The Billionaire Ex-Wife's Return (Cynthia and Ethan) novel Chapter 231

Chapter 231

Cynthia's POV

Kevin kept trying to be reassuring in that big-brother way he had — firm and logical, like if he just explained things rationally enough, the guilt crushing my chest would somehow lift.

"He's going to be fine, Cici," Kevin said, leaning against the wall beside me in the waiting area. "The doctor said he's stable. They're getting fluids and nutrients into him. He'll recover."

I nodded mechanically, but I wasn't really listening.

Kevin continued anyway.

"I just don't understand how a grown man — a wealthy grown man — doesn't eat," he said, shaking his head. "No matter how busy you are, you still have to eat. It's not like he doesn’t have help. He could even get a michelin chef for himself."

I stared at the sterile white floor, my hands clenched tightly in my lap.

All I could think about was three years ago.

When I was still at the Walker mansion.

When I made sure Ethan ate breakfast before he left for work.

When I'd have dinner waiting for him, even if he came home late.

When I'd ensured he wasn't skipping meals during the day.

I'd taken care of him.

And now I feel somewhat guilty. Most of his problems at the moment boils down to the fact that I had left.

It was a good thing I left, but not at the detriment of him almost losing his life.

And where the heck is Anna? I thought she was released and she was with him.

I just can’t understand the whole dynamics between Ethan and Anna.

"This wouldn't have happened," I whispered.

Kevin stopped mid-sentence. "What?"

"This wouldn't have happened if I'd been there," I said, my voice trembling. "Three years ago, when I was still in that house, this never would have happened."

Kevin's expression shifted immediately.

"Cici, don't do that," he said firmly. "Don't blame yourself for this."

"But it's true," I said, tears burning at the corners of my eyes. "If I hadn't left…"

"If you hadn't left, you'd be miserable," Kevin interrupted. "Or worse. Cici, you left because you had to. Because staying was destroying you. You can't carry guilt for Ethan's choices."

"But…"

"No," Kevin said, his voice firm but gentle. "Ethan is a grown man. He made the choice not to eat. He made the choice to let himself fall apart. That's not on you."

Kevin eventually pulled Amber over to one of the waiting room chairs, handing him his phone with a game already loaded.

"Here, buddy," Kevin said. "Keep yourself busy for a bit, okay?"

Amber nodded, his eyes still red from crying, but he was calmer now. Distracted.

Bryan sat a few chairs away, silent and still, his elbows resting on his knees, his hands clasped together. He hadn't said much since we arrived. Just sat there, watching, present but not intrusive.

I was grateful for that.

The waiting room hummed with the quiet tension of people hoping for good news.

And then the automatic doors slid open.

Devian walked in.

His presence was immediate, loud even before he spoke. His jaw was tight, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on me, it had disgust in it for a flash of second, then he saw Bryan.

"Bryan," he said, relief flooding his voice as he crossed the room. "Is he okay? What happened?"

"He collapsed," Bryan said quietly. "Malnourishment. They're giving him fluids now."

Devian exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair. "Jesus Christ. Ethan…"

Then his eyes shifted and landed on Kevin.

The doctor's lips curved into a faint, relieved smile.

"He's awake."

Relief crashed through me so violently I nearly collapsed.

"He's awake?" I repeated, my voice breaking.

"Yes," the doctor confirmed. "He's still weak, but he's conscious and coherent. You can see him now."

I didn't wait.

I grabbed Amber's hand, pulling him up from the chair.

"Come on, baby," I said.

Amber's face lit up instantly. "Daddy's awake?"

"Yes," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "Daddy's awake."

We all rushed down the hallway together, a chaotic, mismatched group united by worry for Ethan.

The nurse led us to his room, and I hesitated for just a second at the door, my heart pounding.

Then I pushed it open.

And there he was.

Ethan.

Awake.

His eyes were open, tired and dazed, but open.

He turned his head slightly as we entered, and when his gaze landed on Amber, something in his expression cracked.

"Amber," he said, his voice hoarse.