Chapter 2Cutting Ties

I was rudely awakened by a splash of cold water.

Opening my eyes, I saw a little boy holding a water gun, standing in front of me with a disgusted look on his face.

"Hey, who are you?"

"Why are you sleeping in my house?"

Water droplets slid down my temple, the chill piercing to the bone.

I tried to prop up my sore body, but soon felt a dull ache in my abdomen again, and could only lean against the sofa and gasp for air.

"Leo, don't be impolite." A familiar and soft voice came.

I turned and saw Jessica. She stood not far away, gently pulling the child's hand.

"Sorry, Sarah. The child is still young and doesn't know better."

She seemed to be apologizing for her son, but the topic suddenly changed.

"But why are you still here? If you want to stay here, it's not impossible, it's just that Ethan and I have decided to get married."

"Then your identity would be a bit too awkward."

I suppressed the anger that surged up instantly and stared at her coldly:

"With a mother who has no morals, no wonder you raised such an uneducated son."

"You!" Before she could speak, the child named Leo started shouting.

"You're not allowed to talk about my mom! She is the best person!"

"What are you guys chatting about?"

Ethan came down from upstairs. When his gaze fell on Jessica's face, it softened.

He stood steadily in front of her, quickly glanced at me, his eyes carrying a warning.

Jessica lowered her head, her gentle expression deliberately mixed with a bit of pitiful grievance.

"Nothing, I saw Sarah hasn't left yet, so I came to say hi."

"But she didn't seem too happy, and... scolded us."

Ethan frowned, obviously feeling sorry for her: "Didn't I warn you not to bully them?"

As soon as his voice fell, he raised his hand and slapped me across the face.

My head roared, and my ears were even buzzing.

The force was so great that I almost couldn't stand, and staggered backward.

The cabinet behind me was knocked over by my movement, and the vase on the cabinet fell to the ground, shattering into pieces.

Broken porcelain shards splashed everywhere, several of them piercing into my calf. The pain made me break out in cold sweat instantly.

However, before I could catch my breath, I heard a soft cry from Jessica.

"Ah—"

I subconsciously turned my head and saw a fine bloody scratch on her calf made by the shards.

It didn't look deep, but it attracted everyone's attention.

"Mom, you're hurt!"

Ethan's expression became tense in an instant.

He walked over without a second thought, picked Jessica up and carried her sideways in his arms.

He asked softly if it hurt, his movements so skilled it made me dazed and want to laugh.

He had never cared for me like this, even when I went through the discomfort of pregnancy, even when I was just slapped down by him.

"I'll take you to the clinic. Don't be afraid."

He said this and carried her out, not even leaving a glance for me.

I held onto the sofa wanting to stand up, but the abdominal pain made my legs weak several times.

The wound on my leg was oozing blood. I looked down, only feeling my miserable state was ridiculously funny.

I staggered out, but heard whispers from the doorway.

Villagers were gathered there in twos and threes, the content of their whispers crystal clear.

Someone saw Ethan carrying Jessica and immediately called out:

"Hey, the daughter-in-law of the Carter family, what's wrong? What happened to Jessica?"

Ethan stopped, raised his head, and answered without any evasion,

"Jessica is my wife. Her business is my business. From today on, no one can bully her, much less gossip about her."

Such a loud voice, completely an intentional declaration.

"What about Sarah?" Someone couldn't help asking.

Ethan's steps paused, but he didn't look back.

"She doesn't deserve to be my wife. I have already divorced her."

Jessica's nested head rested on his chest.

The shy and triumphant expression on her face couldn't even be hidden.

I looked up at the watching crowd. Their eyes were either astonished or sarcastic, but there was not a trace of pity.

At that moment, I remembered Ethan's solemn vow at our wedding.

"From now on, whether in sickness or in health, I am willing to accompany you and protect you..."

And now, these words have become the deepest nail piercing my heart.