No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 204

### He Chased 204

#### CHAPTER 0304

**ELIZABETH’S POV**

“I really need to call my parents and share this with them. Every time I think about it, it becomes creepier and more unsettling, and my curiosity just keeps growing. How could I have lived my entire life without knowing about this person?” I murmured, allowing myself to fully recline on the bed, letting out a deep, frustrated sigh. The mattress enveloped me, its softness pulling me into a comforting embrace as I gazed up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

“Yes, I think that’s a wise move. They might have some answers for you. If they don’t, then that’s when you should start worrying,” my friend said through the phone, her voice echoing slightly as if she were pacing back and forth, trying to think of the right words to say.

I didn’t want to prolong the conversation any further. My heart was already racing with enough anxiety for both of us. Without another moment’s hesitation, I ended the call. My fingers instinctively found my contacts list, and I scrolled until I spotted my dad’s name. I hovered over it for a heartbeat, exhaling one final, shaky breath before pressing the call button.

The phone rang twice, each tone stretching out in the silence of my room. I stared at the screen, my mind racing with doubts, contemplating whether I should just hang up. I was still angry with both of them for sending me to this foreign country, but this situation transcended any resentment I felt.

“Elizabeth, I didn’t expect to hear from you so soon,” my dad’s voice came through, calm and measured as always. “How are you finding America?”

“I’m not calling to discuss how I feel about this country, Dad. I need to talk to you about something serious,” I said, sitting up slightly, leaning forward as if the gravity of the conversation required my full attention.

“Okay. How much is it? Just send me the details so I can transfer the money. You can sort out your little problem with it,” he replied, his tone casual and somewhat dismissive, as if he believed that every issue I faced could simply be solved with cash.

“This isn’t about money, Dad. This is something far more significant,” I insisted, my voice tightening with frustration. I could hear my heartbeat thundering in my ears, a frantic rhythm that matched my rising anxiety.

There was a brief silence on the other end. “Alright, I’m listening,” he finally said, his tone shifting slightly, though still tinged with confusion.

“Is Mom there too?” I inquired, my heart racing.

“Yes, she’s right here with me. We’re driving somewhere. I’ll put the phone on speaker,” he said, and I could hear the faint shuffle of the phone as he adjusted it.

Moments later, my mother’s familiar voice filled the speaker, soft and careful as always, as if she were treading lightly over fragile ground. “Hey, sweetheart. I hope you’re settling in well.”

I didn’t have the energy for pleasantries. “Have you guys seen today’s news?” I interjected, ignoring her greeting completely.

“No, is there a reason we should?” my dad asked, confusion creeping into his voice.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? You just saw what I’m talking about! Why the silence?” I pressed, my voice rising in desperation. I gripped the phone tighter, my knuckles whitening. How could he remain so composed in the face of this revelation?

My dad let out a small, heavy sigh, as if he had been carrying a burden for years, something he knew he would eventually have to share. Perhaps part of him had hoped he wouldn’t have to.

“There’s something we need to tell you, Elizabeth,” he finally said, his voice slower now, more deliberate, as if choosing each word with care.

I remained silent, my heart pounding in my chest. I bit my nails anxiously, waiting for him to continue. A strange chill settled over me, creeping into my bones. Something was profoundly wrong.

“I want you to understand this first,” he continued, his tone steady yet somber. “With what we’re about to tell you, nothing has changed. We still love you, and we will always love you.”

Why was he starting like this? What could he possibly have to say that required such a preamble? My grip tightened around the phone, my breath quickening.

“I’ll get straight to the point,” he said, pausing for a moment that felt like an eternity.

“Elizabeth… you were adopted.”