Chapter 263

Ryan's mocking words left Ethan utterly defenseless.

For the first time in their lifelong rivalry, Ethan found himself without a comeback.

His fingers clenched into fists at his sides, nails digging into his palms. The truth in Ryan's taunts burned like acid.

He did deserve this.

A desperate longing twisted inside him—if only Evelyn would look at him differently, just once.

So many words had been left unspoken between them. But Ryan's sudden interference had stolen his chance. Now, those confessions would have to wait.

Ethan stormed out of the hospital room, frustration and bitter resignation warring within him.

Evelyn, having sustained only minor injuries, was discharged the next morning.

Vanessa wasn't as fortunate.

A concussion and deep facial bruising kept her hospitalized for seven agonizing days.

Ethan didn't stay by her side.

He arranged for a private nurse to attend to Vanessa's needs before disappearing without another word.

The hospital discharge papers felt heavy in Vanessa's hands.

Despite the doctor's reassurances, unease coiled in her stomach like a restless serpent.

She dialed Ethan's number again—still no answer. The robotic voicemail greeting mocked her growing panic.

Has he blocked me? The thought slithered through her mind. But we just exchanged vows. This can't be happening.

Her designer heels clicked frantically across the marble floors of Willowbrook Apartments. The penthouse smelled stale, untouched.

His Italian leather loafers sat precisely where she'd last seen them seven days ago. Untouched. Unworn.

A chill ran down her spine.

"Where the hell have you been sleeping?" she whispered to the empty living room. The silence swallowed her words whole.

Her trembling fingers scrolled to Grace's contact. The phone rang three times before Ethan's sister answered with audible disinterest.

"Grace, have you seen your brother? He's not picking up."

A derisive snort traveled through the receiver. "Check his office like a normal wife would. Or are you too busy playing damsel in distress?"

The call disconnected before Vanessa could respond.

Eleanor's daughter had never hidden her contempt. Now, with Ethan missing, Vanessa stood alone in their marital home—a gilded cage with no bird in sight.

The grandfather clock in the hallway struck midnight.

Vanessa stared at her wedding ring, its diamonds catching the moonlight. Seven days. Seven days since her husband vanished into thin air.

Vanessa wasn't about to admit that Ethan hadn't stepped foot in their home for weeks.

"With Christmas just around the corner, Grace, I picked out something special for you," Vanessa said, forcing a smile. She needed all the allies she could get.

Grace, still young and sheltered compared to the rest of the Caldwell family, brightened at the mention of a present.

"Please tell me it's not another boring piece of jewelry," she said with a dramatic sigh. "I swear, if I see one more diamond necklace, I’ll scream."

As a Caldwell, Grace had been spoiled with luxury since birth—rare jewels, designer wardrobes, extravagant vacations.

Ordinary gifts barely earned a second glance.

Vanessa’s fingers twitched toward the velvet box in her purse. The custom pearl necklace had cost a fortune, but now it felt inadequate.

She swallowed her frustration. "It’s a one-of-a-kind piece from a designer in Paris. I thought you’d appreciate something unique."

Grace barely looked up from her phone. "Fine. Just bring it to Whitmore Manor on Christmas Eve. No need for a big production."

Vanessa opened her mouth to argue, but the front door slammed open.

Ethan staggered inside, reeking of alcohol, his tie loose and his expression dark.

Vanessa's expression softened with relief as she rushed toward him.

"Ethan, you're completely wasted!"

He brushed past her without a word, staggering toward the bedroom before collapsing onto the mattress.

This had been his routine for the past seven days—drowning himself in alcohol, barely functioning.

Vanessa quickly fetched a glass of water and set it on the nightstand beside him.

When his eyes fluttered open, their gazes met—hers filled with concern, his hollow and distant.

She studied the face she had missed so desperately. "What's wrong, Ethan? Why are you looking at me like that?"

His voice was devoid of emotion. "Vanessa, it's over. I want a divorce."

The words hit her like a physical blow, freezing her in place.

Her lips trembled. "W-What?"

Ethan turned away, shutting his eyes as if he couldn't bear to see her reaction. "I mean it. I can't do this anymore."

Vanessa's hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. "After everything we've been through, you're just giving up?"

He didn't respond.

The silence between them was deafening.

Her chest tightened, a sharp pain spreading through her. "Tell me why."

Ethan exhaled slowly, still refusing to look at her. "It's better this way."

"Better for who?" Her voice cracked.

"For both of us."

Vanessa swallowed hard, fighting back the tears threatening to spill. "You don't get to decide that for me."

His jaw tensed. "It's already decided."

She wanted to scream, to shake him, to demand answers—but the finality in his tone told her it was pointless.

The man she loved was already gone.

And he wasn't coming back.