My Mistake for Giving You My Remaining Years

"But there are so many older men with younger women now, and you’re not old at all..."

For the first time in years, Ethan spoke sharply to her. "If you keep talking nonsense like that, get out! And don’t ever come back!"

"Ellie?" Ethan’s voice snapped Elena back to reality as he called her over to the bedside. His gaze landed on the thermos she was holding.

It was the soup she had spent the entire afternoon making just for him.

"Is this for me?" Ethan loved the soup she made and always praised her talent for it. He even asked her to make it for him every Wednesday and Friday, bringing it to his office.

Elena was overjoyed. No matter the weather—wind, rain, or even a storm—she would always bring him the soup without fail.

Before Elena could say anything, Sienna suddenly took the thermos from her hands, flashing a sweet smile.

"Thanks, Ellie. Didn’t Ethan tell you? Actually, I’m the one who loves your soup. I didn’t want to trouble you since you’re always so busy, so he said it was his favorite instead."

Elena’s smile faltered, and her face went pale for a moment, but she quickly regained her composure. Ethan’s affection for Sienna was something she could never have. In her most desperate moments, she had even wished she could be Sienna.

But what did it matter? Only Elena knew the truth—that Sienna was just a stand-in.

Ethan’s face darkened as he coldly ordered Sienna to return the thermos. "When did Ellie’s soup become yours?"

Both Elena and Sienna froze at his words.

Elena couldn’t hide her shock. So… this was the affection she had earned by sacrificing her entire future?

Sienna’s face turned sour as she handed the thermos back to Elena. Usually, when she pouted, Ethan would indulge her every whim without hesitation. But this time, Ethan didn’t even give her a chance to speak.

The room fell silent as Ethan finished his soup. Unable to hold back, Elena finally asked, "Why did you send Sienna away?"

"You don’t like her, do you?"

Elena was stunned. She had never forgotten how much she disliked Sienna. She remembered the first time Ethan brought Sienna home to spend the night—Elena had taken a cold bath in the dead of winter, pushing herself until she had a high fever, and Ethan had stayed with her in the hospital all night.

Whenever they went on dates, Elena would always find a way to call Ethan back. Facing his anger, she would always openly admit that she didn’t like Sienna and didn’t want them to be together.

However, Sienna had said that everything in life had its proper order, and love was no different. From the very beginning, Elena had lost.

So, if even Sienna could see her feelings, why couldn’t Ethan?

Ethan seemed to have truly changed. As Sienna’s visits to the hospital grew fewer, on the day Elena accompanied him to check out, Ethan had arranged for a car to take them to a bridal shop.

The eager staff immediately welcomed them, ushering Elena inside.

"Mr. Scott has specially ordered ten wedding dresses. After you try them on, let us know if any adjustments are needed, and we'll have our designer make the changes right away."

Elena was confused. She wasn’t the one getting married, so why was she here? She quietly looked at Ethan, who walked over and gently stroked her hair.

"Sienna couldn’t make it, but you two are about the same size. Could you try them on for her? I’ll take photos and send them to her."

Elena froze, her heart sinking. After a long pause, she managed to force a smile. So, nothing had changed.

He still hadn’t given up on marrying Sienna.

Like a puppet, she tried on each wedding dress while Ethan snapped photos, sending them to Sienna for her to choose. When Elena went to change into the last dress, she suddenly found a lighter hidden in the fabric.

Unable to control herself, she flicked it on, and the expensive gown was quickly engulfed in flames.