Chapter 404 - First relationship A story of deceit (2/2)

[Flashback: VIP lounge of Scarlet Night Club.]

”Avah, just stop. This, Us? I tried but, it's not and will never work. I'm sorry.” Running his fingers through his unruly hair, Ethan Lu spoke in distress.

At this time, it was clearly evident on how much of a delinquent he appeared to be on the surface. Unlike the flashy and yet classy casanova, and the decent and dashing businessman he was now, this phase of his life speaks volumes of his rebellion against his family.

”Babe,” Smiling, Avah Tong moved her seat near Ethan Lu as her hands attempted to caress the back of his. Alas, just as her hand was about to land on his, he moved it away— obviously avoiding her touch.

”Stop.”Casting her an emotionless gaze, Ethan Lu slightly shook his head. He knew that everything he would say would hurt the woman. Hence, he tried to keep it short and precise.

”No, we can't.” Looking down, Avah Tong fiddled her fingers as she pursed her lips into a thin line. Of course, upon hearing her soft refusal, Ethan Lu snapped his tongue in annoyance as he scratched the back of his head.

”*sigh* Look, I am wrong to give you false hope that I might fall for you. But, I don't think I can or to be exact, I am certain that I will never know what love really is. I'm sorry.” After a heavy, deep sigh, Ethan Lu managed his breathing as he toned down his voice so he could calmly end his relationship with her. Little did he know, what lies ahead was shocking news.

”Hate me, slap me, I deserve that but, I can't pretend that everything is okay just to satiate my libido.” Blunt and harsh as he may sound, however, Ethan Lu thought that even sugarcoated words wouldn't lessen the pain. Hence, he, as always, chose honesty.

”No, Ethan.” This time, Avah Tong wasn't showing pain or hatred in her face and eyes. Rather, it was more of a distinguished firmness. ”We can't because I'm pregnant.” Pursing her lips, she witnessed how his eyes slowly widened as his complexion slightly paled.

”What?!”

”Yes, I am pregnant with your child.” Nodding her head once, Avah Tong's hands that were on her lap tightened, creasing her dress into many crumpled lines.

For a moment, Ethan Lu heard the world explode—as loud, resounding claps of gigantic bells rang in front of his ear, momentarily deafening him. Her last remarks played in repeat inside his head while his blood lowered in counts.

”Ho— how? We used protection! There's no way you can get pregnant.” Stuttering, Ethan Lu recalled all his nights spent with her and every time, he was certain he used protection not to let her recklessly bear an unwanted child. Hence, how did this happen?

”I don't know! I don't want it either because I know one of these days you will leave me, but Ethan, I am!”

”Are you sure it's mine?” Suddenly, due to the abrupt shock of the news, Ethan Lu's insensitivity overwhelmed and took over which caused the already gloomy atmosphere across the room to turn even more sullen.

For a moment, the room fell into an awkward silence as neither of them talked; Avah Tong was shocked to hear his last remarks while Ethan Lu realized what he had just said.

”I- I'm sorry. I didn't mean that.” After some time, when Ethan Lu recovered and calmed his bursting nerves, he apologized.

”Ethan? Do you really think I am that kind of woman? Sleeping around with different men?” On the verge of crying, Avah Tong's voice cracked as if she could not believe that she would hear that personally from him.

”You can just say that you don't want to be responsible for it if you don't want to, but how can you say such hurtful things? Don't you really, even just a tiny bit care about me?” Containing the tempting tears that formed a marginalized group in the corner of her eyes, Avah Tong bit her lower lip as hard as she could before she abruptly stood from her seat and was about to leave.

However, just as she took two hurried strides, his hand suddenly wrapped around her wrist as he stopped her from leaving. ”I'm sorry. I am shocked.”

”Avah, if you're pregnant then I will take responsibility.” Seeing that she wasn't turning around, Ethan Lu heavily sighed once again in distress. ”I don't know if I can be a good partner but, I won't let another child in this world be fatherless.” Guiding her to face him, he looked at her straight in the eyes to convey his sincerity to become a father to 'their' unborn child.