novelnext Chapter 9: Between Life and Death
Chapter 9: Between Life and Death
Ethan Foster's right eyelid twitched relentlessly as he arrived at the hospital. His mind was filled with images of Sophia Williams' gaunt, pale face when she emerged from the water, her eyes hollow, as if all hope had drained from her. His breathing grew heavy, an uneasy feeling coiling in his chest.
Once he confirmed Emily Johnson was unharmed, Ethan grabbed his car keys, desperate to find Sophia.
"Sir!" Emily clutched his arm, her eyes red-rimmed. "I still need observation. I'm scared being here alone. Stay with me, please?"
Ethan frowned. "Stop this. Sophia is waiting for me at the gala!"
The thought of Sophia falling into the water with Lucas Harrison, and him not noticing until after he'd pulled Emily out, sent his heart into chaos. Sophia would overthink this. He had to go back and explain.
But Emily clutched her stomach, crying out in pain. A nurse approached. "Are you the father? You need to handle the admission paperwork. Just because the baby's fine doesn't mean you can walk away."
Tears welled in Emily's eyes. "Sir, I know you're worried about your wife, but she's probably asleep by now. Going there would only disturb her. Wait until morning, okay? I'll go with you then and explain everything to her myself."
Ethan hesitated. Emily's direct involvement would carry more weight. Besides, it was just one night. Sophia wouldn't make a big deal out of it.
"...Fine."
Once in the hospital room, Ethan sent Sophia a text: I'll be back tomorrow morning.
The next second, arms wound around him. Ethan stiffened, turning to grip Emily's chin, his gaze dark with desire. "You're still sick, and you dare tempt me?"
When he woke again, it was already daylight.
He bolted upright, clutching his throbbing head. "What time is it?"
Emily handed him a glass of water. "Afternoon."
Ethan froze. He seized her arm. "I told you I needed to go to Sophia this morning! Why didn't you wake me?!"
Emily's eyes instantly welled with tears. "I was worried about you! You drank last night and were exhausted. I just wanted you to rest."
"Sophia must be furious."
Ethan scrambled for his phone, already rehearsing excuses. But when the screen lit up, nothing. No calls. Not even a reply to his message from last night.
His stomach dropped.
Unusual, but he brushed it off and dialed her number.
A robotic voice answered.
The number you have reached is currently unavailable.
His heart lurched, as if yanked by an invisible wire.
Sophia never turned her phone off.
Unless,
Ignoring Emily's protests, he stormed out.
His hands shook as he started the car.
No. She's just angry. She turned it off to punish me.
Damn it! Why did I leave her alone at the gala?
Why didn't I go back that night?
The car screeched to a halt outside their villa. The gate was open.
Relief flickered in his eyes. See? She's here.
"Sophia, I'm sorry, I, "
Then he saw the strangers inside.
Ethan froze.
"Who are you?"
A man in work clothes approached with a document. "Are you Sophia Williams' husband?"
Ethan's guard shot up. "Who the hell are you? How did you get in here?"
The two exchanged glances before handing him the papers.
"Your wife jumped into the sea last night at eleven. The police have launched a search, but... we're sorry. At this time, her condition remains unknown."