Chapter 2

Ethan was deep in thought. His eyes kept staring at the brown folder labeled with the name Amelia that his wife had deliberately placed on his desk. Initially, he didn't care. He even tried to ignore it. But gradually, his curiosity grew, filling his mind.

Reaching for the folder, Ethan slowly took out the neatly arranged sheets of paper inside. He began to carefully read the examination results focused on the pregnancy.

The document explained that the patient had a healthy uterus. A series of tests, including Ovulation Test, HSG Test, Hysteroscopy, and Hormone Test, also indicated that the patient was fertile and ready to conceive. This meant that if Ethan truly married this woman, the chances of having a child were quite high.

Initially, having a child was Ethan's greatest dream when he got married. But over time, he buried that dream deep inside. Flora, his wife, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and had to undergo a hysterectomy to prevent the spread of cancer cells to other vital organs. Because of this, Flora was ultimately unable to bear children.

Don't ask how devastated he and his wife were. Especially Flora. She even insisted she didn't want to undergo the surgery. And when her uterus was finally removed, the Arab-descended woman fell into a deep depression, isolating herself in the room for days.

Ethan's immense love for Flora made him agree not to make children an issue in their marriage. He continuously assured her that not having children wasn't a major problem they needed to debate.

However, recently his wife had been whining and even forcing Ethan to marry again so they could have a child, like their previous dream.

No one knows where the crazy idea came from, but Flora eventually conceived a plan to match Ethan with Amelia. She didn't accept any negotiations for this request.

"Ethan, have you taken the practice schedule?" A voice from another man snapped Ethan out of his reverie. He hadn't even noticed when his colleague entered his office.

"Oh my God, Alvin!" Ethan jumped in surprise. "You scared me!"

The man named Alvin laughed nonchalantly. He preferred to pull a chair and sit directly opposite Ethan. He could see how annoyed his friend was with his sudden presence.

"I've knocked on the door several times. You just didn't answer. I even greeted you loudly," the man argued, not wanting to lose. In fact, Ethan didn't hear him.

"Why did you come to my office?"

"Ck!" The tall man clicked his tongue. "I've been asking if you got the practice schedule? The latest one is out. Just distributed."

Ethan shook his head. "Yesterday, when I wanted to get it, it hadn't been signed by Asher yet. So I left it alone, rather than taking the wrong one," he replied.

Alvin nodded. After a while, he squinted his eyes. He sensed something strange was bothering the man in front of him. It was obvious that the 35-year-old was deep in thought.

"What are you thinking about? You look so upset. It's written all over your face. If there's a problem, just tell me. Maybe I can help like usual."

They often shared stories and asked for each other's opinions when faced with problems, whether work-related or personal. Having been friends for a long time, Alvin and Ethan knew each other well.

"Your guess is correct." Ethan took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Trying to calm his restless feelings.

"I'm confused. I don't know what to do."

"Confused?" Alvin repeated.

Ethan nodded twice. "Hmm ... Flora wants me to marry again."

Instead of being concerned, Alvin laughed out loud. Almost mockingly. He was so amused by what he just heard. The man couldn't believe what Ethan had just revealed.

"Don't joke," he replied, still laughing. "Are you seriously considering marrying again? Ethan Reed having two wives?" he repeated for emphasis, still in disbelief.

Ethan sighed deeply again. Instead of feeling relieved, he was now annoyed.

"You don't believe me, do you? My whole life, I've never even thought about having more than one wife. And now, suddenly, my wife is asking me to marry another woman."

Laughter was still etched on Alvin's handsome face.

"You should be happy then. You can have two wives without having to sneak around.

Ethan grimaced. His friend was responding too casually.

"The problem is, I'm not the type of guy who likes to share love. One is more than enough, and now you want me to have two? It would just be troublesome."

As a long-time friend, Alvin knew Ethan well. Ethan had always been loyal to only one woman, Flora, who was now his wife.

Suddenly hearing that he was being forced into polygamy, Alvin was quite shocked. From what he knew, his friend's marriage of nearly ten years was quite harmonious. He had never heard of any arguments between them. Whenever there was a disagreement, Ethan could immediately resolve it before it escalated.

"So why is Flora forcing you to marry again?"

Ethan looked up, staring closely at Alvin. Once again, he took a deep breath.

"She wants me to have children."

"Oh my God..." Alvin sighed softly. This was the reason that had been troubling his friend. He knew Ethan's wife couldn't have children. "So what are you going to do? Are you going to agree to your wife's request?"

Ethan shook his head. His face turned somber. It was as if he was carrying a heavy burden.

"That's what I've been thinking about. I tried to refuse, but Flora insisted. If I agree, I'm not ready. If I refuse, she threatens to ask for a divorce."

"Wow..." Alvin clicked his tongue loudly. His friend's problem was indeed complicated. "Well, you should ask for God's guidance. Hopefully, whatever decision you make will be the best for your family. It's a shame if it ends in divorce. Everything can be discussed without choosing to separate."

Ethan nodded in agreement. He was determined to keep his marriage intact.

"I love Flora. There's no way I would divorce her. No matter her flaws, I accept her. But I'm really not ready to marry again."

Alvin was also confused hearing his friend's story. Before he could respond, there was a knock on the door. A nurse entered and conveyed some information to them both.

"Doctors Ethan and Alvin, Dr. Asher wants to see you both now. He wants to evaluate your work and discuss the practice schedule."

Ethan and Alvin stood up together, deciding to leave the room immediately to meet Asher.

***

"You must propose to Amelia as soon as possible."

Who knows how many times Flora had repeated that sentence. Meanwhile, Ethan seemed indifferent, deliberately ignoring her. He chose to concentrate on the medical journal he was writing at his desk.

"Ethan... you hear what I'm saying, right?"

Without even turning, Ethan nodded.

"Yes, I hear you," he replied briefly.

Frustrated, Flora, who had been sitting by the bed, stood up. She took large steps towards her husband, who was busy with his work.

"You're not paying attention to me!" She deliberately pulled the pen from Ethan's hand, annoyed at being ignored.

"Flora..." Ethan looked up, speaking softly. "I have to finish my work first."

Flora shook her head. She had a habit of wanting things immediately.

"No, you need to listen to what I'm saying right now."

Ethan clicked his tongue. Instead of getting angry, the neurosurgeon chose to silently pray for patience.

"What do you want?"

Hearing such a question, Flora pouted. How could her husband still ask what she wanted?

"Why are you asking what I want? I want you to propose to Amelia immediately. Then, decide when you'll get married. I've even consulted with a wedding organizer to plan your wedding."

"Flora... I haven't seen Amelia in a long time. How can I propose to her, let alone marry her right away? This is too fast," Ethan protested.

"That's easy," she replied quickly. "If the problem is that you haven't seen each other in a while, I can arrange for you two to meet soon. So you can talk before deciding on the proposal and wedding dates."

Ethan sighed heavily. There was no more room for refusal. Flora was determined that he should marry the woman of her choice. There was no more room for negotiation.

"Do I really have to get married?"

Flora raised her eyebrows.

"Is there another way for you to have children without marrying again? If there is, just say it. I'm ready to do it."

"We could adopt a child," Ethan replied softly. At least with adoption, he wouldn't need to marry another woman. He could still have and raise a child like a normal couple.

"No!" Flora shook her head firmly. She outright rejected the idea. "I want the child to be of your blood. A Reed descendant, not a child whose origins are unknown. Besides, I'm willing to accept you having a second wife as long as she can give you children. So, what's so hard about granting my request? Isn't it to your advantage? Most men would be happy if their wives allowed them to marry again."

"Oh my God, Flora..."

Again, Ethan sighed deeply, not knowing how to respond. How could his wife compare him to other men out there? Besides, no matter how much he argued, it seemed pointless. Flora's decision was firm and unchangeable.

"You must meet Amelia soon. I'll arrange for you two to meet. And I won't accept any more refusals from you. So, please, don't make any more excuses."

After making her point, Flora chose to leave. Leaving Ethan still sitting, deep in thought.