Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband by Isabella Reed

Chapter 155

D

+8 Pearla

Lily stood frozen, her mind spinning. She hadn’t realized this was the reason for Ethan’s anger. Guilt settled in her chest as she took a shaky breath and tried to explain.

“Ethan, you’ve misunderstood,” she said softly, her voice tinged with regret. “When I was at the shoot that day, Ryan tried to force himself on me. But I fought

nothing serious happened. That’s why I didn’t tell yk. I stabbed him and ran away. I wasn’t hurt, and

wasn’t important.”

I didn’t want to worry you over something I thought

Ethan’s eyes darkened as he listened, his jaw tightening. He stepped closer, cupping her face gently in his hands as he looked deeply into her eyes. “Not important? Lily, how can anything involving you ever be unimportant to me?” he asked, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and love. “You are my life. Even the smallest harm that comes your way feels like a wound to my soul.”

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before continuing. “And, Lily, what happened wasn’t minor or silly. Someone trying to hurt you in such a way is not something to take lightly. You may have been able to protect yourself that day, but what about today? What would have happened if I hadn’t arrived in time? Can you even imagine what could’ve gone wrong?”

Ethan’s voice softened, but his eyes still held a storm of emotions. I need you to understand something. This isn’t about control, and it’s not about me doubting you. I trust you with all my heart. But when it comes to things like this–your safety–it’s different. I don’t want you to feel like you have to deal with these things alone.”

He paused, his voice dropping lower as his frustration gave way to pain. “Ryan tried to harm you in a place I own. Lily. If you had told me about what he did the first time, I would’ve handled it immediately, and today’s incident could’ve been avoided. I am your husband, and it’s my job to protect you. If I can’t even do that, then what am I worth to you?”

His words pierced Lily’s heart. Tears welled in her eyes as she realized how much her decision to stay silent had hurt him. She could see the depth of his love and the fear he carried for her safety. And then she thought about it from his perspective. If Ethan had hidden something like this from her, she knew she would have been just as upset.

Her voice cracked as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him tightly. “I’m so sorry. Ethan, she whispered, her tears falling freely. I was wrong. I should’ve told you. I didn’t think about how it would make you feel, and I hurt you. Please forgive me. Don’t stay mad at me. I’m so, so sorry.”

Ethan felt his anger dissolve in an instant as he held her trembling form. His heart ached at the sight of her crying, and he stroked her back soothingly. “It’s okay, my love,” he said gently. T’m not angry anymore. Just promise me that next time, you’ll tell me about things like this. Don’t keep them to yourself. You know… in your past life, I failed to protect you. That failure still haunts me. I can’t bear to go through that again.”

“I’m sorry,” Lily sobbed. “I promise I’ll never hide something like this again.”

away, leaning down to kiss her forehead tenderly. “Please stop crying, my love.

looked up at him. “Okay,” she said softly, her voice L whisper. After a

above a

at all, love. And I’m sorry too. I shouldn’t have raised my voice at you. I was upset and hurt, but I shouldn’t have let my emotions get the best of me. Can you

a small smile as she teased. “Maybe…

Chapter 155

D+2 Pearls

kiss. In that moment, all the pain, anger, and

Lily leaned against each other, catching their breath. Their

Lily suggested, her voice still

“Are you sure you want to step out like this?” he

you mean?” she

mirror nearby. “You might want to

and hurried to the washroom. Ethan followed behind, chuckling to himself. As soon as she caught sight of

she exclaimed, turning to him with wide eyes. “My eyes are all puffy and red, and my makeup is completely ruined! Oh no, I look

doorway, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You don’t look terrible,” he said softly. “In

honest. How am I supposed to go back to the party

closer and gently took her hands. “How about this: instead of worrying about the party,

curved into a small laugh as she considered his suggestion. “Hmm, that’s tempting. And maybe, if the dinner is good enough, I might just reward you,” she teased, her voice playful.

intrigue. “Reward me? What kind of reward are we talking about?”

her voice dropping to a mischievous whisper. “Something that might involve lots of kisses, touches, and, well… no clothes.”

second, he grabbed her hand. “Then let’s not waste any time. Let’s head

at his impatience but suddenly paused. “Wait!”

the delay. “What

at him with a hint of concern. “What about Sister Mia and everyone else?

message her on the way. Now, come on,” he urged.

her hands in

also left. With both of them gone, there was