Rebirth After Being Betrayed by My Husband (Lily and Ryan) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 

At the Ethan Mansion 

Mr. Parker sighed, massaging his temples as he stared at his best friend, Ethan, who lounged like an emperor on the plush sofa. Why did he always have to endure this torment from the devil himself? 

+8 Pearls 

The room was tense, filled with trembling designers clutching expensive suits. Their pleading eyes often darted toward Mr. Parker, silently begging for salvation. He could only shake his head helplessly. If they thought their situation was bad, his was far worse. 

Just hours earlier, he’d been in the middle of an important business meeting when the devil called. 

“Come home.” 

That was all Ethan said before abruptly hanging up.. 

Without question, Mr. Parker had halted the entire meeting and rushed to the Ethan mansion, thinking it must be something critical. Instead, he found a moody Ethan surrounded by stressed designers. 

“Ethan,” Mr. Parker groaned after what felt like an eternity of waiting, “we’ve been sitting here for three hours, and you haven’t liked a single suit.” 

“These are all terrible,” Ethan replied, his voice cold and decisive. 

Mr. Parker glanced at the pile of rejected suits, all designed by top–tier professionals whose work was considered fashion gold. But here, under Ethan’s ruthless scrutiny, they were deemed garbage. 

“What about this blue one?” he tried, pointing at a neatly tailored option. 

“No.” 

“This gray one?” 

“No.” 

“This blue one looks great; the color would suit you.” 

Ethan barely spared it a glance. “No.” 

Mr. Parker pinched the bridge of his nose, his patience wearing thin. “Ethan, it’s just a business party. You’re not meeting a royal delegation! Pick a suit, any suit!” 

But Ethan’s tone softened unexpectedly as he muttered, “I’m going to meet my wife.” 

The room fell into stunned silence. 

Behind him, his assistant, Ben, and Housekeeper Zoe froze. Even the servants stopped in their tracks, their ears perking up in disbelief. The designers, despite their nervousness, exchanged quick, astonished glances. 

Ethan’s cold gaze swept across the room, breaking everyone’s daze. They all quickly resumed their tasks as though nothing had happened, silently offering prayers for the brave woman who had managed to capture 

this devil’s heart. 

Mr. Parker, stifling a laugh, tried to keep the peace. “Ethan, you look good in anything. Really, just pick 

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Chapter 17 

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“No,” Ethan said firmly. “The first impression has to be perfect. Do you think I want her to think poorly of me? Thanks to you, I already have a ridiculous reputation to undo.” 

“Because of me?” Mr. Parker thought bitterly. I didn’t tell your future wife that you were gay! She assumed it on her own! And guess what? She thinks I’m gay too, and you don’t see me whining about it! Where’s the justice in this world? 

But, of course, he wouldn’t dare voice these thoughts aloud. Instead, he plastered on a patient smile. 

Housekeeper Zoe watched the banter with a faint smile of his own. The Ethan family had been his lifelong employers, and he had witnessed their legacy grow stronger with each generation. The family was one of the County’s most influential, and its current head, Ethan, was a force to be reckoned with. 

Ethan, CEO of the Ethan Corporation, was known for his icy demeanor and an aura of nobility and danger that intimidated everyone in his presence. A perfectionist to the core, he tolerated no flaws, and his mysophobia kept most people at arm’s length. The few exceptions were his younger sister, Ivy–a celebrated chef–his parents, and his best friend, Mr. Parker. 

Ethan’s piercing gaze swept over the array of suits displayed before him. Black lines of irritation marred his handsome face as he picked up a sleek black suit with a red tie. His voice, deep and magnetic, cut through the air like a knife. 

“Is this all you have to offer?” he asked, his disdain evident. “Who even gave you the title of ‘designer‘? Would you wear these yourself? This is unacceptable–absolutely dreadful. You should consider changing careers because clearly, designing is not for you.” 

The designers winced at the scathing critique, but none dared to speak. Mr. Parker buried his face in his hands, wondering if he’d ever escape this ordeal alive. 

The designers trembled, clutching their prized designs, which had been reduced to “trash” in Ethan’s icy judgment. Their eyes darted to Mr. Parker, pleading for help. 

Mr. Parker shook his head in silent sympathy. I can’t save you; I’m barely surviving myself, he thought. But then, like a light bulb switching on, an idea sparked in his mind. Why didn’t I think of this earlier? 

Pulling out his phone, Mr. Parker dialed Mia. 

“Hey, Mia,” he began, keeping his voice low, “what color is her dress for tonight’s party?” 

Mia hesitated, puzzled by the odd question “Uh… she’s wearing red. Why?” 

A triumphant smile spread across Mr. Parkerface. “Thanks, Mia. You’re a lifesaver.” 

Mia, still holding her phone, blinked in confusion. She recalled Lily showing her a picture of the dress—a stunning red creation. But why would the boss ask about it? Shrugging, she decided it wasn’t worth overthinking. 

Mr. Parker, now armed with the information, approached a designer holding a sleek black suit with a red tie. “Ethan,” he said casually, “I think this one is perfect for you. I heard she’s also wearing red tonight.” 

Ethan’s eyes fell on the suit. He took it from Mr. Parker, inspecting it thoughtfully. The hint of approval in his expression was a rare sight. 

“You should definitely wear this,” Mr. Parker encouraged. “You two will look like a matching couple.” 

A satisfied smile tugged at Ethan’s lips. The thought of matching outfits, of looking like a couple, seemed to 

Tue, 4 Mar