Woke Up and Left the Cage of My Marriage 22
Chapter 22
After the press conference, Ethan poured every last bit of his social network and resources. into one final search. At last, he found Natalie’s new location-
Switzerland, a quiet mountain town, where she seemed to be searching for fresh inspiration.
He caught the next flight, traveling alone this time-no entourage, no air of importance. He came as nothing more than a man desperately seeking someone, following the address to a small wooden cabin nestled at the edge of the town, ringed by snow-capped peaks and pine
forests.
He stood outside the fence, gazing into the yard. There was Natalie, wrapped in a blanket on a wicker chair, her knees covered, an easel before her as she sketched in silence.
Sunlight spilled over her, tranquil and radiant.
Ethan’s heart was racing, almost to the point of bursting out of his chest.
He took a deep breath for courage, gently pushed open the gate, and walked inside.
She heard the soft crunch of his steps, lifting her head. When she saw who it was, a trace of surprise flickered across her face, quickly fading to calm. Compared to the icy distance at the beach, her eyes now held a kind of quiet complexity—not warmth, but something deeper — though not the emotion Ethan so desperately hoped for.
He stopped several steps away, not daring to get too close for fear of shattering her peace.
He looked at her, a thousand things stuck in his throat, but in the end, only one trembling, humble plea came out: “Natalie… the press conference… did you see it?”
She set down her pencil, looked at him with steady eyes-no admission, no denial.
Her gaze swept across his haggard face and sunken eyes. For an instant, the complexity in her eyes deepened, but then disappeared.
Ethan’s heart slowly sank, but he still clung to one last shred of hope. Gathering all his strength, he repeated what he’d said in front of the cameras: “Ethan is already gone… The man standing in front of you now is just someone who loves you… Please, give me a chance? Even if… even if we start as strangers…”
Natalie held his gaze, silent for a long, long time! So long, Ethan thought she might soften.
But then she shook her head-softly, clearly-her voice cold and clear as a mountain spring:
“No need.”
Just three words, light as air, but they crashed over Ethan like mountains, crushing any hope
Chapter 22
he’d managed to hold onto.
He stumbled, face draining of color, white as paper.
“Why…” His voice broke, rough and raw with despair. “I know I was wrong… I’d do anything to make it up to you…”
“Because I don’t need it.” Natalie cut him off, looking straight at him with honesty and clarity. There was no anger, no bitterness in her eyes-just the kind of understanding and peace that only comes from surviving every storm. “Ethan, your apology, your regret, even your love… none of that matters to me now. I’ve let go of the past. I’ve started over. Your arrival, everything you’ve done-whether you’re forcing or begging-only disturbs my life.”
She paused, her tone even carrying a trace of gentle pity: “Let it go, Ethan. Let yourself go,
too.”
She picked up her pencil again, her gaze drifting out to the snowy mountains. She didn’t look back at him. In that moment, everything about her told him it was time to leave.
Ethan stood there, hollow as a statue stripped of its soul.
The mountain wind brushed against his thin coat, bringing a sharp chill.
He watched her silent, focused silhouette and finally understood: all the humility he’d offered, all his desperate regret-none of it stirred her heart at all.
He had lost. He had lost completely.
Soon after, the annual international top jewelry design competition-the Goldsmith Award- held its finals in Paris. Natalie, entering under the name “Lark,” made it to the last round with
a collection titled “Nirvana.”
This collection drew inspiration from the mythical phoenix, featuring stunning metalwork and gemstone inlays -so powerful and breathtaking, it was already being called the favorite
to win.
The night before the finals, Natalie and her assistant were working late in the exhibition hall, joined by Derek, who’d flown in especially to support her.
Ethan, of course, followed the competition closely-it was a milestone in her new life.
Late that night, news broke: arson at the exhibition hall!
The blaze started fast and fierce, targeting the exact area where Natalie’s collection was displayed!
Ethan froze when he got the call. His mind went completely blank.
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He ran on instinct, heading out immediately.
All the way there, he kept calling for updates-voice tight and frantic with terror-ordering his people to do whatever it took to keep Natalie safe and summoning every rescue team he could reach.
When he finally burst through the crowded terminal at Paris Airport, sprinting toward the smoke-choked exhibition center, he arrived just in time to see a nightmare scene: Natalie rushing in to fight the fire-a ball of fire suddenly arcing toward her!
She must have inhaled smoke, because she hesitated for a split second-just enough for disaster.
“Natalie! Watch out!”
Without thinking, Ethan launched himself at her, throwing his whole body forward. He tackled her to the ground, shielding her with his own back-
Thud!
A burning piece of debris smashed down on him. Instantly, flames licked up his expensive suit.
“Ugh…” Ethan grunted through clenched teeth, but he refused to let go. Even as fire scorched his skin, he kept Natalie protected beneath him.
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