Ethan glanced at Lizzy as they stepped out of the veterinary hospital. She looked exhausted, with dark circles beneath her eyes and a pale complexion that made her usual brightness seem almost nonexistent. Although she had managed to get some sleep at the clinic, it clearly hadn't been enough. Her movements were sluggish, and every few seconds, she glanced at her phone as though expecting bad news.“Have you eaten anything today?” Ethan asked.Lizzy shook her head. “I told you earlier. I'm not hungry.”“That's not what I asked.” Ethan opened the driver's door of his car and gestured toward the passenger seat. “Get in.”Lizzy looked at him uncertainly. “Where are we going?”“To get you something to eat.”“Ethan, you really don't have to—”“Lizzy.” Something about his tone made her stop talking. “You've been sitting in that hospital for hours. Duke is being looked after, and the veterinarian said he'll probably be discharged tonight. There's nothing you can do for him by starving yourse

Lizzy's face had gone completely pale as she stood before the three intimidating men blocking her path. The tallest had a thick neck and a scar running along his jaw, and he glared at her with barely restrained anger while his two companions stood on either side of him, making it clear that they had no intention of letting her leave. Clutching her shopping basket, Lizzy struggled to remain calm, unable to believe that they had found her here of all places. Worse still, Ethan was standing right beside her."Please," she said, forcing herself to speak steadily. "Can we talk about this properly? We don't have to make a scene."The scarred man sneered. "Talk? Now you want to talk?"One of his companions laughed mockingly, and Lizzy swallowed nervously before continuing. "I know I owe you money. I'm not denying it. I'll pay you tomorrow, or at least part of it. I promise I'll have some money by then.""Tomorrow?" The scarred man's expression darkened as he took a threatening step toward h

She lowered her head. "Thank you.""Don't thank me. Thank your rich friend." He stepped closer, his expression hardening again. "But don't forget what you still owe."Ethan's eyes narrowed. "That's enough."The man held his gaze for a moment, apparently considering whether to argue, but eventually let out a dismissive laugh and motioned for his companions to follow him. The three men walked toward the store entrance, disappearing from sight without another word.Only after they had gone did Lizzy finally release the breath she'd been holding. Her knees felt weak, and she clutched the shopping basket tightly to keep herself steady. Ethan remained beside her without speaking, his expression unreadable, and somehow his silence felt worse than anger."Ethan..." she began hesitantly. "I... I don't know what to say.""Just don't say anything." His voice wasn't loud, but it was colder than she'd ever heard it. Lizzy flinched and lowered her head, tears gathering in her eyes."I'm sorry. I kn