The Dinner That Took My Father and My Child

"Have you lost your mind because of pregnancy? Tara is my brother, and you’re jealous!"

"You might as well tie me to your belt like a dog. You’d suspect anyone anyway!"

"Think about it. If we really had something, would she dare speak out?!"

Something inside me snapped, shattering completely.

"Yes, you’re fine. It’s all my fault!" I screamed, my body trembling.

"I’ve endured you for so long!"

Every past grievance hit me like repeated slaps in the face.

Only I knew how much sorrow this final straw had unleashed.

"Ethan, I’m telling you, when I was hospitalized for appendicitis, you accompanied her to get her nails done. When I was bleeding to protect the baby, you went to play with her dolls. Every time I needed you, you were there for your female brother, even today!"

I gasped, tears streaking my cheeks. "She trivialized those disgusting things right in front of me, and you continued flirting with her as if nothing happened. When I couldn’t bear it and called the police, you didn’t stand by me—you called me hysterical!"

"From that moment on—"

"Ethan, we’re done."

No response.

Then Ethan’s gentle voice pierced my ears:

"Don’t be afraid. I’m here. I’ll protect you."

I turned around.

He was wearing headphones, gaming with Tara over a microphone.

…

The sounds of their game battle continued into the night.

I sat alone on the balcony, caressing my belly, which twisted violently, and dialed the doctor.

"Doctor, I want to schedule an abortion."

The next morning,

Sharp pain woke me. I struggled to find Ethan.

He sat on the sofa, legs crossed.

The phone pinged, and he smiled brightly.

I called several times before he looked up. Seeing my pale face, he froze, then hurriedly helped me sit, his fingers lightly massaging my shoulders.

"Honey, I can’t be with you today. President Morgan is waiting to discuss the cruise ship acquisition. We need new travel routes."

His tone was calm, as if yesterday had never happened.

He always did this—let me stew in my emotions all night while he carried on.

It was as if he could simply leave me behind, ignoring the problem.

Pain surged, and I instinctively grabbed his hand, but his other hand stayed on the keyboard, utterly focused, ignoring me.

From outside the villa, Tara’s cheeky voice rang:

"Ethan, your father’s here. What are you waiting for?"

Ethan instantly released me, dropped his phone, and sprinted to the door.

I fell, knocking on his phone with my elbow.

On the screen, a group chat called “Princess Tara and Her Knights” was pinned. I clicked it, frozen.

"Nicole is so pretentious! I told you two weren’t a good match, but you wouldn’t believe me."

"Having someone else at every party is exhausting! You might as well have married Tara!"

Tara sent a tongue-out emoji:

"Lulu, it’s my birthday today. Why mention that annoying person? Ethan said he’d buy me a cruise. I want to face the sea and enjoy the spring blossoms!"

Ethan teased, "Bend over backward to your father. This life belongs to you."

Tara immediately bent over backward:

"Your life belongs to me now. I command you not to bring any family today!"

"Ethan, I saw Tara in a bikini. Whose birthday present is it? [smirk]"