Chapter 61: Chapter 61: This... no, I can't, it's too sudden

Chapter 61: This… no, I can’t, it’s too sudden

Sofia’s pupils dilated, disbelief written all over her face. She doubted her ears, staring at Ethan sitting on the hospital bed, his medical chart declaring him paralyzed.

“Sorry, Ethan, what did you just say?”

“Aunt Sofia, I want you to be my lover.” Ethan’s expression was dead serious. “You heard me right, and it’s not for me—it’s for Ryan!”

Sofia pinched her thigh, then covered her face. “Sorry, I’m a bit tired. I’ll visit you another time.”

She turned to leave.

“Aunt Sofia, do you really want Ryan to leave this world with regrets?” Ethan’s voice followed her.

Hearing her son’s name made Sofia’s body tremble. As a mother, even knowing it was a deception, she turned back.

Ethan, seeing her conflicted expression, knew his words had an impact and that this was his only chance.

If he couldn’t convince Mrs. Miller now, she would keep her distance in the future. With his current half-paralyzed state, pursuing her actively was a fool’s dream.

“Ethan, I need to pick up some test results from my doctor.” Sofia urged, clearly not wanting to prolong the conversation.

If Ethan couldn’t provide a reasonable explanation, she was ready to leave.

Ethan watched her, silent until her brows furrowed. “Aunt Sofia, do you know what the most painful thing is for us terminally ill patients?”

Sofia remained silent.

“The pain that keeps us up at night, having to give up our dreams, the constant fear of death,” Ethan’s voice grew heavier, shaking his head as he looked at her. “But that’s not it. The real pain is seeing our loved ones suffer because of us, feeling helpless. All we can do is smile, pretending we don’t know anything.”

Sofia shivered, recalling Ryan’s morning smiles.

Ethan’s words pierced her heart like a sword.

He raised a hand. “Aunt Sofia, you know, we’re more sensitive than most because all we can do is lie here and watch our loved ones, unable to do anything else.”

His eyes sincere, he managed a smile. “That’s all we can do.”

“What are you trying to say?” Sofia clutched her chest, feeling as if a hole had been punched through her heart since the conversation began.

“Aunt Sofia, Ryan knows your pain,” Ethan said with a bitter smile. “His real wish is for you to be happy.”

Sofia stumbled, steadying herself against the bedside table, her eyes beginning to tear up.

As a mother, how could she not be moved by these words? If it weren’t for Ethan’s presence, she would have already broken down crying.

“What does this have to do with what you just asked?”

Sofia struggled to stand, Ethan’s words hitting her hard.

“Aunt Sofia, you know, pain can’t be hidden, and neither can happiness,” Ethan said with a sacred expression. “I want you to experience the joy of being a woman, to alleviate your sorrow. Your change will be seen by Ryan, helping him move past his pain and guilt.”

Sofia’s eyes widened, tears halfway down her cheeks now replaced by a stunned look.

She pondered the connection between the two.

Seeing Ethan’s serious demeanor, it seemed he was earnestly discussing this absurd matter.

“Aunt Sofia, you know, even though I’m paralyzed, my capabilities as a man are undoubtedly strong,” Ethan said earnestly.

“But…” Mrs. Miller hesitated, some words unspoken.

Normally, even if one were to seek a man, it would at least be someone able-bodied, not someone bedridden.

“Hmm, Aunt Sofia, if possible, I too wish you could find happiness, not just me,” Ethan whispered softly. “But you’ve been avoiding men, largely because you’re afraid of being deceived, right?”

Mrs. Miller paused, struck silent by his accuracy.

As a widow with her husband’s inheritance, she was a prime target for scammers.

She knew this and was wary of everyone, instinctively labeling anyone who approached her as after her wealth, naturally preventing any man from getting close to her heart.

“And Aunt Sofia, you don’t have to worry about me being after your wealth,” Ethan said with genuine eyes.

Sofia felt something was off but then again, it made sense. Ethan was in such a state, barely hanging on to life.

How could he possibly be after her money?

“Plus, Aunt Sofia, if you feel I can’t satisfy you, you can leave anytime without worrying about me clinging on or even harming you,” Ethan continued.

Sofia’s mouth twitched, realizing he might actually be right.

“Moreover, finding someone who matches my capabilities might be tough,” Ethan said with a smile.

Reality isn’t a comic book.

A 9-inch dick is already quite exaggerated.

He’s not after her money, won’t cling to her afterward, and boasts exceptional sexual prowess.

Sofia is a woman after all. She’s been cautiously guarding herself against all men who approached her over the years, but how could she not have desires?

But no, this is too absurd.

“Mrs. Miller,” Ethan’s voice floated over, “You don’t want Ryan to carry regrets forever, do you?”

Sofia froze.

She was doing this for her child.

“This… no, I can’t, it’s too sudden,” Sofia shook her head. “I need to go back.”

She hurried away in her high heels, almost fleeing.

Ethan watched her graceful retreat, not in a rush. His goal today was to plant a seed for the future, to water it and wait for it to bloom.

He picked up his phone, already having Ryan’s contact saved, and quickly typed: “Ryan, I just introduced Aunt Sofia to a suitable man, but she refused, considering your feelings. Sorry I couldn’t help you.”

After sending the message, Ethan put down his phone. Every word he said was sincere, not a single lie.

On the other side.

Ryan read the message, first stunned, then rereading it several times before a bitter smile appeared. His mom had refused someone else’s introduction because of him.

So, his mom had always been held back by him, both in life and in her pursuit of happiness.

That evening.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Sofia saw Ryan looking downcast and suddenly Ethan’s words echoed in her mind, her child had been suffering because of her.