From “Clingy” to Gone My Independence Was His Biggest Regret novel Chapter 61

Chapter 9

My photo scandal still want dying down.

I was the center of attention everywhere I went at work–and not the good kind. Someone had even accidentally dumped ice coffee all over me.

I was clutching my soaked blouse as 1 headed outside when I ran into Ethan.

He handed me a shopping bag without hesitation, his voice gentle: “There are dry clothes in the car. I’ll drive you home after you change.

Thank you.” I took the bag from him.

Oh, that’s the one Captain Reeves dumped, right? I heard she’d do anything to climb the ladder. Now she’s latching onto Consultant Cross?”

someone was gossiping at the end of the hallway–not loud, but clear enough for us to hear.

paused for a moment, then pretended I hadn’t heard anything.

As I got to the car, I caught Ethan’s voice, ice–cold: “Find out who’s spreading rumors. Write them up for disciplinary action.”

Once I’d changed, Ethan got into the driver’s seat: “Don’t take what they said to heart.”

I let out a bitter laugh and started rambling: “Of course not. Self–awareness is one thing I’m not lacking. Besides, I know you have a girlfriend. I didn’t say inything back there because I didn’t want to cause trouble. If I made you uncomfortable, I apologize. And I can pay you back for the clothes-”

SCREECH!

Ethan slammed on the brakes, cutting me off mid–sentence.

My body lurched forward, then strong hands pressed me back against the seat.

‘I don’t have a girlfriend. Never have. Sage, how long are you going to keep playing dumb?”

The moment the words left his mouth, Ethan looked like he wanted to take them back.

I’m sorry.”

His tone was serious and formal.

started waving my hands frantically: “No, no… it’s fine…”

I never knew you were carrying all this alone because of those rumors.”

My expression froze.

I never spoke up before because I was afraid getting closer would make things worse for you. I kept thinking I’d wait until you were ready, until you’d actually ook at me, before telling you how I felt.”

‘I sent you letters when you were overseas, but you never-”

At this time, my phone rang, cutting him off.

The caller ID showed the hospital.

“Ms. Sage, we found a kidney match for your mother.”

I was overjoyed, immediately agreeing to schedule the surgery.

But when I tried calling Mom, she wasn’t picking up.

fan sighed and sony

The patient suffered an acute myocardial infarction. We missed the optimal window for treatment…”

by eats marted rin

felt dizzy and weak, couldn’t process his words anymore.

ears started streaming down my face in endless torrents.