Chapter 53

Ethan watched Sophia's car disappear down the street, his expression unreadable.

Behind him, Nathan spoke up. "Sir, that vehicle... it belongs to Mr. Sterling, doesn't it? Is Mr. Sterling here to see Madam?"

Nathan had been preoccupied with parking earlier and hadn’t noticed Sophia stepping out of Liam’s car—or the way she had smiled at him.

Ethan’s voice was low, almost detached. "To Liam, my mother isn’t his aunt. The only reason he calls her that now is because he’s afraid of me."

With that, Ethan turned and walked into the hospital alone.

His mother’s condition had improved significantly over the past month. She no longer looked like someone with only weeks left to live. Ethan knew it was because Sophia visited her daily, lifting her spirits.

He had to admit—Sophia was good at this.

With him, she was cold and distant, as if she wanted nothing to do with him.

With his mother, she was warm, attentive, saying all the right things to make her happy.

And with Liam?

Sophia transformed into someone eager to please, her smiles too bright, her laughter too practiced.

The memory of her grinning at Liam—of Liam lounging in his car, watching her with that smug, amused expression—sent an unfamiliar irritation coursing through Ethan’s veins.

His eyes darkened.

By the time he reached his mother’s ward, his presence was ice-cold. Just outside the door, he heard their conversation.

"Sophia, it’s been a month since my diagnosis. These weeks with you have been the happiest I’ve had in years. But I’m greedy—I want more. I want to hold my grandchild."

Victoria’s voice was soft, tender.

Her hand rested gently on Sophia’s abdomen. Sophia’s cheeks flushed instantly.

There was a child inside her.

But its father didn’t even know it existed.

"Sophia, tell me—have your cycles come? Have you felt nauseous lately? You and Ethan have been married for over a month now. Some women show signs as early as three weeks." Victoria’s gaze was hopeful.

Sophia’s face burned hotter. "Mom—"

Whether it was the suggestion or sheer coincidence, Sophia suddenly felt a wave of nausea rise in her throat.

She hadn’t experienced morning sickness much during her pregnancy.

But now, the sensation was overwhelming. She couldn’t let Victoria see.

She couldn’t.

"Mom, I—I need to take a call from work."

Without waiting for a response, Sophia bolted for the door—only to collide with a solid chest.

Strong arms wrapped around her. "What’s wrong?"

She looked up into Ethan’s piercing, unreadable gaze and stammered, "I—I’m fine."

Then she wrenched herself free and fled.

By the time she reached the hallway, she was bent over a trash can, retching violently.

She didn’t notice Ethan standing behind her until his voice cut through the silence.

"Don’t you dare let my mother see you like this."

His tone was frigid.