Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: The Secret Past

After Henry's disruption, Ella was in an exceptionally low mood. Ethan decided to take her to the villa's garden for a walk, hoping to cheer her up a bit.In the afternoon garden, flowers were in full bloom, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. Ethan pushed Ella along the path slowly. As Ella looked at the flowers around her, her eyes were somewhat vacant, as if she was still caught up in the unpleasantness from earlier."Aunt, don't overthink it. A guy like him isn't worth your sadness," Ethan comforted her softly.Ella let out a gentle sigh. "Ethan, there are some things you don't understand. Henry and I used to be in a long-term relationship—this was before my accident. We went to all kinds of social events together, and we seemed like a perfect match. But later, I realized he only saw me as a tool for his business interests; he wanted to use my family background to expand his career. When I refused some of his excessive demands, he started speaking to me harshly. Even after my accident, he kicked me while I was down."As Ethan listened to Ella's story, his dislike for Henry grew even stronger. "Aunt, the fact that you saw his true colors back then and left him in time already shows how brave you are. Now that I'm here, he'll never be able to hurt you again."Ella nodded slightly, looking at Ethan with eyes full of gratitude. "Ethan, do you know something? Ever since you came into my life, everything has felt different. You've made me feel warmth and care again—things I never got from Henry."Ethan smiled a little awkwardly. "Aunt, this is all I should do. Besides, I'm really happy when I'm with you."Ella gently took Ethan's hand. "Ethan, you're such a kind person. Someday, you'll definitely meet a girl who loves you very much."Ethan's heart skipped a beat. He looked at Ella and mustered up his courage to say, "Aunt, actually… actually, there's already someone I like."Ella was slightly stunned, and an inexplicable sense of loss welled up in her heart. "Is that so? Then she must be very lucky. Can you tell me who she is?"Ethan's face turned a faint pink. He looked into Ella's eyes and said softly, "Aunt, the person I like… is you."Ella's heart suddenly raced—she had never expected Ethan to confess his feelings so suddenly. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but for a moment, she was lost for words.Ethan continued, "Aunt, I know there might be a lot of obstacles between us—age, status… but I can't control my feelings. From the first moment I saw you, I was drawn to you. Your beauty, your strength—they all fascinate me."Complex emotions flickered in Ella's eyes. She took a deep breath. "Ethan, you've caught me off guard. I never thought there could be this kind of feeling between us. Besides, I'm in this state now…"Ethan held her hand tightly. "Aunt, your leg injury doesn't change anything. In my heart, you'll always be the most charming woman— the one who deserves my love the most."As Ella looked into Ethan's sincere eyes, the emotional defense she had built up gradually crumbled. At this moment, she could feel the genuine affection Ethan had for her, and she also realized that her feelings for Ethan had long transcended the line between employer and employee.