Chapter 4

In the ER, the doctor put three stitches in Lily’s hand.

With every stitch, Lily flinched, but she bit her lip and didn't cry once.

But her eyes, which used to sparkle, were now dull and lifeless.

"Mommy," she whispered, leaning against me. "The wooden daddy broke. Does that mean I don't have a daddy anymore?"

My tears fell onto her hair. I hugged her tight and said, "You have Mommy, and that's enough. Mommy will find you the best dad in the world."

After her hand was bandaged, I sat on the hospital hallway bench. I took out my phone and dialed a number I hadn't called in seven years.

The phone rang once before it was picked up.

A deep, cold, yet slightly trembling voice came through.

"Chloe?"

"Ethan," I closed my eyes, tears rolling down my cheeks. "Does what you said back then still count?"

The other side went silent for ten seconds.

Ethan. The most powerful billionaire heir in the country. He was ruthless in business and cold to everyone.

But he was also the boy next door who had grown up with me.

Seven years ago, when I insisted on marrying Devon, who had nothing, Ethan had stood in the pouring rain all night. Finally, with red eyes, he had told me, "Chloe, if you ever lose, just turn around. I will always be right behind you."

"It counts," Ethan’s voice was firm and powerful. "Where are you?"

"City General Hospital, ER."

"Ten minutes."

Hanging up, I looked at the pouring rain outside and let out a long breath.

Devon, since you care about Julian’s debt more than anything, you can spend the rest of your life with his widow.

In less than ten minutes, heavy, synchronized footsteps echoed from the end of the hallway.

Eight bodyguards in black suits quickly cleared the area, standing in two neat rows.

Ethan, wearing a long black coat, walked in with long strides.

His face was as sharp as a sculpture, carrying the intimidating aura of someone who ruled a business empire. But the moment he saw me holding Lily, looking completely disheveled, the ice in his eyes shattered.

He quickly walked over and knelt on one knee in front of us. His gaze fell on Lily’s thick bandage, and his aura turned incredibly cold.

"He did this?" Ethan’s voice sounded like it came from the depths of hell.

I nodded.

Ethan closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to suppress his rage.

He reached out his large hand, gently stroking Lily’s head. His voice was surprisingly tender. "Lily, does it still hurt? How about I take you home?"

Lily looked at the handsome, tall man and asked timidly, "Ethan, will you leave me for another kid?"

Ethan's heart squeezed.

He looked into Lily's eyes and said word for word, "I swear, even if the sky falls, I will protect you first."

Lily finally let out a loud cry, wrapping her uninjured arm around Ethan's neck.

Ethan picked her up easily, using his other hand to hold mine tightly.

"Chloe, let's go."

Ethan's motorcade drove straight to Devon's villa.

I needed to pack Lily’s most important belongings and leave the divorce papers.

When the bodyguards kicked the front door open