He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 47

Vivian looked up and caught sight of Rose with Houston. His hand lingered on her waist, their chemistry still hanging in the air.

She blinked, then confidently linked arms with Ethan and headed their way.

"Rose, congrats. You sure found true love fast," Vivian said with a sly smile, though her eyes flicked toward Houston.

There was a hint of flirtation in her gaze, but when Houston met it with a cold, razor-sharp stare, her heart skipped a beat.

This man’s presence is overwhelming. A thought flashed through her mind. Nope. Not the kind of man you cozy up to.

While Vivian kept her tone light, Ethan came across as bitter and cutting. "Rose, impressive. You found someone new so fast after breaking up with me."

Rose’s expression darkened. She ignored them both.

But Ethan wouldn’t drop it. Jealousy simmered as he took a shot at Houston. "Didn’t you say he was one of your patients? So what’s wrong with him? Tell me. Maybe I can cure him."

He spoke like he was better than everyone else. It made him even more unbearable.

Houston let out a cold laugh. "Ethan, you’re just an unknown intern. You’re not qualified to treat me."

Houston’s contempt made Ethan’s face flush with anger. "Are you seriously looking down on me? Rose, you didn’t tell him about my degree?" He snapped, then turned to Houston, squaring his shoulders. "You really think I know less than Rose? She’s just a grad student. I’ve got a PhD. I know this stuff inside and out. You’d be lucky to have me as your doctor."

Houston gave him a cool, dismissive look. "You’re not nearly as impressive as you think you are."

Ethan had always been a top student, surrounded by praise and flattery. Houston’s words left him fuming.

"Houston, you’re just some low-rent real estate guy," Ethan finally shot back. "And you think you’re better than me? Give me a break."

Houston frowned. "Real estate agent?" When did I become a real estate agent? He turned to Rose with a smile. "You told them I’m a real estate agent?"

Rose shook her head. "Jackson probably let that slip."

Houston’s handsome face clouded over. That Jackson... ruining my image with her family. Unforgivable.

Rose couldn’t help but worry. What if Houston falls for this act? Just like Ethan had, back then, without even realizing it.

Vivian flushed with humiliation, her voice trembling as she pleaded with Rose. "Rose, it won’t take much of your time."

Houston cut in. "You’re not worth a second of our time."

Vivian flinched, eyes brimming with tears as she looked at Rose. "Rose, if you two don’t come to our wedding, Meliora and all our old friends will know that there’s been a falling-out between you and Ethan. You’ll be forcing them to take sides. Do you really want to put everyone in that position? It’ll just make things awkward for everyone."

Rose replied calmly, "That’s on them. Who they choose to side with isn’t my problem."

Houston was done with the conversation. He looked at Rose. "Let’s go."

Rose nodded. She gave Ethan one last glance—he looked utterly defeated—then walked off side by side with Houston.

Ethan and Vivian watched them walk away, perfectly in sync. An unfamiliar mix of emotions stirred in their hearts.

For Ethan, the feeling was bitter and hard to swallow.