He Put Our Love on Pause, Then Married Her Behind My Back Chapter 04

When I rushed into her room, Grandma was propped against the pillows, clutching her phone. On the screen was a screenshot of Ethan’s post.

The moment she saw me, she started crying.

“Claire, did you go after someone else’s boyfriend because of my medical bills?”

I rushed to the bed and took her hand.

“No, Grandma. I didn’t. I’ve been with Ethan for five years. He promised he’d marry me.”

She stroked my face, crying harder.

“Am I a burden to you? If getting treatment means you have to put up with this, then I’ll stop.”

“Don’t say that.” I shook my head hard.

“None of this is your fault.”

I was about to explain when the door opened. Sophie came in carrying a small get-well basket, with Luke behind her.

I got to my feet and stood in front of the bed.

“Who said you could come in here?”

Sophie set the basket on the table.

“I heard your grandmother got the wrong idea,” she said softly.

“I wanted to explain.”

I pointed at the door.

“Get out.”

But Grandma looked at her, her voice trembling.

“Please, tell me. Is my granddaughter the other woman?”

Sophie hesitated.

“No, she isn’t,” she said quietly.

I’d barely begun to feel relieved when Luke laughed.

“Why cover for her, Sophie? She’s still chasing my brother even though he’s married to you. That makes her the other woman.”

I whipped my head toward him.

“What did you say?”

He looked unconcerned.

“They got married this afternoon. Everyone in the family knows.”

Grandma gasped behind me. When I turned, she’d pushed herself upright, her face drained of color.

She stared at Sophie, her lips trembling.

“Married? What about Claire? Wasn’t he supposed to marry her?”

Sophie lowered her head.

“There was pressure from family, so we went ahead,” she said in a small voice.

“But I really did come here to explain that Claire isn’t that kind of person.”

I stared at her with nothing but hatred.

“Explain what? You married him, and now you’re playing the saint in my grandma’s hospital room?”

Luke frowned.

“Do you have any idea how much my brother’s spent on your grandma over the years? You can’t keep taking his money and then tell him he can’t get married.”

Grandma’s breathing suddenly grew ragged. Her hand shook, making the IV line quiver.

I lunged for the call button.

“Doctor! Somebody, help!”

The monitor let out a shrill alarm. Footsteps sounded outside, and Ethan hurried in.

He saw Sophie’s tearful face and immediately moved to steady her.

I pointed at the bed, my voice shaking.

“Grandma needs help!”

Doctors and nurses rushed in and ushered us all out.

“Everyone, please step outside.”

When I was pushed into the hallway, I was still clutching the reading glasses Grandma had dropped. The arms dug painfully into my palm.

Ethan stood in front of me, his face pale. But the first thing he said was, “You need to calm down.”

I looked at him. Any warmth I’d had left for him drained away.

They were trying to save Grandma’s life in there. He was still protecting Sophie.

I leaned against the wall and slowly slid to the floor, gripping the glasses.

When Maya arrived, I was still sitting there, shaking. She crouched and put her arms around me.

“Claire.”

I opened my mouth, my voice so hoarse it was barely audible.

“I’m not the other woman…”

The door opened and closed. I lost track of time. Eventually, a doctor came out and shook his head.

I struggled to my feet and stared as they wheeled her bed out. A white sheet had been pulled over her head.

My knees buckled, and I almost fell.

“Grandma… I really didn’t…”

Maya was crying as she held me up.

Ethan rushed to the bedside and gripped the rail, his voice shaking.

“Grandma, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for this to happen.”

He reached for me as he spoke.

“Get away from me.”

I jerked back and pointed down the hall.

“We’re done. I never want to see you again.”