He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 50

But Houston stayed calm. "Once you get the car fixed, bring me the bill. I’ll cover it."

Money wasn’t an issue for him.

Houston’s composure only made Ethan feel more humiliated. He burned with shame.

Trying to get under Houston’s skin, Ethan sneered, "Do you even know how much it’ll cost? Easily five figures. Houston, does your monthly paycheck even cover that? Or are you going to ask Rose to bail you out?"

Houston glanced at Rose. Rose quickly reassured him. "Houston, it’s just money. I don’t care about that. As long as you’re okay, that’s all that matters."

Houston smiled brightly. Then he turned to Ethan, eyes full of disdain. "Ethan, not everyone’s like you—using their girlfriend’s money to chase other women. I don’t take a dime from women."

Ethan went stiff and hit right where it hurt.

Rose slipped her arm around Houston and walked off with him.

Ethan stood there, watching them leave, her hand resting gently on Houston’s arm. At that moment, it hit him—he’d been defeated in every way.

Houston might have taken a financial hit today, but he had Rose—gentle, caring, and thoughtful. She cared more about his well-being than about the money. And Vivian? The first thing she’d worried about after the crash was the car. She hadn’t asked about Ethan at all.

Vivian noticed the dark look on Ethan’s face and asked nervously, "Ethan, what’s wrong?" Thinking he was just furious about Houston, she tried to comfort him. "It’s fine. Houston already agreed to pay for the repairs. Don’t let it bother you."

Ethan slowly raised his arm. Blood was dripping from beneath his sleeve. Vivian screamed, "Ethan! You’re hurt?"

Ethan looked at her coldly. For some reason, her concern felt fake.

"I’m fine," he said flatly. "I’m heading to work. I’ll stop by the hospital to get this bandaged. You can get home on your own."

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

Vivian stared after him, stunned. Then she looked at the wrecked Porsche and stomped her foot in frustration. "Why am I the one stuck dealing with this mess—while I’m pregnant?"

At the hospital, Ethan first went to the ER to get his wound treated, then headed back to his psych office.

Just as Rose was returning from her rounds, they crossed paths in the narrow hallway.

Ethan looked at her with a mix of emotions. Rose’s eyes landed on his arm. She looked surprised. "You’re hurt?"

She pulled her hand free and looked him straight in the eye. "I chose him. And once I make a choice, I stand by it—till the very end."

Ethan’s body trembled. His voice turned bitter. "He’s just a real estate agent. Is he really the one you want to spend your life with?"

Rose’s voice was calm and clear, her eyes unwavering. "Ethan, sure—you have a PhD. But what does that matter? You lived off me, spent my money, and in the end, used it to sleep with my best friend. Houston may be an ordinary guy, but he treats me with real care and respect. With him, I finally know what it means to be with a real man."

Ethan forced a bitter smile. "I was young. I didn’t know how to treat you right. I didn’t know how lucky I was."

Rose’s gaze turned cold. "No, Ethan. You just didn’t love me. You chose Vivian, and I wish you both happiness."

With that, she turned and walked away without looking back.

She didn’t see Ethan’s eyes turn red.

As he walked out, the wind brushed his face. The tears had already dried. He let out a bitter smile. What’s wrong with me?

Back then, he had been so certain he wanted Vivian. She seemed more carefree and more fun—not like Rose, who always seemed serious and focused on work.