Ethan noticed that I was uncomfortable.
His gaze lingered for only a second before shifting away.
After the event ended, he quickly walked over to me.
“Laura, are you feeling unwell? Can you hold on a little longer? There’s a celebration banquet for Jessica later and all our friends will be there.”
If I refused to go, he would probably accuse me of not considering the bigger picture.
Before I could say anything, Ethan continued, “Laura, I knew you’d be the most understanding. Don’t worry, after this, I’ll ask Auntie to make you some extra food to help you recover.”
When we entered the private room, their friends were already inside, waiting.
As soon as they saw Jessica, they all started clapping.
“Congratulations to our great artist for winning the award!”
When they noticed me following behind, the atmosphere shifted. Their voices softened.
“Oh, Laura is here too.”
I remembered—seven years ago, when I won my last award, Ethan had also asked his friends to clap for me.
Soon after that, I was mysteriously kidnapped and my wrists were permanently damaged.
I smiled, treating their words as a polite greeting.
“Jessica, what’s with your outfit? Is this intentional?” one friend teased excitedly.
Ethan motioned for him to stop talking.
He looked at me with a cautious expression.
“Laura, he’s just joking. It’s just a coincidence.”
I pretended not to understand.
“What?”
Ethan paused, then shook his head.
But how could I not know? That dress was part of the most popular couple’s series at the time. It was called Red Rose.
Everyone started chatting again and began urging me to drink.
They all knew I had just lost a child and yet they still encouraged me to drink.
“Laura, have a drink. It won’t hurt you. Today’s such a happy day!”
I waved my hand.
Ethan turned his head, his brows slightly furrowed.
“Laura, it’s rare for everyone to gather like this and it’s also Jessica’s award ceremony. Don’t be such a killjoy, okay? Do I need to remind you about the bigger picture?”
The doctor had clearly told him—I wasn’t supposed to have alcohol or spicy food right now.
I looked down at the bowl of spicy food in front of me. Then I picked up my glass and drank it all in one gulp.
Seeing me drink, Ethan’s expression softened slightly.
Almost immediately, pain flared in my lower abdomen.
I staggered to the bathroom.
No one followed me.
I threw up in heavy gulps until only bitter fluid remained. I vomited until tears streamed down uncontrollably.
I had always believed that if I just kept quiet, we would be happy. But today, I was finally defeated by the weight of all the little details that had built up over time.
Ten minutes later, I wiped my tears and the remnants around my mouth, preparing to return to the private room.
Before I could push the door open, I heard the truth that had been buried for seven years.
“Ethan, are you still planning to admit to her that you ruined her ability to paint? You really went all out for Jessica back then. If you’re not planning to marry her, you might as well just tell the truth now. It won’t cost you anything anyway.”
My heart stopped cold.
“I will marry her. After Jessica receives her award abroad, I’ll propose to her. That’s my promise. It’s also… my compensation. That way, I’ll feel better.”
I leaned against the wall to keep myself upright.
“I knew there was a reason you suddenly started pursuing her back then. It was all part of a plan.”
I couldn’t bear to listen any longer. I didn’t even know how I managed to walk out the door, into the pouring rain.
All I remember is that in that moment—my heart ached more than my body.
It turned out I had been living in a fairy tale of my own making.
His pursuit of me, his kindness toward me… it was all just a means to pave the way for Jessica.
So she could rise to the top—by stepping on my flesh and blood.
