Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband (Lily and Ryan) novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10 

+8 Pearls 

Silence followed on the other end, but Mr. Parker could almost picture the slight shift in Ethan’s expression. Relieved he had managed to say it in time, Mr. Parker couldn’t help but laugh to himself. 

Seriously, Ethan, can you still remain calm when your crush is mentioned? 

Ethan’s voice came through the line, unusually soft but laced with curiosity. “Why?” 

Mr. Parker froze for a moment, caught off guard by the tone. It wasn’t like the devil to sound so… calm. 

Trying to keep the mood light, Mr. Parker chuckled, “She wants to be an actress. She picked my company. and we just signed the contract a little while ago.” 

There was a brief silence before Ethan replied with a simple, “Hmm.” 

“Hmm? That’s all you’re going to say?” Mr. Parker huffed dramatically, hoping to coax more out of his stoic friend. “Let me tell you, Lily is stunning. When we met, she looked a bit shocked–I mean, who wouldn’t be? It must be because I’m so handsome. What are you going to do if she falls for me?” 

“She’s not blind.” Ethan replied dryly. 

Mr. Parker nearly choked on his own laughter. “Why am I even friends with you?” he muttered under his breath. Refocusing, he added with mock arrogance, “Ethan, let’s be honest. Apart from you, no one can rival my looks. And as for Lily-” 

Before he could finish, Ethan cut him off. “Lily…? Are you that close to her already?” 

The sudden shift in Ethan’s tone sent a shiver down Mr. Parkerspine. He quickly composed himself, masking his unease with a smug grin. “She’s my artist now,” he replied smoothly. “Naturally, we’ll be working closely together.” 

A low chuckle escaped Ethan, the sound both unsettling and amused. Mr. Parker heart skipped a beat. Did I go too far? 

“We haven’t seen each other in a while, Parker, Ethan said, his voice carrying a hint of danger. “Perhaps I should drop by and pay you a visit?” 

Mr. Parker confidence wavered. His nervous laughter spilled out before he could stop it. “Hehe… No need for that, Ethan. I was just joking!” 

“Hmm, Ethan replied, his tone unreadable. 

Just as Mr. Parker prepared to shift the conversation, his eyes fell on a phone sitting on the corner of his desk. Lily must have left it behind. Glancing at it, an idea struck him. “Ethan, it seems Lily forgot her phone here. She’s probably with Mia. I’ll go return it to her now, so I’ll have to call you back later.” 

Before he could hang up, Ethan’s voice came through once more. “Wait.” 

Ethan’s voice came through, calm yet commanding. “Wait. Keep the call going.” 

Mr. Parker paused, momentarily stunned, before teasing, “Ethan, I didn’t know you had such an interest in my work life.” 

Without missing a beat, Ethan countered, “Do you miss me that much, Parker? Should I come by and 

1/4 

22:04 Tue, 4 Mar 

Chapter 10 

+B Pearls 

Mr. Parker immediately panicked. “N–no, no! No need for that, Ethan. Just stay where you are. I’m going now!” The idea of a “reward” from Ethan was enough to make his hair stand on end. He ended the call and hurried toward Mia’s office. 

As he approached, he noticed the door was slightly ajar. Just as he was about to walk in, he overheard their conversation and decided to pause. 

Inside, Lily was completely unaware of his presence. Her voice carried a note of admiration. “Sister Mia, Boss Parker is really an incredible person. He treated me with so much respect.” 

Mr. Parker, standing outside, grinned, See, Ethan? She thinks I’m outstanding. 

Mia, however, gave Lily a skeptical look. “Lily, that’s odd. I’ve never seen Boss Parker act like that with anyone before. Well, apart from that person. Don’t be fooled by his cheerful smile; he’s actually very cold.” 

Lily tilted her head, puzzled. “Then why was he so respectful to me?” 

Outside the door, Mr. Parker silently cursed. Because if I wasn’t, the devil would make my life miserable! 

Suddenly, Mia clapped her hands, an excited realization lighting up her face. “Oh! I know! It has to be this… I’m such a genius!” 

“What is it, Sister Mia?” Lily asked curiously. 

Mia laughed and leaned closer. “He must have fallen for your beauty! That’s why he was so respectful. He wants to court you!” 

Mia stepped back, observing Lily with a critical eye. “You’re beautiful, young, and elegant. He’s also young and handsome. The two of you would make a perfect couple! Don’t you think?” 

Mr. Parker, still outside, nearly dropped his phone in horror. This woman is digging my gravel Shut up! Shut up! The devil is going to kill me! 

He reached for the doorknob, determined to stop the nonsense, but froze in place when he heard Lily’s next words. 

-Sister Mia, what are you talking about? Isn’t Boss Parker in a relationship with CEO Ethan? How could you not know this?” 

Mia: “…” 

Mr. Parker: “.” 

On the phone, Ethan: “…” 

Mr. Parker mind raced. Should I cry because she’s pairing me with Ethan, or laugh because she thinks Ethan is gay? 

Mia choked on air, utterly flabbergasted. “Lily, who told you that?” 

Lily blinked innocently. “It was on the news, wasn’t it? Sister Mia, didn’t you see it?” 

Mia sighed, giving her a helpless look. “That was just a rumor, Lily.” 

Lily shook her head confidently. “No, Sister Mia, I’m sure it’s true. Let’s break it down. Answer my questions with a yes or no, okay?” 

2/4 

22:04 Tue, 4 Mar 

Chapter 10 

Mia nodded, intrigued. 

“Have you ever seen Boss Parker in a relationship with a woman?” Lily asked. 

“No.” 

“Has he ever shown interest in the opposite gender?” 

“No. He’s always indifferent toward women.” 

“Has he ever been close to another woman?” 

“No…” 

“See? He avoids women but is very close to CEO Ethan. What does that suggest?” 

+8 Pearls 

Mia’s eyes widened in realization. “Oh my goodness. That explains everything! Boss Parker must be in a secret relationship with CEO Ethan!”