Chapter 42

Chapter 42

BLAIRE

“How is he?” Ethan asked as he handed me a cup of coffee. Blaze was

sleeping on the bed.

We've been here for a week now. And Blaze’s condition isn't getting

better.

“It's not looking good. He might be needing surgery sooner rather than

later,” I answered.

“I think that's the best thing to do. We can't afford to wait any longer

until it's too late for him.”

“I think it's the best thing to do as well. But even if I sold the shop, it

wouldn't cover all the expenses for the surgery. I have no idea where to

get the money,” I told Ethan, the thing that I'm most concerned about.

Ethan's gaze softened with concern as he absorbed the weight of my

words. “We can figure this out together, Blaire. Selling the shop might

not be the only option.”

I frowned as I turned to my side and looked at him with a confused

look. “What do you mean?” I asked.

“Do you

remember the new hotel that I was telling you about? I think this is the

best time for you to consider their offer. They have a huge offer if you

win their bid. I heard they are giving half the amount stated in the

contract once you win the bid. That's a huge amount of money, Blaire. It

can already cover the expenses in the hospital,” Ethan explained. The

prospect of the hotel offer lingered in the air, its potential casting a

glimmer of hope amidst the shadows of uncertainty. “New York could be

the solution, Blaire. Think about what it could mean for Blaze,” Ethan

pressed gently, his eyes. reflecting a blend of encouragement and

understanding.

A conflicted sigh escaped me as I glanced at Blaze, vulnerable in his

slumber. “It's a tempting offer, Ethan. But leaving Blaze alone feels like

abandoning him when he needs me the most.”

Ethan's expression softened, his reassurance a steady anchor. “You

have nothing to worry about, Blaze. I'll take care of him while you're in

New York. I'm sure he'll better.” understand why you have to leave. This

could be his only chance to get

As I wrestled with the choice ahead, the hospital room became a

battleground of emotions, where love and duty clashed in a silent

struggle.

I nodded, acknowledging the truth in his words, yet the ache in my

heart persisted. “I need time to think. I can't imagine being miles away

while Blaze fights for his life.”

MOIL, 2.

Chapter 42

Ethan squeezed my hand, a gesture of solidarity. “Take the time you

need. We'll be here for Blaze, and when you're ready, we'll be here for

you.”

As I watched over Blaze, the hospital room transformed into a realm of

decisions, where love and sacrifice danced in the delicate balance of

life's unpredictable symphony. The coffee grew colder, mirroring the

unresolved tension that clung to the

air.

"You have no idea how this means so much to me, Ethan. I don’t know

how to repay you, I said as I gently squeezed his hand tightly.

“You know what I want from you, Blaire,” he said.

I gulped in sudden awkwardness as I gently pulled my hand away from

him. “I already told you my take on that matter. I can't give you the love

you deserve, Ethan. I'm a scarred woman, Ethan. I'm not ready to be in

another relationship. I already have a lot on my plate. I don't think I

would be able to give you the love that you wanted. I-I'm sorry. I really

appreciate all your help, but I think you should stop coming here,” I

said. I've been aware of his feelings for me. But I don't think I still have

a heart to give him. My heart was already broken and shattered.

There's nothing he can do to fix it. “You're a good man, Ethan. And I'm

sure you'll find a more suitable woman for you. I feel guilty for taking

advantage of you.

“No, no, no. Don't say that. Everything I did, I did because I wanted to.

Not because I wanted something from you in return. I'm not expecting,

but I'm hoping that someday you'll find it in your heart to give me a

chance. That's all I'm asking, Blaire. A chance to prove to you that I'm

not like your ex-husband.”

I let out a loud sigh. Ethan has been nothing but good to us since I got

here. But I don’t want to be selfish anymore. I should stop receiving

help from him.

“I'm not the right woman for you, Ethan. You've already wasted so

many years waiting for me, I think it's the right time for you to move on

and look for someone who can give you the love that you deserve.” I

stand firmly behind my decision. It's not fair for Ethan to continue taking

care of us when I know to myself that I can't give him anything more

than friendship.

He took a loud breath, feeling defeated. “I respect your decision, Blaire.

But please don't stop me from helping you and Blaze. Let me help you;

if not as your man, then at least as your friend,” he insisted.

“Ethan...”

“That's not up for argument. I'm going to stay as your friend for as long

as you need

me

Ethan's unwavering determination echoed through the room, and a

grateful warmth

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Chapter 42

spread within me. “Thank you, Ethan. Your friendship means more to

me than I can express right now.”

He offered a reassuring smile and a silent promise to stand by me

through the storm. “Friends support each other, especially in the

toughest times.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

“By the way, here’s the number and the address of their office,” he said

before handing me a card. “Give them a call in case you finally decide

to give it a shot.”

I took the card from Ethan; its smooth surface holds the potential to

reshape our future. “I'll think about it, Ethan. Thank you for being here

for everything.”

He nodded, a mix of concern and support in his eyes. “Take your time,

Blaire. Whatever you decide, I'll be here for you and Blaze.”

With a quiet exchange of gratitude, the room held the weight of

unspoken decisions. As I watched over Blaze, the card in my hand

became a symbol of possibility, a gateway to a path that could lead to

both challenges and triumphs. The choice was mine to make, and in

the delicate dance of fate, I found solace in the steadfast friendship that

anchored me in the midst of life's tempests.

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