Chapter 232

Vanessa let out a sharp cry as searing pain shot through her knees. The rough pavement had torn her palms, leaving angry red scratches dotted with tiny pebbles.

Up ahead, Ethan halted abruptly at the sound. His broad shoulders tensed beneath his tailored suit before he slowly turned.

His cold gaze swept over her crumpled form on the ground. For a long moment, he simply watched her struggle to rise. Then, with deliberate steps, he retraced his path.

A shadow fell across Vanessa as Ethan loomed over her. His extended hand hovered between them, an unspoken offer that made her heart leap.

He came back for me. The realization sent warmth flooding through her chest. Even through his fury, he couldn't bear to leave her hurt.

Tears welled in her eyes as she looked up at him. The streetlights caught the tracks of moisture on her cheeks, emphasizing her delicate features. She knew exactly how vulnerable she appeared - how it would tug at any man's protective instincts.

"Ethan..."

His fingers closed around her wrist with surprising gentleness, pulling her upright. But when she met his eyes, they held only glacial detachment. The warmth she'd hoped to find had frozen solid.

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the curtains as Vanessa sat on the floor, her delicate frame trembling. The pain in her knees was nothing compared to the ache in her heart when she thought about the love they'd once shared.

"Are you hurt?" Ethan's voice was softer than she'd expected.

Vanessa bit her lower lip, letting crystalline tears roll down her cheeks. "It's excruciating. My knees are bleeding, and my hands..." Her voice trailed off into a fragile whisper.

No man could resist such vulnerability.

Ethan reached out, his thumb brushing away her tears with surprising tenderness. "Let's get you back to the suite."

Vanessa stole cautious glances at him as they walked, relief flooding her when she saw no trace of irritation in his expression.

Back in the luxurious sitting room, she perched on the velvet sofa. When Ethan turned toward the door, her breath caught in her throat.

"Ethan," she called out, her voice trembling, "won't you stay with me?"

"I believe I mentioned we needed some time apart."

Vanessa's mind raced. Time apart? Absolutely not. She'd seen too many relationships crumble after temporary separations.

"Ethan! Please don't go!" Fresh tears spilled over as she reached for him.

The sight of her distress shattered Ethan's resolve. After all, she was still his wife.

The foundation of this marriage had been built on lies, yet for so long, she hadn't committed any grave mistakes.

Ethan's voice was ice-cold as he stated, "I'll have the medical team tend to your injuries."

Vanessa's heart raced with panic. "But what about you?"

"I need space."

With those clipped words, Ethan turned on his heel.

Her fingers twitched, instinctively reaching for him, but all they grasped was the fleeting brush of his sleeve fabric.

He wouldn't be coming home tonight.

The realization hit Vanessa like a physical blow.

The door's sharp slam echoed through the room, severing her last glimpse of him.

Minutes crawled by before knuckles rapped against wood.

Hope flared - had he returned? She practically flew to the entrance, only to find medical personnel holding sterile supplies.

The light in her eyes died instantly, replaced by smoldering frustration.

Her nails dug into her palms as she contemplated her next move. How could she possibly reel Ethan back in?

This was bad. Really bad. He wouldn't even speak to her now!

Ethan stormed downstairs and barreled straight into the first hotpot place he saw.

The restaurant was packed to the brim. He weaved through crowded tables, nearly colliding with servers carrying steaming pots multiple times.

His eyes darted everywhere, searching desperately for Evelyn.

Simon had mentioned she was having hotpot with Alexander. This was the only decent hotpot joint in the area - she had to be here!

Yet after three frantic laps around the dining area, he still couldn't spot her. His pulse pounded in his ears.

"Sir, we're at full capacity. Do you have a reservation?" A nervous waiter intercepted him, eyeing his agitated movements.

"I'm looking for someone. Is Evelyn Carter dining here?"

The waiter checked the reservation list and shook his head. "No Evelyn Carter in our system today."

"What about Alexander Whitmore?" Ethan blurted out, forgetting formalities in his panic.

The waiter's eyes widened slightly at the recognizable name. "Let me check again, sir."

Ethan's fingers drummed impatiently against his thigh as he waited. The spicy aroma of simmering broths suddenly felt suffocating.

"I'm sorry, sir. No reservation under that name either."

Ethan's stomach dropped. Where else could she be? He pulled out his phone with trembling hands, ready to call every restaurant in the district if necessary.

Just then, through the steamed-up front window, he caught a glimpse of familiar chestnut hair walking past outside. His breath hitched.

Without another word to the confused staff, Ethan shoved through the exit, nearly knocking over a departing couple in his haste.

"Evelyn!" His voice cracked as he burst onto the sidewalk.

But when he reached the spot where he'd seen her, the sidewalk stood empty. Just the distant echo of heels clicking around the corner.

He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, chest heaving. Was he imagining things now?

The sinking realization hit him like a physical blow - he might have truly lost her this time.