Because I Was an and He Threw Away 285

Chapter 285 Superfluous 

After Ethan accompanied Nancy to view the properties, they settled on the villa adjacent to Joy Gardens. 

It was not only in close proximity to the gardens but also an exquisite abode. 

Once Ethan finished signing the paperwork, Nancy looked at him, puzzled. “Ethan, why on earth are you buying me a house?” she asked. 

Ethan stood up straight, his eyes filled with tenderness and affection. “You and your Mom deserve a place of your own,” he replied. 

Nancy frowned. “But there’s Joy Gardens,” she said. 

Guilt clouded Ethan’s eyes. “I made you and your mom go through a tough time yesterday. I don’t want that to happen again. From now on, you’ll live here. And when Sophie misses you, she can come over anytime.” 

Tears welling up in her eyes, Nancey threw herself into Ethan’s arms. “Ethan, you’re so good to me.” 

Ethan wrapped his arms around her gently. “This is what I should do. I didn’t handle things well yesterday, and it won’t happen again,” he murmured tenderly. 

<Chapter 285 Superfluous 

At seven that evening, Emily got the news that she had to accompany the emergency–department doctor on a house–call 

Just as she was about to clock out, the overtime notice put her in a foul mood. 

Thankfully, the call was in a neighborhood less than a mile from the hospital. 

The patient was a little boy, so as a pediatric specialist, Emily was needed. 

It turned out to be a simple case of the flu with a fever. 

After getting the boy to the hospital, Emily went back to her department. 

When she finished her last task and was about to stand up and stretch, her phone lit up. 

It was a text from Matthew: [Emily, Ethan had a few drinks at a business dinner tonight. The driver dropped me off first. Go over and keep him company, then get him home safe.] 

Emily knew Matthew was trying to play matchmaker again. 

But she couldn’t say no. 

So, she texted back: [Okay.] 

08:52 

< Chapter 285 Superfluous 

After gathering her things. Emily left the department. 

In the parking lot, she sat in her car, indecisive. 

But in the end, she decided to go to the location Matthew sent. 

If Emily didn’t, Matthew would surely pester her later. 

And with his poor health, she didn’t want to be the one to cause trouble. 

As soon as she arrived at the place, Emily spotted Ethan’s car right away. 

It was parked in the most prominent spot, and the license plate was hard to miss. 

Once inside the restaurant, Emily asked the waiter for directions. 

When she reached the private–room door, she noticed it was slightly ajar. 

Peeking through the crack, Emily saw Ethan and Nancy. 

Ethan was sitting on a stool. His face was pale, and his eyes were dull as he stared up at Nancy. 

Then, he suddenly let out a laugh and slowly leaned forward, hugging her tightly. 

217 

08:52 

< Chapter 285 Superfluous 

Nancy raised her hand and gently massaged Ethan’s temples. “I told you to drink less, but you just wouldn’t listen. Now you’re paying the price,” she scolded softly. 

Ethan wrapped his arms around Nancy’s waist and buried his face in her abdomen without saying a word. 

Just then, Andrew’s voice came from inside the room. “Nancy, I’ll leave Ethan in your care,” he said as he got up. 

Outside the private dining room, Emily caught sight of Andrew getting up. Without hesitation, she promptly turned towards the wall, as if lost in self–reflection. 

Inside, after a round of warm greetings and small talk, the group began to disperse. 

Shawn had clearly overindulged, and Andrew was lending him a steady arm as they made their way out. 

As they passed by Emily, her back to them, she went unnoticed. 

Only after Andrew and Shawn had left did Emily peer back into 

the room. 

There, Ethan and Nancy were the sole remaining occupants. 

Obviously inebriated, Ethan slumped his head on Nancy’s shoulder and sat still. 

08:52 

< Chapter 285 Superfluous 

+3.50004 

Trying to rouse him, Nancy said, Ethan, it’s time to head out.” 

Head tilted up, Ethan whined like a child, “Give me a hug.” 

Letting out a soft laugh, Nancy looked at him tenderly. “You’re all grown up. Stop being such a kid!” 

Still insistent, Ethan said, “Nancy, come closer. I’ve got something to tell you.” 

Nancy leaned down as he asked. 

Suddenly, Ethan lifted his head and kissed her on the lips. 

Covering the spot with her hand, Nancy blushed and stammered, “Ethan, you…” 

Then, Ethan broke into a wide, jubilant smile. 

Emily, who had been watching, quickly grabbed her phone and snapped a couple of pictures. 

She opened her text conversation with Matthew and started to compose a message with the photos. 

But a nagging voice in her head warned her against it. 

Sending those pictures might push Matthew over the edge, and she couldn’t bear the consequences. 

< Chapter 285 Superfluous 

With a heavy sigh, Emily managed to rein in her impulse. 

Realizing her presence was superfluous, Emily left the restaurant. 

She sat in her car for a good while, lost in thought, before deciding to pay Vanessa a visit. 

The idea of going back to Joy Gardens or returning to Carter Manor in her current mood was unappealing. 

Vanessa’s place seemed like a haven. 

As soon as she stepped into Vanessa’s home, Matthew’s call came through. 

Emily answered without a second thought, “Grandpa.” 

*3 Bonus 

Matthew’s concerned voice came over the line. “Did you pick up Ethan?” 

Not wanting to stir up trouble, Emily lied, “Sure did.” 

Matthew followed up. “When are you guys coming back?” 

After a brief pause, Emily replied, “Grandpa, Ethan and I won’t be staying at Joy Gardens tonight.” 

Matthew let out a chuckle. “That’s a good thing. You two should 

08-52 

< Chapter 285 Superfluous 

+3 Bonus 

start thinking about having another kid. It’d make this old man happy. 

Not keen on this topic, Emily quickly changed the subject. “Grandpa, Ethan’s calling me. Gotta go.”