me!”

Sophia ran over, throwing herself into Nancy’s arms. 2/5

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loosely on her frame–she’d lost weight, looking thin and frail.

Sophia hugged her tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. “Nancy, I missed you so much. I can’t sleep without you beside me.”

Clutching Sophia close, Nancy nuzzled her hair. “Me too, baby. I can’t sleep without you here, either.”

Lies–Nancy had already slept once before Sophia arrived.

The real reason she’d asked for Sophia was a message from Gloria, warning her that Emily had gone to Joy Gardens and might win Sophia back.

So Nancy had lied about her insomnia, tricking Sophia into coming to stay with her.

Ethan, always eager to please Nancy, had agreed without hesitation, even willing to drag Sophia out so late at night.

Sophia clung to Nancy, pouting and seeking comfort, while Nancy cooed at her, praising her nonstop. Sophia’s mood lifted instantly, all her earlier sadness gone.

As Ethan watched the two of them holding each other, whispering words of longing, his nose twitched with emotion, his eyes stinging.

They chatted on the bed for a long time before Ethan spoke up, “Sophie, I’m gonna take you back to Joy Gardens.”

Shaking her head, Sophia frowned. “No! I wanna stay here with Nancy.”

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Ethan had been about to insist, but Nancy cut in, her voice soft and pleading. “Ethan, let Sophia stay with me–just for tonight, please?”

Hearing Nancy’s request, Ethan thought for a moment before agreeing, “Okay. Just tonight.”

After leaving Joy Gardens, Emily drove to a nearby park.

Her heart felt like it had a sharp thorn stuck in it–Sophia’s misbehavior, Ethan’s disregard for their daughter’s health, all of it weighing on her.

She wanted to pull the thorn out, but had no idea how.

Sitting down on a bench, Emily covered her face and let the tears fall silently.

She could walk away from Ethan, but Sophia was still so young. Without proper guidance, she’d stray down the wrong path.

And irregular sleep would hurt her health–thinking about it made Emily’s chest feel tight, choked with unspeakable sorrow.

The night wind blew cold, but Emily’s heart was colder, frozen through with despair.

She’d been sitting there for a long time when a pair of shoes appeared in her line of sight.

Startled, Emily looked up–Hugh’s face came into view, with a faint smile on his face.

4/5

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Standing up quickly, she tried to leave. Hugh stepped in front of her, blocking her way.

“Ms. Carter, out here all alone so late? Need me to drive you

home?”

Ignoring him, Emily tried to walk around.

Just as she passed, Hugh reached out and grabbed her arm tightly.

She struggled to pull free, but his grip was too strong. Glaring at him coldly, Emily snapped, “I have my own car. Save your fake kindness.”

Glancing down at her red–rimmed eyes, Hugh looked confused. “You really hate me that much?”

Emily laughed, a bitter, sharp sound. “What, did you think I’d like you?”

Her words amused him. Laughing, Hugh stared at her with a meaningful glint in his gaze. “Ethan likes Nancy anyway. If you change your mind and wanna like me, I wouldn’t mind.”

Enraged by his audacity, Emily snapped, “Let me go, you shameless bastard!”

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