Chapter 139
Yes, everyone would age, but to age overnight like this was heartbreaking.
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Ethan eventually finished making the coffee, but the mocha tasted bitter, no matter how much sugar
he added.
“Take these coffee beans home,” he said, packing the leftovers for me. “They’re high in antioxidants. You can brew them yourself.”
Ethan’s actions reminded me of how he always treated me like a daughter. And now, that kindness only made me feel guiltier.
I didn’t have the heart to refuse him. “Okay. I’ll ask for more when I finish them,” I said lightly, trying to keep the mood casual.
“Hmph. You can ask for whatever you need,” Ethan said, his tone softening. “Elaine, you ‘are‘ my daughter. Do you understand that?”
I nodded firmly. “You’re my father, too.”
During my school years, Ethan had often attended my parent–teacher meetings. Although Tessa occasionally wanted to go, Ethan would insist, saying that his presence would make the teachers take me more seriously.
Even after my parents passed away, Ethan ensured I never felt like an orphan in front of my
classmates.
Ethan nodded hard, his expression earnest. I glanced at his hair and thought of Tessa. She would be
devastated if she saw him like this.
“Ethan, Tessa is really worried about you. If she sees you like this…”
“I still look handsome, don’t I?” Ethan joked, running his fingers through his hair.
Through my tears, I managed a laugh. “Yes, you do. You’re the best–looking man, no matter how you age.”
As we talked, I heard footsteps approaching the study. Moments later, Tessa’s voice rang out. “I’ve come to realize that only Elaine can handle you, old man.”
She appeared at the door, her face lit with a playful smile.
But the moment she saw Ethan, her smile froze. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and seconds later, tears began streaming down her face.
Ethan and I both stood up. I quickly walked to her, fearing she couldn’t handle the shock. “Tessa…”
She ignored me, her gaze fixed on Ethan’s hair.
Ethan walked over and gently wiped her tears. “What’s wrong? Do you think I look ugly?”
Tessa’s trembling hand reached out. Her eyes were locked on his grayed hair.
“I have more gray hair than you now,” Ethan joked softly, trying to lighten the mood. “You don’t have to worry about yours anymore.”
Tessa’s tears wouldn’t stop. She trembled as her hand stroked his hair over and over.
It was the first time I had ever seen her cry so bitterly.
Ethan had always doted on her, and she rarely shed tears. But now, her grief was palpable.
Seeing this, I quietly left the room and headed downstairs.
Miles spotted me as soon as I reached the bottom of the stairs. “What happened? I heard Mom crying.”
I glanced at him, my voice low. “Ethan… his hair turned gray overnight.”
Miles’s eyes widened in shock. Moments later, he lowered his head, falling silent.
I didn’t know how to comfort him.
Although I had come with a purpose, I no longer had the heart to carry out my plans.
“I’m heading back,” I told Miles softly.
He looked upstairs briefly before nodding. “I’ll see you out.”
I got into my car and tried to start it, but the engine wouldn’t turn over.
Then I remembered–I had asked the mechanic to tamper with it before coming here so I could ride in
Ethan’s car.
“Your car won’t start?” Miles noticed my struggle.
I avoided his gaze, feeling guilty. “Yeah… it seems to have broken down.”
“I’ll call someone to repair it. In the meantime, let Ben drive you home,” Miles suggested.
Ben Glover–Ethan’s trusted chauffeur. This was exactly what I needed.
