Chapter 46

Ethan watched as his father once again stood up for Emma. The corners of his mouth tugged into a cold, grim smile—after all, she was the wife the old man had handpicked for him. No matter how he felt about her, his dad would always take her side. Just thinking about it made Ethan's chest tighten. His father had known exactly who he loved and still forced him into this marriage, using threats and ultimatums like it was some kind of business deal. He knew Ethan didn't love Emma, and still, he'd rather trade his son's happiness for the family's interests. Ethan scoffed inwardly. Maybe in his dad's eyes, the company meant more than his own flesh and blood. If the business hadn't been on the verge of collapse back then—if Emma's father hadn't gotten involved—then maybe Lily wouldn't have had that accident. She might still be alive... They could have had a future, maybe even gotten married and received everyone's blessings. He couldn't stop blaming that car crash on what his father had done.