Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband by Isabella Reed

Chapter 10

+8 Pearls

Silence followed on the other end, but Mr. Parker could almost picture the slight shift in Ethan’s expression. Relieved he had managed to say it in time, Mr. Parker couldn’t help but laugh to himself.

Seriously, Ethan, can you still remain calm when your crush is mentioned?

Ethan’s voice came through the line, unusually soft but laced with curiosity. “Why?”

Mr. Parker froze for a moment, caught off guard by the tone. It wasn’t like the devil to sound so… calm.

Trying to keep the mood light, Mr. Parker chuckled, “She wants to be an actress. She picked my company. and we just signed the contract a little while ago.”

There was a brief silence before Ethan replied with a simple, “Hmm.”

“Hmm? That’s all you’re going to say?” Mr. Parker huffed dramatically, hoping to coax more out of his stoic friend. “Let me tell you, Lily is stunning. When we met, she looked a bit shocked–I mean, who wouldn’t be? It must be because I’m so handsome. What are you going to do if she falls for me?”

“She’s not blind.” Ethan replied dryly.

Mr. Parker nearly choked on his own laughter. “Why am I even friends with you?” he muttered under his breath. Refocusing, he added with mock arrogance, “Ethan, let’s be honest. Apart from you, no one can rival my looks. And as for Lily-”

Before he could finish, Ethan cut him off. “Lily…? Are you that close to her already?”

The sudden shift in Ethan’s tone sent a shiver down Mr. Parkerspine. He quickly composed himself, masking his unease with a smug grin. “She’s my artist now,” he replied smoothly. “Naturally, we’ll be working closely together.”

A low chuckle escaped Ethan, the sound both unsettling and amused. Mr. Parker heart skipped a beat. Did I go too far?

“We haven’t seen each other in a while, Parker, Ethan said, his voice carrying a hint of danger. “Perhaps I should drop by and pay you a visit?”

Mr. Parker confidence wavered. His nervous laughter spilled out before he could stop it. “Hehe… No need for that, Ethan. I was just joking!”

“Hmm, Ethan replied, his tone unreadable.

Just as Mr. Parker prepared to shift the conversation, his eyes fell on a phone sitting on the corner of his desk. Lily must have left it behind. Glancing at it, an idea struck him. “Ethan, it seems Lily forgot her phone here. She’s probably with Mia. I’ll go return it to her now, so I’ll have to call you back later.”

Before he could hang up, Ethan’s voice came through once more. “Wait.”

Ethan’s voice came through, calm yet commanding. “Wait. Keep the call going.”

Mr. Parker paused, momentarily stunned, before teasing, “Ethan, I didn’t know you had such an interest in my work life.”

a beat, Ethan countered, “Do you miss me that much, Parker? Should I come

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Parker immediately panicked. “N–no, no! No need for that, Ethan. Just stay where you are. I’m going now!” The idea of a “reward” from Ethan was enough to make his hair stand on end. He ended the call and hurried toward Mia’s office.

he was about to walk in, he overheard

note of admiration. “Sister Mia, Boss Parker is really an incredible person. He treated

standing outside, grinned, See, Ethan? She thinks

skeptical look. “Lily, that’s odd. I’ve never seen Boss Parker act like that with anyone before. Well, apart from that person. Don’t be

“Then why was he so respectful

I wasn’t, the devil would make my

hands, an excited realization lighting up her face. “Oh! I

Sister Mia?” Lily

beauty! That’s why he

observing Lily with a critical eye. “You’re beautiful, young, and elegant. He’s also young and handsome. The two of you would make a perfect couple! Don’t

is digging my gravel Shut up! Shut up! The devil is going

but froze in place when he

about? Isn’t Boss Parker in a relationship with CEO Ethan? How could you not know

Mia: “…”

Mr. Parker: “.”

phone, Ethan: “…”

Should I cry because she’s pairing me with Ethan, or laugh because she thinks Ethan is gay?

choked on air, utterly flabbergasted. “Lily, who told you that?”

the news, wasn’t it? Sister Mia,

look. “That was just

“No, Sister Mia, I’m sure it’s true. Let’s break it down. Answer my questions with a yes or

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Mia nodded, intrigued.

ever seen Boss Parker in a relationship with a woman?” Lily asked.

“No.”

interest

He’s always indifferent toward

ever been close to another woman?”