I used to believe Ethan truly loved me. Until that day, when I found the engagement invitation in his car. His and Vivian Sinclair's, the heiress of the wealthy Sinclair family. Ethan was getting married, but the bride wasn't me. And in front of me, he was still the same gentle, considerate, perfect boyfriend. In the private lounge, he and his friends mocked me in French. "Keeping Lila on the side isn't much trouble. She's so obedient in bed, I can't bear to break up with her." They didn't know. My French scores were top of my class. For three years, I clipped my own wings, willing to be his caged canary. Now it's time to wake from this dream. I submitted my application to study at the top veterinary medical center in Boston. Ethan, you're getting married. And I'm going to fly back to the sky where I belong. Lila POV "Miss Hayes, working late again today? Mr. Ford has been waiting outside for you for quite a while." Sarah, a nurse, smiled and joked. I took off my work clothes, washed my hands, and smiled gently. "There was an emergency surgery today. It took a bit longer than expected. I'm heading out now. Thanks everyone for your hard work." I pushed open the glass door of the veterinary hospital. The early autumn night breeze carried a hint of chill. A low-key, luxurious black Maybach was parked by the curb. The window rolled halfway down, revealing Ethan's handsome profile. Three years together. He was the heir to New York's top financial empire, and I was just an ordinary veterinarian. Everyone said I was lucky, and I once believed Ethan truly loved me. I opened the car door and got into the passenger seat. Ethan naturally leaned over to fasten my seatbelt, his crisp woody cologne enveloping me. "Why so late today? I'm taking you to meet some friends." His voice was low and lazy, with its usual indulgence. "A dog had complications during birth. I just finished doing a cesarean section." I explained softly, reaching for the wet wipes in the glove compartment to clean my hands. But the moment I pulled open the drawer, my movements froze. Deep in the glove compartment lay a white invitation. The invitation bore two familiar names. Ethan Ford and Vivian Sinclair. My breathing stopped for a moment, my fingers trembling slightly. Vivian was the heiress of New York's Sinclair family, also from an extremely wealthy background. So while I'd been standing at the operating table until my legs went numb for a few hundred dollars in surgery fees, my boyfriend had already set a wedding date with someone else. "What's wrong?" Ethan noticed my reaction and glanced over. I calmly pulled out a wet wipe, closed the glove compartment, my voice so steady even I found it unbelievable. "Nothing, just grabbing a tissue." Half an hour later, the car stopped at New York's most exclusive private club. The lounge door opened to reveal luxury and opulence, smoke curling in the air. The noisy conversation paused in unison the moment they saw me. Ethan took my hand and led me to a seat, his expression untroubled. Before I could adjust to the atmosphere, Marcus, sitting across from us, raised his eyebrows, his tone dripping with undisguised contempt. "Ethan, why'd you bring Lila Hayes? This lounge has poor ventilation. Why do I smell that animal stench?" The moment he finished speaking, low laughter rippled through the lounge. My fingers tightened around my glass, knuckles turning white. Every day at the hospital I dealt with sick animals. Even though I showered and changed clothes before leaving work, to these rich kids' noses, I seemed to permanently carry an unwashable animal smell. I turned to look at Ethan, but saw him only carelessly swirl the wine in his glass. He didn't speak up for me. Instead, he said in that tone one uses to soothe a pet, "Honey, ignore them. They're just joking." Marcus saw Ethan wasn't angry and grew bolder, deliberately speaking in French to the person beside him. "Ethan is getting engaged to Vivian next month. What are you planning to do about Lila? You're not seriously going to keep her for life, are you?" Everyone present knew I came from an ordinary background, had even paid for college with scholarships. They were certain I couldn't understand French, and their laughter grew more unrestrained. Ethan took a sip of wine and replied in equally fluent French. "The marriage alliance is my family's idea. The wedding is just going through the motions. Lila is very obedient, doesn't make a fuss. Keeping her on the side isn't much trouble." The lounge erupted in laughter again. Someone mocked, "True, these broke women are so easy. Give them a little money and they'll behave." The mocking laughter assaulted my ears. No one noticed that sitting quietly in the corner, the light in my eyes was extinguishing bit by bit, turning into deathly silence. They didn't know I'd taken a second language in college. My French scores were top of the entire program. Three years together, Ethan spoiled me lavishly. Bought me designer bags, let me live in his mansion. But never once introduced me to his family. I thought he was protecting me, afraid I'd be hurt. Only today did I understand. In his eyes, I was never a partner who could stand beside him, but a "very obedient, quiet" pet. In that moment, I suddenly felt even confronting him was unnecessary. From now on, he could marry his Vivian, and I would be a veterinarian. We would have nothing to do with each other anymore.
Lila POV After everyone had been drinking for a while, the atmosphere in the lounge grew increasingly heated. I felt cold all over. When the gathering ended, everyone headed out together. I lagged half a step behind. Just as I reached the hallway, I heard a voice laced with malice behind me. "Lila." I stopped and turned. It was one of the wealthy guys who'd laughed the loudest in the lounge earlier. He looked me up and down and sneered. "Ethan's getting married soon. If you're smart, you'll take the money and leave. Don't think that just because you've been with Ethan for a few years, you can marry into a wealthy family. Someone like you who deals with animals all day. How could you compare to Vivian?" I looked at him quietly, my face showing no ripples, as if watching a clown. Ethan, who'd been walking ahead, noticed I hadn't followed and turned back, coldly glancing at the man. "Watch your mouth." The man awkwardly touched his nose and didn't dare say more. On the drive back, the car was terrifyingly quiet. When we arrived at the apartment they shared, Ethan took off his coat and hung it on the rack. From behind, he pulled me into his embrace, his chin resting against the hollow of my neck, his voice low and soft. "You had a rough time today? I won't take you to these kinds of gatherings anymore, so their words won't upset you." I didn't struggle, only asked in a flat tone, "Do you think I embarrassed you?" Ethan chuckled softly, turned me around to face him, and reached to ruffle my hair, but I dodged by tilting my head. His hand froze in mid-air. He said helplessly, "What are you overthinking? I just don't want them targeting you. Honey, you just need to know that you're the only one in my heart. That's enough." The only one in his heart? Then what was that white invitation? What did "keeping on the side" mean? I looked at his affectionate eyes and felt nothing but disgust. I didn't expose him, only said flatly, "I'm tired. I want to shower." Ethan let me go. "Alright, go shower. I'll handle some emails in the study." When I came out from my shower, Ethan had just gone into the bathroom. He casually left his phone on the nightstand. The screen lit up with an Ins message. Ethan's password was my birthday. I'd never checked his phone before, but today, I couldn't control myself from reaching out. Unlock. Open Ins. Besides me, there was another account at the top without a name. The newest message read: "Honey, we're trying on wedding dresses tomorrow. Can't you come keep me company tonight? I know you can't bear to leave your girlfriend, but we're getting married soon. You need to show me some respect, right?" Scrolling up, there were chat records of them discussing wedding venues and selecting diamond rings. Though Ethan didn't reply much, every sentence showed the indulgence and compromise a fiancé should have. Looking at those glaring sentences, my heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pain suffocating. I put the phone back and reset the message to unread. Before long, Ethan came out of the bathroom with a cloud of steam, picked up his phone and glanced at it. His expression changed slightly. He turned to look at me sitting at the vanity, a flash of apology in his eyes. "Lila, there's an urgent matter at the company. I need to go over there. I probably won't be back tonight. You should get some sleep early." He left in such a hurry, he didn't even wait for my response. After a while, my phone vibrated. It was a message from an unknown number. In the photo, Ethan sat on the sofa in the Sinclair family villa, Vivian leaning against his shoulder, the two in an intimate pose. Then came a text message: "With just one word from me, he'll still abandon you to come find me. Lila, after we get married, what will you be? A shameful mistress?" I stared at the screen as tears finally fell. This knife was wielded by Vivian, but handed to her by Ethan himself. I wiped away my tears, opened my laptop, logged into the hospital's internal system, and pulled up a document. "Application for Selection of Outstanding Physicians for Two-Year Advanced Training at Boston's Top Veterinary Medical Center." Without hesitation, I filled in the information and clicked submit. Ethan, since you're getting married, I wish you a happy wedding.
Lila POV The next day, I went to the hospital as usual. The director was very surprised when he saw my training application. "Lila, this training opportunity is rare, but you'd have to spend two full years in Boston. Does Mr. Ford agree?" I lowered my eyes, my voice calm but firm. "This is my personal career plan. It has nothing to do with him. I hope it can be approved as soon as possible." Seeing my resolute attitude, the director sighed and signed it. "Alright, the procedures will take about a week. Prepare for the handover these next few days." After work, I returned to the apartment and took out a large black trash bag, beginning to clean out the room. Couple's mugs, couple's slippers, clothes he'd bought me, even the stuffed animals we'd gotten together at the amusement park... Everything that held memories of us together, I mercilessly threw into the trash bag. I'd just carried two large bags of trash to the door when I heard the lock turn. Ethan pushed open the door. Seeing the trash bags on the floor and the much emptier living room, he frowned slightly. "Why are you suddenly cleaning out so much stuff?" "Season's changing, spring cleaning. I'm throwing out old things I don't need anymore." My tone was indifferent, and I didn't even glance at him. Ethan didn't think much of it. He walked over and hugged me from behind, his tone carrying a hint of coaxing. "The company had too much going on last night, I couldn't keep you company. There's a charity gala tonight. Want to come with me?" In the past, I would have considerately declined, afraid I didn't understand those high society rules and would embarrass him. But today, I turned to look at that affectionate face and nodded. "Sure." The gala was held in the ballroom of a seven-star hotel. I wore the haute couture gown Ethan had someone deliver, and walked into the venue on his arm. The moment we entered, we attracted quite a few glances. We hadn't walked far when a woman in a wine-red evening gown with exquisite makeup approached. It was Vivian from the photos. Vivian's gaze lingered for a moment on my arm linked with Ethan's. A flash of jealousy crossed her eyes, but she quickly masked it and spoke with a bright smile. "Ethan, you made it." Ethan's expression showed a moment of discomfort. He instinctively withdrew his arm from mine and introduced us. "Lila, this is Vivian, a good friend of mine." Good friend. I laughed coldly inside, but my face showed no reaction. Vivian held a Ragdoll cat in her arms and looked at me coquettishly. "I've heard Ethan has a girlfriend who's a veterinarian. Finally getting to meet you today. Miss Hayes, my cat hasn't been feeling well lately. Since you have so much experience caring for these little animals, could you take a look?" She emphasized the last sentence heavily, her contempt undisguised. Several of Ethan's friends gathered around and chimed in. "That's right, Miss Hayes. This is Miss Sinclair's beloved pet, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. More than your annual salary. You'd better take good care of it." I stood there, my gaze cold as it swept over everyone, finally landing on Ethan's face. Ethan frowned slightly, seeming to think Vivian's words were too much, but he didn't speak up to scold her. Instead, he said to me, "Lila, if you know how, just take a look for her." The last trace of hope in my heart shattered completely. I withdrew my gaze, glanced at the cat, my voice cold. "Miss Sinclair, the cat is severely stressed. Noisy environments like galas aren't suitable for bringing pets. If you truly loved it, you wouldn't use it as a tool to show off. Also, I'm a doctor, not a servant." Vivian's expression stiffened. Just as she was about to lose her temper, Ethan interrupted her. "Alright, Vivian. Lila's right. Have someone take the cat back." He seemed to be defending me, but the intimacy and indulgence in his tone was like a thorn stabbing deep into my heart.
Lila POV The charity auction began. Ethan and Vivian's seats were arranged together. The organizers' deliberate arrangement in consideration of the upcoming marriage alliance between their families. As Ethan's date, I could only sit on his other side. As auction items were displayed one by one on stage, Vivian kept leaning over to whisper to Ethan. The two appeared intimate, like a couple. I sat beside them like a superfluous outsider. "Our next auction item is a pet collar set with top-grade pink diamonds. Starting bid, two million." The host's voice rang out on stage. Vivian's eyes lit up and she immediately raised her paddle. "Three million." Marcus from the back row whistled and laughed loudly. "Miss Sinclair is so wealthy, spending three million on a cat collar. Miss Hayes, even if you did spay and neuter surgeries your whole life, you probably couldn't earn enough for this collar, could you?" Low snickers rippled through the crowd. I sat with my spine straight, my gaze fixed forward, as if I hadn't heard those taunts. Ethan frowned, turned to look at me, and said in a low voice to comfort me. "Ignore them. What do you like? I'll bid on it for you." I turned to look at him, at those deep eyes, my tone so calm it held no ripples. "No need. I'm not worthy of such expensive things." Ethan thought I was sulking and immediately raised his paddle. "Five million." The entire venue buzzed. Vivian looked at him with delight. "Ethan, are you buying it for me?" Ethan didn't deny it, only smiled faintly. I felt the air here suffocating. I stood up. "I'm going to the restroom." I splashed cold water on my face, looked at my pale reflection in the mirror, and took a deep breath. Just as I was about to turn and leave, the restroom door was pushed open. Vivian walked in on her high heels. Without outsiders, Vivian dropped her mask completely, her eyes contemptuous and vicious. "Lila, I thought my message was clear enough. Why are you still shamelessly clinging to Ethan?" I pulled out a paper towel to dry my hands, looking at her coldly. "Miss Sinclair, please get it straight. I'm the one who's been with him for three years. Who's really the homewrecker here?" Vivian laughed as if she'd heard the biggest joke. "Love? You think there's real love in wealthy families? You're from an ordinary family, you're a veterinarian. You have nothing. What do you have to compare with me? Do you really think Ethan will marry you?" She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "He's just after something fresh, treating you like a toy. Next month we're getting engaged. If you're smart, you'll leave him quickly. Otherwise, once I become Mrs. Ford, I have plenty of ways to make your life in New York unbearable!" Looking at her arrogant face, I felt no anger in my heart, only deep sorrow. I wasn't sad about Vivian's bullying, but about Ethan's tacit permission and indulgence. "Don't worry, Miss Sinclair." I threw the used paper towel precisely into the trash bin, my tone as cold as if discussing something completely unrelated to me. "I never take back trash. You two are the real couple. I wish you a lifetime together." With that, I ignored Vivian's furious expression and walked straight out of the restroom. When I returned to the ballroom, the auction had ended. Ethan held the velvet box containing the pink diamond collar and handed it to Vivian. Seeing me return, he walked over and put his arm around my waist. "Where were you for so long? The gala's over. Let's go home." I didn't dodge his touch, only nodded obediently. Go home? No, that apartment full of lies had long ceased to be my home.
Lila POV The three of us walked together to the hotel's underground parking garage. Ethan had just pressed the car key to unlock when Vivian quickly walked over in her high heels, her face showing just the right amount of distress. "Ethan, my car won't start, and my driver took the day off. Could you give me a ride home?" Ethan frowned slightly and instinctively glanced at me. I stood in place, my expression indifferent, as if I hadn't heard Vivian's words. Seeing Ethan hesitate, Vivian bit her lip, her voice softer. "Mom specifically told me today to come home early and rest. We still have to try on wedding dresses tomorrow. If you don't take me home and Mom asks..." Hearing "Mom" and "try on wedding dresses," Ethan's expression darkened, but he finally nodded. "Get in." A flash of triumph crossed Vivian's eyes as she walked straight to the passenger seat and opened the door. "Oh my," she suddenly exaggeratedly covered her nose, fanning the air in disgust. "Why does the passenger seat smell like dog hair? Miss Hayes, you sit here all the time and don't bother to clean up? I'm allergic to animal fur." I watched her crude performance coldly. I was wearing an evening gown today and hadn't been to the hospital at all. Where would dog hair come from? Ethan's frown deepened. He looked at me, his tone carrying a hint of imperceptible irritation. "Lila, sit in the back. Vivian has allergies." I didn't argue, didn't even hesitate for a second. I directly opened the back door and got in. My movements were quick and decisive, which actually made Ethan freeze for a moment. He probably expected me to make a scene, to feel wronged. But I was as calm as stagnant water. The car left the parking garage and drove onto the road. Vivian sat in the passenger seat, happily chatting with Ethan about their families' collaborative projects and the upcoming engagement party details. "Ethan, that French restaurant has great desserts. Let's use them for the engagement party favors, okay?" "Sure." "Also, the wedding dress, the designer said it'll be ready tomorrow. You have to come with me to try it on." "Mm, I'll pick you up tomorrow morning." They chatted happily, treating me in the back seat as if I were air. I leaned back against the seat and closed my eyes. The neon lights flashing by outside the window alternated across my pale face. Listening to their intimate conversation up front, I felt wave after wave of nausea. I used to think Ethan was a man of few words. It turned out he just had nothing to say to me. In the social class he belonged to, he could be just as gentle, considerate, and talkative. The car first drove to Vivian's family villa. Before getting out, Vivian deliberately turned to look at me, her eyes full of a victor's pride. "Miss Hayes, thank you for giving me the passenger seat today. Ethan, see you tomorrow." The car door closed and the car fell silent again. Ethan cleared his throat, attempting to explain. "Vivian has been spoiled by her family since childhood. She says things that are a bit much. Don't take it to heart. I only took her because our families are working together..." "Ethan," I interrupted him, slowly opening my eyes, my gaze clear and cold. "Pull over at the intersection up ahead. The hospital just messaged me. There's an emergency surgery and they need me to come back." Ethan was taken aback. "It's so late and you still have to go back? I'll take you to the hospital." "No need. It's not on your way." My tone was firm. The car stopped at the intersection. I pushed open the door and walked into the night without looking back.
Lila POV For the next few days, I practically lived at the veterinary hospital. Using work handover and emergency cases as excuses, I declined all of Ethan's invitations and didn't return to the apartment even once. Friday afternoon, the training approval documents were officially issued. Next Monday, I would fly to Boston. I arranged to meet my best friend Chloe at a coffee shop near the hospital. "What? You're going to Boston for two years of training? And you're breaking up with Ethan?!" After hearing my words, Chloe nearly spit out her coffee. I stirred the coffee in my cup, calmly recounting the invitation, Vivian's provocations, and that phrase in the lounge about "keeping on the side." "Ethan, that bastard!" Chloe slammed the table in anger, drawing glances from surrounding customers. "I used to think he was one of the rare devoted ones among the wealthy! Having a marriage alliance with a rich heiress while still wanting to keep you as a mistress? How dare he!" I smiled bitterly. "Yeah, I used to think he truly loved me too. But now that I see clearly, it's good I can end this mistake early." "When are you planning to make it clear to him?" Chloe held my hand sympathetically. "The day I leave." I lowered my eyes. "I don't want to fight with him, and I don't want to hear his hypocritical explanations. Leaving quietly is the last dignity for this relationship." Just then, the wind chime at the coffee shop entrance rang. I instinctively looked up, and the color drained from my face instantly. The person walking in was none other than Ethan and Vivian. The two walked in side by side. Vivian intimately held Ethan's arm, tilting her head to say something, smiling radiantly. Though Ethan's expression was neutral, there was no resistance in his eyes. He even considerately pushed open the glass door for her. This scene stabbed my eyes and completely ignited Chloe's fury. "These two bastards actually dare to show up right in front of us!" Chloe shot up from her seat, about to rush over and confront them. I grabbed her, clutching her wrist tightly, my voice trembling slightly. "Chloe, don't. It's not worth it for people like them." The commotion on our end caught Ethan's attention. He turned his head, his gaze cutting through several tables to collide directly with my cold stare. Ethan's body went rigid. He instinctively tried to withdraw his arm from Vivian's grasp. Vivian also saw me. Not only did she not let go, she held on even tighter, defiantly lifting her chin. Ethan's expression changed. He quickly walked to my table, his tone tinged with panic he himself hadn't noticed. "Lila, what are you doing here? I... Vivian and I were just discussing business nearby and stopped in for coffee." "Discussing business requires holding arms? Mr. Ford's business methods are truly unique!" Chloe laughed coldly, her mockery merciless. Ethan's brow furrowed. He ignored Chloe, staring intently at me. "Lila, let me explain..." "There's no need to explain." I stood up, my tone terrifyingly calm. "Mr. Ford, this is your private matter. You don't need to explain it to me. We have things to do. We're leaving first." I didn't call him Ethan, but Mr. Ford. I pulled Chloe along and walked out of the coffee shop without looking back.
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