Her Tears Are His Weakness novel Chapter 237

"It's not your first time..."

The shock in Ethan's eyes was obvious. It was his first time. Last night, he had been so focused on controlling himself and ensuring he didn't hurt Layla that he hadn't even realized it.

Layla gave a faint, bitter smile. She gripped the base of her left thumb tightly with her right hand, holding back her emotions and whatever shame she was feeling before turning her head away from him.

"Yeah."

Ethan lowered his gaze, lost in thought.

Seeing the space beside him, Layla tried to slide past him and leave.

However, he reached out and grabbed her wrist. "I don't care if you've had boyfriends before—"

"I haven't."

"How did—"

She yanked her hand free, her face pale, but her voice was firm. "You don't need to know. What happened last night was a mistake. Nothing more."

"But I need to take responsibility."

"I don't need you to."

Ethan wasn't ready to give up. He held onto her wrist again, this time more gently. "Let me explain. I don't know why you thought I was getting married, but there's no one I'm engaged to. I'm not seeing anyone."

"You went to the real estate office yesterday saying you wanted to buy a matrimonial home. When I asked, you told me it was a personal matter and not to pry. If it's private, why explain it to me now?"

"Because I don't want you to misunderstand." When she didn't respond, he added, "I only said that because I wanted to help you make a sale."

Layla still didn't respond.

So Ethan kept going. "Yes, I bought that villa to be a matrimonial home. But what I meant was—it would be our matrimonial home."

Layla's pupils trembled slightly, and her lips quivered. She hadn't expected that Ethan had meant her all along.

But still, she couldn't take that step.

"I can't be with you, Ethan."

After hesitating momentarily, Ethan grabbed a jacket and went after her.

He turned a corner just past the elevator and found her curled up in a corner, hugging her knees, her head buried in them.

He couldn't see her face, but he knew she was crying.

Instead of approaching her, he quietly turned around and went downstairs to the building's management office to grab some tissues. When he came back and saw her finally lift her head, he walked over and held out the tissues.

"Feeling any better?"

Layla looked up, stunned to see him standing there.

"What are you... doing here?"

"I was just passing by."

When she didn't take the tissues, Ethan crouched down and gently wiped the tears from her face.

He didn't ask anything. He just said, almost casually, "I need to stop by the hospital. Want me to drop you off on the way?"