Chapter 18

"My name is Charlotte, Miss Sterling," the nurse says, her polite smile unwavering.

I study her, my gaze sharp and assessing. Beside me, Amelia does the same.

"I never hired a nurse," I tell them both. "I’d say you have the wrong house, but you clearly know my name. So either someone else hired you, or this is some kind of trick."

Don’t get me wrong—having a nurse to help me recover would be a relief. But this? This was suspicious.

Charlotte sets her bag down and faces me squarely. "I was hired by Mr. Blackwood. He instructed me to report here immediately."

A groan of frustration escapes me. Surprise and irritation war inside me. Of course Ethan would pull something like this. The moment I decide I don’t need his help, he swoops in like some kind of savior. Where was this concern during our marriage when I actually needed him?

"You wasted your time coming here," I say, leaning back against the sofa. "You need to leave."

I wouldn’t accept anything from Ethan. The only connection we had left was Liam. That was it. I didn’t want him in my life in any other way. I’d been taking care of myself since I was old enough to remember—I didn’t need his charity now.

"I’m sorry, madam, but he was very clear—I’m not to leave, no matter how stubborn you get."

Her tone grates on my nerves. She speaks to me like I’m some unruly child. My patience snaps.

"Listen, this is my damn house, and Ethan has no say here. Leave before I call the police."

Uncertainty flickers across her face. She wants to obey Ethan’s orders, but she’s not sure I won’t follow through on my threat.

Before she can respond, another knock echoes through the house. Seriously? Was today Invade Sophia’s House day?

"Looks like you have another visitor," Amelia says dryly before heading to the door.

She returns with a uniformed man holding a clipboard.

"Sophia Sterling?" he asks.

I raise my hand weakly.

"I have a delivery for you. I’ll need your signature."

"What delivery?" I rub my temples, already feeling a migraine coming on. I was tempted to kick everyone out just to get some peace.

He checks his clipboard. "A brand-new Range Rover."

I blink. "Excuse me?"

Amelia bolts out of the room before I can process his words.

The man repeats himself, unfazed. I stare at him, dumbfounded. First a nurse I didn’t hire, now a car?

"Damn, it’s the latest model," Amelia says, walking back in, looking stunned.

I turn back to the delivery man. "Let me guess—Ethan Blackwood bought it and put it in my name?"

Before he can answer, the man himself strides in like he owns the place.

"Actually, yes. Your car was destroyed, so I got you a new one." He nods at Amelia. "Hello, Amelia."

She greets him back, leaving me gaping at them. Apparently, I was the only one who didn’t know my brother was dating her. Would I have ever found out if she hadn’t come here herself?

I stand slowly, facing Ethan. "I appreciate the gesture—since I’m Liam’s mother—but it’s unnecessary. I have everything under control."

Deep down, I knew that was the only reason he was doing this. Not because he cared, but because I was Liam’s mother. He’d made that painfully clear before.

A frown darkens his face. "That’s not why."

"I don’t need your help," I interrupt. "Tell him to take the car back, and terminate her services." I gesture at the delivery man and Charlotte.

"You don’t need help?" Ethan scoffs. "I don’t see a new car. No phone. And you look like you’re about to collapse. You need rest and someone to take care of you."

"I said I’m fine. I’ll order a new phone tomorrow, and I already have a plan for a car."

Why couldn’t he just leave me alone? Ignore me like he used to?

"Then show me. Show me the car you’ve picked out," he demands, his tone domineering.

I huff, grabbing my laptop. I’d done my research in the hospital. I knew exactly what I wanted.

I turn the screen toward him.

"Seriously?" He raises an eyebrow, disdain dripping from his voice.

"That’s a piece of junk, Sophia," Amelia chimes in.

I turn to find everyone peering over my shoulder, nodding in agreement. Irritation flares—I’d forgotten we had an audience.

"Excuse us," I mutter, grabbing Ethan’s wrist and dragging him to the kitchen.

In my head, it was a swift, dramatic move. In reality, it was slow and awkward.

I release him, leaning against the counter.

"Amelia’s right. That car is garbage," he sneers. "How are you even supposed to drive it?"

Sure, it was old and used—probably falling apart—but it was my choice. It didn’t need to be flashy. Just functional.

"It’s my decision, Ethan," I snap, crossing my arms.

His expression shifts into that cold, businesslike mask I knew too well.

"You refused a single penny in the divorce. On a teacher’s salary, you can’t afford much. This house is mortgaged, bills pile up, and now you want to add a car payment? Just accept my help. It’s practical."

Every word stings because it echoes what Isabella and everyone else thinks of me. They look down on me for being just a teacher.

"I said no to the damn car!" I shout, my temper flaring.

His jaw tightens, and he steps into my space. "Be reasonable for once in your life, Sophia."

"I am being reasonable! I asked for a divorce so you’d be out of my life. Why are you suddenly so invested in helping me when you couldn’t care less before?"

"Because you’re Liam’s mother," he growls, eyes blazing. "Our lives are tied together whether you like it or not."

"Only for the next ten years. Being in Liam’s life doesn’t mean you have to be in mine."

Exhaustion weighs me down. I slump onto a barstool, my head throbbing.

"Take the damn car," he orders again.

"Why don’t you take it and shove it where the sun doesn’t shine?" I snap.

It wasn’t about gratitude. I just didn’t want to owe him anything. And I definitely didn’t need Isabella showing up to lecture me about it.

Before Ethan can retort, Amelia walks in.

"Not sure why you two bothered leaving the room when we can hear you screaming from here."

We both glare at her.

"Look, Ethan, Sophia’s exhausted. It’s been a long morning. Drop the car argument—you’re just making it worse. And Sophia, accept Charlotte’s help. You can barely stand. You need someone."

I want to argue, but she’s right. I do need help. Maybe just this once…

"Fine," Ethan and I say in unison.

Amelia smirks, helping me up. "You’re about to pass out."

She guides me back to the living room. The delivery man is gone—probably waiting outside.

Amelia hands me off to Charlotte. "Looks like you’re staying. Ethan and I will head out."

Charlotte nods. Amelia steps forward, hugging me tightly.

"I’ll see you soon. And thank you… for giving me a chance." Her voice is thick with emotion.

All I can manage is a weak smile.

She hugs me once more before leaving. I expect Ethan to follow, but he lingers.

"One more thing." He places a brand-new phone on the table.

Before I can react, he brushes a soft kiss against my cheek—then walks away.

I stand there, stunned.

"Come, Miss Sterling. Let’s get you to bed," Charlotte murmurs.

I nod absently, my mind racing.

Why was Ethan doing this? I didn’t want this softer side of him—the one he’d never shown me before. It was easier when he was just the villain in my story.

Easier to hate him.