All Chapters of The Day I Stopped Waiting: Chapter 1 - Chapter 7

I registered myself at the hospital and got an IV drip alone. When I staggered out, weak and leaning against the wall, I saw my boyfriend, Ethan West, who had been impossible to reach, sitting in the waiting area.He was intimately linked arm-in-arm with his young secretary, Anna Lane.Ethan squatted in front of Anna with his fingers resting on her lower abdomen.Smiling gently, he leaned in the next moment as though he was listening for fetal movement.I remembered the 16 calls I had made to him earlier, all of which he had rejected. He lazily texted back that he was busy with work.My heart ached as I watched this scene. I saw Anna shyly stroking Ethan's head, saying in a cutesy voice, "Mr. West, now that there's a child... What about Ms. Thompson?"The mere mention of me caused the tenderness on Ethan's face to twist into impatience and disdain. He frowned in disgust, stood up, and kissed Anna's forehead."There's still five years left in our contract," he said softly. "In th

Ethan instinctively tried to shake off my hand. I glanced at the time, worried I would mess up this 40-million deal.I added, "We've been working together as a couple for seven years, and you've never once picked me up or dropped me off. Just this once, are you really going to say no?"Perhaps it was out of pride that Ethan finally nodded and agreed. Turning around, he opened the backseat door for me and urged me to hurry.The car reeked of a nauseating fragrance. I had smelled it on Anna before. Clearly, she had been in the car often.While I was still piecing this together, Ethan suddenly veered off the usual route and started driving further away.I anxiously checked the time. "Why are you changing routes? The company's that way."Ethan did not even bother answering me. He clicked his tongue in irritation and kept driving the long way.20 minutes later, we arrived at Anna's place. She stepped out looking meticulously styled and beautiful, smiling as she slid into the passenge

Ryan did not say anything else. He held my hand tightly on the way back, his warmth radiating through his palm.When we reached my door, he did not come inside the house. Before leaving, however, he said, "I feel like I really like you. I want to keep you close."Get some rest. As for the lies, don't tell your mom yet. I'll figure something out with you, so she doesn't get too upset."Oh, and… take care. I'm looking forward to seeing you next time."Ryan's face flushed red, and my heart inexplicably raced faster.That expression, that feeling of being cared for and looked after in every way—it was something I never found with Ethan.I recognized it, however—Ryan's feelings for me were exactly like mine for Ethan back then.The heaviness from my emotional wounds lifted slightly as I turned and walked inside.Then, a familiar voice sounded from behind my mother.Ethan stood there, one hand in the pocket of his tailored slacks, his usual confident figure turning toward me."Back

I stared in shock at the slightly deranged Ethan. Around me, the ceaseless accusations and insults from the crowd threatened to crush me.My head buzzed loudly as I swayed backward and nearly collapsed, but strong hands that were firm and steady caught me.It was Ryan. He stepped in front of me and, without hesitation, kicked Ethan in the chest."Stop harassing her," said Ryan.Ethan's face twisted with rage and he looked ready to fight back. However, when his eyes landed on Ryan, he froze.I guessed it was because Ryan resembled him.Ethan’s voice trembled as he asked, "Were you adopted by the Young family when you were three?"Ryan glared at him, shielding me protectively. "So what if I was? What’s it to you?"Ryan then sneered, "Do you think you’re still a man? Dragging a banner through town to humiliate Claire? You’re disgusting."Ethan’s red-rimmed eyes fixated on Ryan. Then, his gaze shifted down to the scar on Ryan's exposed forearm that was about three centimeters long