The Paper Wife’s Empire novel Chapter 298

She hadn’t told Ramona about Ethan's condition, but she was certain the truth would eventually come out. All she had to do was wait. She just hadn't expected it to happen so soon. Ramona's absence was proof that she was right. No one could accept Ethan. No one but her.

"I was right, wasn't I, Ethan? I'm the only one who can accept all of you."

"Get out!"

"Are you still holding onto some fantasy about Ramona? If you really loved her, you wouldn't be with her. You know that better than anyone. If you stay with her, it's not love. It's possession…"

Ethan had thrown her out before she could finish, but her words had struck a nerve. Even if Ramona chose him, could he selfishly pretend everything was fine, knowing that being with him could put her in danger? He didn't know.

The doorbell rang again. He ignored it. It grew more insistent, turning into a frantic pounding.

"Ethan! Open this door! I know you're in there! Do you really want a divorce?"

It was Ramona.

He froze. He hesitated, but then he heard her voice again, choked with emotion.

"Ethan, how can you be so cruel? My hand is bleeding. Aren't you going to open the door?" She sounded like she was about to cry.

Just as she was about to launch into another tirade, the door flew open. Before she could react, strong hands grabbed hers.

"Your hand is injured, and you're pounding on the door like that? Have you lost your mind?" His voice was laced with anxiety. He carefully inspected her bandaged palm, his shoulders slumping in relief when he saw no fresh blood.

Ramona stared at him. He was wearing a loose t-shirt, his tall frame looking gaunt and weary. It was a stark contrast to his usual impeccable appearance. He hadn't even shaved.

"If you were so worried, you should have opened the door sooner," Ramona said softly.

After confirming she wasn't hurt, Ethan let go of her hands, deliberately avoiding her gaze. "I didn't know it was you."

Ethan's expression was distant. He had only shown a flicker of emotion when he first saw her. Now, he seemed to be deliberately keeping her at arm's length.

"About Nadia, please don't misunderstand. Even if we… she and I are impossible," Ethan said, still worried she was jealous. But looking at her cold, unreadable expression, he didn't know what else to say.

"Even if we what?" Ramona asked, her eyes fixed on him.

Nadia was the least of her worries. She was angry at Nadia for her opportunism, but she wasn't going to let it affect her relationship with Ethan. Now that she knew the real reason they broke up, she knew they were truly over. A man as proud as Ethan, who would rather push away the woman he loved than risk her seeing his weakness, would never go back.

"About us… you should think it over," Ethan mumbled.

"Think what over?" Ramona pressed. "Whether I want to divorce you?"

Ethan didn't answer.