Chapter 2 - Cold Indifference
The monitor's alarm grew sharper, a continuous, agonizing beep that signaled impending disaster. Claire sank lower onto the mattress, her body trembling uncontrollably. She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to breathe through another wave of excruciating pain that felt like her inside were being torn apart.
Steps echoed down the hallway. For a fraction of a second, a flicker of hope ignited in Claire's chest. She forced her head up, expecting to see a team of nurses rushing in with oxygen and medical carts.
Instead, Ethan walked back into the room. But he wasn't alone. He led Serena inside, easing her onto the plush armchair near the window. He leaned over Serena, tenderly adjusting the blanket over her knees before brushing a strand of brown hair behind her ear.
Claire dragged herself upright, clutching the edge of the nightstand. Tears spilled down her pale cheeks, leaving wet tracks over her flushed skin. "Ethan... look at the screen," she choked out, her voice breaking on every syllable. "She’s dying in there. Our daughter is dying. Tell them to bring Dr. Reynolds back!"
Ethan didn't even look at the monitor. He slowly adjusted his silver cufflinks, smoothing the fabric of his dark jacket. His expression remained utterly calm, detached, and cold.
"Stop dramatizing this, Claire," Ethan said smoothly, his voice terrifyingly steady. "Serena is having Braxton Hicks contractions and she's terrified. She doesn't have family in this city. You’ve always been tough. You can wait thirty minutes."
"Thirty minutes?!" Claire gasped, clutching her chest. "She doesn't have thirty minutes! Why are you doing this to us? Because she came back three months ago?"
Serena looked up from the armchair, a delicate, feigned expression of pity crossing her face. "Claire, please don't be angry with Ethan," Serena murmured gently, touching her stomach. "He's just being responsible. He promised he would protect me no matter what."
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Ethan looked down at Serena, his gaze softening with affection before returning to Claire with pure disdain. "She needs me right now, Claire. Stop acting like a martyr."
👉 How much further will Ethan go to protect his ex while leaving his own wife and unborn child to suffer?
