My Mistake for Giving You My Remaining Years

Elena gave up and requested the hospital to keep her condition strictly confidential.

Even if the treatment succeeded, the survival rate would only extend her life by a few years. To her, trading those few years for one month of peace was worth it.

After hanging up the phone, Elena turned to see Ethan approaching from behind. He noticed her anxious expression, and an inexplicable unease stirred in his heart.

“Who were you calling? Why are you so flustered?” he asked.

“Oh, don't worry about it.” Elena hurried to follow him as she saw he was about to leave.

Ever since Ethan was discharged from the hospital, she had been like his shadow, never leaving his side.

“I’m heading back to the family estate. You stay here and wait for me like a good girl,” Ethan said, patting her head.

Elena had always disliked the atmosphere of the Scott Family’s old estate. Back when Ethan wanted to adopt her, the estate’s residents had strongly opposed the decision, leading to a major fallout between them.

In recent years, Elena only visited the Scott Family estate on New Year's Eve, worried they would label her rude if she didn’t. Even though she faced cold shoulders and humiliation, she gritted her teeth and went to pay her respects.

“I want to go with you,” she said firmly.

Her gaze was unwavering. With so little time left, she couldn’t afford to waste it. Every second spent with Ethan mattered.

Ethan was a bit surprised. Normally, the mere mention of visiting the estate would make her retreat instantly. Today, however, she was unusually proactive.

“Not afraid of their words?” he asked.

“Other than your words, I don’t care what anyone else says,” Elena replied, pointing to her ears. “In one ear, out the other.”

Ethan chuckled. He remembered that the estate had recently hired a chef from Elena’s hometown.

If she went, she could enjoy some familiar dishes, so he agreed to take her along.

What Elena didn’t know was that Sienna would also be there.

Today’s meal was meant to discuss Ethan and Sienna’s wedding. After the car accident, Ethan had taken Sienna to register their marriage without informing his family in advance. Now that things had unfolded the way they did, the Scott Family could see how deeply Ethan loved Sienna.

Reluctantly, they agreed to the marriage.

There was one condition though: Sienna had to leave the entertainment industry.

“Sienny, our Scott Family doesn’t like women putting themselves in the spotlight, especially in an industry with such a bad reputation. Leave your career before joining our family—that’s the old man’s stance as well,” said Esther, Ethan’s mother. Her tone was indifferent, neither warm nor cold.

Sienna wasn’t Esther’s ideal choice, but she was leagues better than Elena. Esther was determined to prevent Elena from staying by Ethan’s side and causing more trouble.

“Elena, Ethan is about to get married. You’re already grown up—it’s not appropriate for you to keep living with him. Find some time to move out,” Esther said firmly.

Esther had never liked Elena. She’d dropped countless hints, both subtle and direct, but Elena always pretended not to understand. Now, using Ethan’s impending marriage as an excuse, Esther seized the opportunity to push her out.

Elena couldn’t figure out what she had ever done to deserve this treatment.

“Mom, Ellie can live wherever she wants. She’ll make her own arrangements,” Ethan interjected.

“After you marry Sienny, having such a third wheel around—are you fine with it? Would Sienny be fine with it?” Esther shot back, deliberately dragging Sienna into the conversation.

Sienna knew exactly what Esther wanted her to say. But having just been forced to agree to leave the entertainment industry, she was already feeling resentful.

“Auntie, I’ll listen to Ethan,” Sienna said with a practiced smile. “Besides, Ellie has been with Ethan for so many years. It’s not something she can easily change overnight.”

Esther’s expression darkened further. “It’s all the fault of that worthless mother of hers, bringing such trouble into the world.”

Elena’s body stiffened at the cruel words. Even after dinner, while waiting for Ethan in the courtyard, Esther’s harsh comment echoed in her mind.

Ethan’s marriage was a significant event, and the entire Scott Family was bustling with preparations. Yet Elena felt increasingly lost. She could sense Ethan’s kindness and affection toward her, but why did he still went on in marrying Sienna?

Drawn by curiosity, she moved closer to the family’s meeting hall. From inside, she could hear the tone Esther used with Sienna had completely shifted.