Between Love and Betrayal

I spent four years helping Ethan rebuild after bankruptcy, only to watch him propose to my half-sister Vivian at his victory celebration.

He said marriage could only be for Vivian. I was nothing more than his most obedient pawn.

Vivian deliberately framed me for causing her miscarriage, then had someone inject me with poison. He witnessed it all with his own eyes, yet he chose to believe her over me.

At the engagement party, surveillance footage revealed the truth, exposing her cruelty for all to see.

Ethan collapsed in regret, kneeling before me and begging for reconciliation.

But I simply took the arm of my new lover, Adrian Luton, and smiled faintly. "Ethan, it's too late."

Lily's POV

When Ethan Sterling's family went bankrupt and everyone said the former genius would never rise again, I was the only one who stood by him without hesitation.

I believed he could start over. I believed he could make a comeback and reclaim his place at the top, restoring the Sterling name.

Four years later, he proved me right.

Not only did Ethan pay off all his debts, but he took Sterling Tech to new heights.

After four years, he stood at the pinnacle of power once more, his glory unmatched.

Everyone marveled at how Ethan truly was a genius, different from ordinary people.

"Lily, your suffering has finally paid off," my friend Sophie called excitedly. "Ethan's been working himself to death these past years just so he could marry you in style, right? I heard he's planning to propose tonight at the victory party. Did he give you any hint about this huge event?"

Ethan was planning to propose tonight at the victory party?

My heart skipped a beat.

I knew about the party. It was to celebrate Sterling Tech successfully securing that crucial project.

But a proposal... he'd been secretly planning this?

"He didn't tell me. Maybe he wants to surprise me," I said, unable to hide the smile on my lips. "I have to go. I'm picking up the gift I prepared for him."

After hanging up, I accepted the deep blue velvet box from the clerk.

Inside was a pair of cufflinks, platinum settings inlaid with two perfectly cut black diamonds.

I'd had these custom-made specifically to celebrate Ethan's success with this project.

But I never expected he would propose at this very party.

At the thought, warmth flooded my chest like honey.

I tucked away the jewelry box and was about to leave when a familiar voice drifted from behind a marble column nearby.

"Is everything ready?" It was Ethan.

"All set, Mr. Sterling. This is the ring custom-made according to your design and specifications. Please take a look."

His design?

So for tonight's proposal, he'd even personally designed the ring.

He was just like me. We both wanted to surprise each other tonight.

My heart grew even sweeter, and I looked forward to the party even more.

I was debating whether to go over and greet him when I heard the voice of Ethan's friend Marcus, tinged with amusement. "Wonder if Vivian will be more happy or surprised when she sees this ring you designed for her?"

I felt like I'd been nailed to the spot, my mind suddenly blank.

Vivian... my half-sister?

Marcus asked curiously, "You specifically invited Vivian to tonight's party, but I'll be there too. Aren't you afraid Lily will see you propose to another woman and make a scene?"

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Then I heard Ethan reply in a tone so calm it was almost indifferent, "She won't know. I'll find an excuse to keep her away."

Marcus sighed.

"Four years ago when the Sterling family went bankrupt and everyone thought you were finished, only Lily believed in you. She stayed by your side through four years of hardship, even sold the sapphire necklace her grandmother left her to cover project expenses... Does all that still not compare to the girl who saved your life when you were young?"

"During the hardest times, Lily was willing to stay with me. She's been very good to me," Ethan said after several seconds of silence. "I can give her anything. But marriage... I just can't."

Marcus sighed heavily. "Fine. Since you've made up your mind, I won't say more."

Soon the sound of footsteps faded from behind the column.

I leaned against the cold jewelry counter, my fingers trembling, my blood freezing instantly. I couldn't believe what I'd just heard.

My phone buzzed at that moment. A message from Ethan.

"Lily, there'll be a lot of drinking at tonight's party, and you've been having stomach trouble. You've never liked these social events anyway. Stay home and wait for me, okay? I'll come straight back after the party."

I stared at those words, cold spreading from deep within, a sharp pain stabbing through me.

Slowly, I lifted my stiff fingers and typed: "Okay."

Lily's POV

Perhaps because I still held onto a thread of hope, I couldn't bring myself to believe Ethan would really propose to another woman.

Even less could I believe that woman would be my half-sister.

In the end, I still went to the hotel hosting the victory party.

I found a server, paid them, and changed into their uniform with a mask. I slipped into the banquet hall without trouble.

The hall was crowded.

Everyone wore flattering smiles as they raised their glasses to the outstanding man at the center of the crowd.

Ethan wore the suit I'd personally ironed that morning. He stood tall, conversing easily, his expression full of confidence and success.

The emcee took the stage and made some opening remarks.

Then Ethan took the microphone, his magnetic voice carrying clearly through the speakers to every corner.

"Thank you all for being here. My company's success today wouldn't be possible without your support. But for me personally, there's something even more important I want to share tonight, and I hope to receive your blessings."

His gaze shifted to the crowd below, landing on Vivian.

She wore a silver sequined mermaid gown, her makeup flawless and elegant.

Ethan walked toward her, took her hand under everyone's gaze, and led her to the center of the room.

"These past four years, I've faced many setbacks, but one person has always supported me and given me strength. Her name is Vivian." He looked at the woman beside him, her cheeks flushing. "Without her, I might not be standing here today."

In the corner of the hall, my heart sank.

Then I watched as Ethan reached into his jacket and pulled out a deep blue box.

He opened it. A diamond ring sparkled brilliantly under the lights.

The ring's design was intricate and gorgeous, clearly made with tremendous care.

As everyone held their breath, Ethan knelt on one knee before Vivian.

"Vivian," he said with deep emotion, "will you marry me?"

Vivian covered her mouth with her hands, tears spilling from her eyes as she nodded emphatically. "Yes!"

The room erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers.

I stood in the shadows, watching the embracing couple, my nails digging deep into my palms. I felt no pain.

So these four years, Vivian had been his most important pillar of support? It was Vivian who constantly encouraged him, supporting him until today?

Then what about me? What did my years of companionship and sacrifice mean?

Was it all just a stupid joke?

I tried to smile, but the curve of my lips was bitter.

I didn't rush over screaming to ruin this carefully prepared proposal. Instead, I turned silently and left this ceremony that was never meant for me.

The April night wind felt cold.

I wandered the streets like a ghost, with no destination.

I don't know how long I walked before a bridal shop window caught my eye.

A pristine wedding gown on a mannequin looked beautiful in the warm yellow light, like an unreal dream.

Memory's floodgates suddenly opened. I remembered during our most desperate days, Ethan and I passed by an upscale bridal boutique, and I couldn't help stealing a few glances.

Noticing my longing for the wedding dress, Ethan squeezed my hand tightly and said, "Lily, I'm sorry I can't give you much right now. But in the future, I'll personally design you a one-of-a-kind wedding gown and make you the most beautiful, happiest bride in the world."

Back then, the light in his eyes had been so bright and genuine.

So I believed him and willingly gave everything for that promise.

But now, he'd slipped his personally designed ring onto another woman's finger.

Well, he did say he'd design me a unique wedding gown to make me the happiest bride. He just never said I'd be his bride.

My chest ached unbearably again, tears blurring my vision.

My trust in him had become one enormous joke.

Just then, my phone rang.

The caller ID showed an unfamiliar number, but I recognized it.

I was about to decline when my finger hovering over the screen suddenly hesitated.

I took a deep breath, composed myself, and answered. "Hello."

"Lily, I apologize for calling so late, but I truly admire your talent. Our company sincerely invites you to join us. Whatever conditions you name, I can agree to them. Won't you reconsider?"

They'd called multiple times offering me this opportunity.

This time, I suddenly didn't want to refuse for Ethan's sake anymore.

After a pause, I said, "Alright. I accept your offer."

They were clearly surprised by my decisive answer. "Really?"

"Give me some time to handle things on my end."

Lily's POV

I returned to the penthouse I currently shared with Ethan and left the cufflink box on the shoe cabinet before heading to the bedroom.

I barely slept until dawn.

The next day, as I was preparing to leave, I noticed the gift box on the cabinet hadn't moved.

Clearly, Ethan hadn't come home all night.

I stared at it quietly for a few seconds, then left it there and headed out.

News of Ethan's proposal had spread throughout the company.

"Lily!"

The moment I stepped through the company entrance, Sophie rushed over angrily and pulled me into the break room without a word.

"What's going on? How could Ethan propose to Vivian? Has he lost his mind? Who is this Vivian anyway? Where did she come from?"

Sophie was a friend from college who'd joined Sterling Tech two years ago.

Now we were both friends and colleagues.

In the entire company, besides Ethan's assistant, only Sophie knew about my relationship with Ethan.

Just as I opened my mouth to answer, someone knocked on the break room door.

Ethan's assistant stood outside. "Lily, Mr. Sterling would like to see you in his office."

I patted Sophie's shoulder reassuringly. "I'll explain later."

Outside the CEO's office, the assistant announced, "Mr. Sterling, Lily is here."

"Lily."

Ethan immediately rose from behind his desk, walked over in a few strides, took my hand, and led me into the office.

His tone was apologetic. "I had too much to drink at the party last night and ended up sleeping at the hotel. I couldn't come back to be with you. Did you eat breakfast on time? Your stomach's been bothering you. You're not mad at me, are you?"

I didn't know if he'd really gotten drunk and slept at the hotel. I didn't want to ask.

I gently withdrew my hand and held out what I'd brought. "If you're worried I'm angry, just sign this."

"What is it?" Ethan took it curiously. When he saw what I'd handed him, he looked up at me in surprise. "A resignation letter? You're resigning?"

"Yes."

I offered no further explanation.

Ethan seemed puzzled by my sudden resignation, but seeing my calm expression, not looking like I was throwing a tantrum, his face relaxed.

Something seemed to occur to him.

"You're right. These four years you've been with me, you haven't had a proper day off. Now that the company's on solid footing with plenty of talented people, it makes sense for you to resign and rest." He smiled. "After all, I can give you everything now."

He picked up his pen and signed the approval line.

"There. Submit this to HR, finish your handover, and you won't need to come to the office anymore." He handed back the resignation letter, his tone light. "I'll take you to lunch. What do you feel like eating?"

"Mr. Sterling!"

Before I could respond, the assistant rushed in.

He approached Ethan and said quietly, "Miss Lynn is here. She says she needs to see you. She's downstairs."

Ethan's expression changed. He turned to me. "Lily, something urgent came up. I need to step out."

He didn't even wait for my response before grabbing his jacket from the chair and hurrying out of the office.

Watching his retreating figure, I clutched the resignation letter tighter.

Come to think of it, my current career success was all because of him.

Because I'd fallen for him at first sight and learned he was a leading figure in artificial intelligence, I'd applied to the same engineering university without hesitation, diving headfirst into boring algorithms and code.

Through four years of college, I achieved excellent results, which gave me opportunities to discuss topics with him and get closer to him.

Later, when the Sterling family collapsed, I brought all my love and courage to live with him in a shabby little apartment.

We crammed into that tiny room, pulling countless all-nighters together, discussing programming algorithms, celebrating every breakthrough with hugs.

Those days and nights fighting side by side, built on our combined efforts, ultimately formed the solid foundation of today's Sterling Tech, allowing the company to transform and return to everyone's view.

I thought after four years together, I'd entered his heart. But in the end, he passionately proposed to another woman.

The pain in my chest spread. I took a deep breath and put away the resignation letter.

Walking out of the building, the sunlight was a bit harsh.

I squinted, and suddenly saw Ethan by the roadside carefully helping Vivian into a car, then quickly moving to the driver's seat.

"Ethan?" Sophie beside me was furious and about to march over. "What does he think he's doing? What does he take you for? I'm going to ask him."

Lily's POV

I hurriedly grabbed Sophie before she could rush over. "Don't. There's no need to ask him."

"What do you mean, don't?" Sophie was angry and anxious, her chest heaving. "Lily, after everything you've done for him, how can he treat you like this?"

I couldn't answer her. I just smiled faintly. "Come have a drink with me."

Sophie looked at me, knowing that beneath my calm exterior, my heart was shattered. Her anger turned to heartache.

"Let's go! I'll drink as much as you want today!"

In the noisy bar, I drank one glass after another.

The harsh liquid burned down my throat, scorching my stomach, but it couldn't warm my gradually freezing heart.

After drinking for who knows how long, I got up to use the restroom.

Leaning against the sink, I looked at my disheveled reflection with reddened eyes in the mirror. I tried to smile but couldn't.

As I walked out of the restroom, a figure stumbled toward me, nearly knocking me over.

I frowned and stepped back, looking up at the person. It was Kevin, also a friend of Ethan's.

He'd clearly had quite a bit to drink too, his face flushed from alcohol.

"Isn't this Lily?" Kevin squinted, recognizing me, and slapped my shoulder hard. "Looking for Ethan? Come on, he's inside. I'll take you to him!"

Before I could refuse, Kevin pulled me around the corridor to a private room door.

"Ethan, look who I brought!" Kevin pushed open the door with a flourish.

The laughter inside stopped abruptly. Everyone's eyes turned toward us.

Seven or eight people sat inside, all Ethan's close friends. Marcus was there too.

Ethan sat in the middle of the sofa, and right beside him, pressed close, was Vivian in an elegant dress.

At that moment, Ethan's hand was still holding Vivian's. They looked very intimate.

Time seemed to freeze.

Ethan's smile stiffened. The others exchanged glances. The atmosphere instantly turned cold.

Kevin belatedly realized what he'd done. He slapped his forehead, the alcohol shock sobering him up. "Oh no, wait, that's not... Lily, I..."

Before he could finish, I turned and walked away without a word.

"Lily!"

Ethan's expression changed. He quickly stood and chased after me.

In the corridor, Ethan grabbed my wrist and pulled me back, forcing me to face him. "Lily, why are you here? And why did you leave as soon as you saw me?"

I looked up at him. "If I'd stayed, wouldn't it have been awkward for everyone?"

Ethan was silent for a moment before saying, "Did someone... tell you something?"

"Does someone need to tell me?" I smiled. "You proposed to Vivian. All your friends know. It's all over the company. You never planned to hide it. You're just waiting for me to leave on my own so you two can get married smoothly, right?"

"It's not what you think!" Ethan interrupted, urgently trying to explain. "Vivian is the heiress to the Lynn family empire. She saved my life before. These four years, she's used the Lynn family connections to help me secure many resources. She's made enemies because of it. I owe her too much."

"So what does that have to do with me?"

"Her only wish is to marry me. I'm marrying her to repay that debt." He gripped my shoulders with both hands. "Lily, don't you know who I've had in my heart all these years? As long as you don't mind her existence, nothing between us will change. We'll be just like before."

I froze, finding it unbelievable. "So you're saying you want me to be the mistress in your marriage to someone else?"

Ethan's expression stalled. He wanted to argue, but his words were interrupted by a sudden voice.

"Ethan, what are you doing here?"

Vivian walked gracefully toward us.

Lily's POV

Hearing her voice, Ethan quickly composed himself and dropped his hands from my shoulders.

Noticing this, I couldn't help but curl my lips mockingly.

Reaching us, Vivian's gaze swept between us before she asked curiously, "Ethan, aren't you going to introduce us?"

Ethan frowned, his Adam's apple bobbing. He said somewhat unnaturally, "This is... Lily. My work colleague."

Hearing his introduction, I found it absurd and laughable.

Four years of shared hardship, four years of unreserved devotion. In his mouth, it all became just "work colleague."

Ethan avoided my gaze and turned to ask Vivian, "Why did you come out?"

Vivian said coquettishly, "I saw you run out and thought something happened. I wanted to check on you."

As she spoke, she naturally linked her arm through Ethan's.

Ethan's body stiffened. He glanced at me hesitantly, his lips moving slightly as if wanting to say something.

But I didn't give him the chance. Without looking back, I turned and left.

After leaving the bar, I didn't return to the penthouse. Instead, I went to the shabby apartment where Ethan and I had lived together for four years.

Using my key to open the door, the scent of old times washed over me.

This small apartment wasn't large. Only about 500 square feet, one bedroom and a living room. But it was filled with our difficult yet sweet memories.

I remembered once when Ethan hugged me from behind, resting his chin on my head, and said softly, "Lily, I'm sorry you have to live here with me. In the future, I'll give you the best of everything in the world."

Later, when the AI system we developed together launched and achieved great success in the industry, helping Ethan make his comeback, he asked what reward I wanted. I only asked for this apartment.

Because this apartment held special meaning for me.

So Ethan bought it, and I kept the key.

Now it seemed that meaning was just a mocking joke.

I curled up on the small, old sofa in the living room all night. This was my last time reminiscing about our past.

The next day, I contacted a real estate agent and listed the apartment.

"The price is negotiable. My only requirement is completing the transfer as quickly as possible."

"Understood, Lily."

The agent was efficient and came quickly to photograph and appraise the property.

After finishing, I locked the apartment door and came downstairs to see an unexpected figure.

Vivian leaned against a white sports car, apparently waiting for some time.

I had no desire to see her and was about to leave when Vivian suddenly called out to me. "I heard you and Ethan lived here for four years, so this apartment must mean a lot to you, right?"

I stopped and slowly turned to face her. "What do you want?"

Vivian lowered her head, gently stroking the ring on her finger. Her expression was triumphant. "Even though you and Ethan went through a lot together, unfortunately, I'm the one he's marrying. We'll be starting wedding preparations soon."

"Congratulations then," I answered coldly. "I wish you both happiness. If there's nothing else, I'm leaving."

"Lily, you never expected this, did you? You stayed with him through four years of hardship, but you still lost to me."

My chest ached in waves, but I suddenly laughed. My laughter sounded so cold.

"You've loved stealing from me since we were children. Stealing my man as an adult. What's so surprising? After all, you and your mother Jade are alike. You both love stealing other people's men."

Seeing Vivian's sudden rage, I found it deeply ironic.

Ethan never knew that the Lynn family's true heir wasn't Vivian-it was me.

After my mother died, my father Victor Lynn brought Vivian and her mother into our home to live with us. Vivian had always loved competing with me for everything, and Victor constantly favored Vivian, forcing me to yield again and again.

So when I came of age, I changed my surname, severed ties with the Lynn family, and moved out.

"Vivian, picking up my leftovers and being so proud of it-doesn't that disgust you?"

After my sarcastic remark, I turned to leave.

"Stop right there! What do you mean, your leftovers?" Vivian, enraged, rushed over and grabbed me. "You couldn't compete with me-you lost to me!"

I looked at her disdainfully. "I lost to you?"

Vivian gritted her teeth and suddenly sneered coldly. "This time, I'll make you lose even more thoroughly!"

Suddenly, before I could react, Vivian grabbed my hand and pushed herself backward.

Then Vivian stumbled back, her back hitting the stairway steps hard, and she let out a painful scream.

To any onlooker, it would clearly appear that I'd violently pushed her to the ground.

"Vivian!!!"

Lily's POV

Pain shot through my shoulder as I was shoved back two steps by a man rushing toward us.

When I steadied myself, I saw Ethan cradling Vivian in his arms.

"Vivian, are you okay? Where does it hurt?"

I'd never heard such panic in Ethan's voice before.

"My stomach... my stomach hurts so much..."

Vivian looked like she was in terrible pain, fine beads of sweat forming on her forehead.

Following her gesture, Ethan looked down and saw dark red blood flowing down from the top of her thighs.

I saw it too.

That glaring red was like lightning striking my mind, leaving it completely blank.

"Ethan, save our baby..." Vivian clutched Ethan's arm tightly, looking at him through tears. "Please... save our baby..."

"Okay, okay, don't talk. I'm taking you to the hospital!"

Ethan scooped Vivian up and rushed toward his car like a madman, not even glancing at me once.

I stood there dazed. A baby?

They actually... had a child?

After hesitating, I still followed them to the hospital.

At the hospital, the emergency room doors opened and the doctor walked out, expression grave.

Ethan immediately approached. "Doctor, how is she?"

"I'm sorry, she's miscarried. We've performed a D&C procedure. She's not in life-threatening danger and will be transferred to a regular room shortly."

"Miscarried..."

Ethan's tall frame swayed. Then he slowly turned his head, his gaze landing on me in the corner.

That look was cold as a knife.

As if asking me, why did you do that?

I opened my mouth to say something, but just then, rapid footsteps approached from far away.

I'd just turned to look when a loud slap landed hard across my face.

My cheek exploded in pain, my ears ringing. The force knocked my head to the side, and I tasted blood in my mouth.

Seeing this, Ethan rushed over. "Mr. Lynn, what are you doing?"

"Stay out of this, Ethan. This is a family matter!"

"What?"

Facing Ethan's confusion, Victor didn't explain. Instead, he turned to me in fury.

"Lily, how could you be so vicious? That's your sister! She was pregnant, and you still went after her!"

I covered my swollen face and looked at this man who shared my blood, my biological father.?

"I didn't push her," I said coldly. "She deliberately fell and framed me."

"How dare you!" Victor trembled with rage.

"Vivian has always been kind and considerate. But you! You've been selfish since childhood, always competing with Vivian for everything. You've hurt her more than once or twice. I think you just can't stand to see your sister happy!"

"I'm selfish? I compete with her? I don't want her to be happy?"

Yes, Victor Lynn was always like this.

In his eyes, Vivian was forever kind and considerate.

While I, Lily, was forever the unreasonable, petty one.

Clearly it was Vivian who loved stealing my things. Clearly it was Vivian who provoked me with her words. But in the end, it was always my fault.

He never listened to my explanations, never gave me justice.

Jade wailed to Victor, heartbroken. "Vivian lost her baby because of her, and she still wants to make excuses. As their father, shouldn't you do something for Vivian?"

"Since you're still so vicious, then get back to the Lynn house and face your punishment!" Victor was cold and merciless as he ordered the servants behind him, "Take her back and lock her in the back courtyard. Watch her carefully!"

The servants moved to restrain me. I said coldly, "Back off. I'll walk on my own."

I knew nothing I said would help. No one would believe me.

But before the servants took me away, I couldn't help looking at Ethan.

I heard my own hoarse voice ask, "What about you? Do you also not believe I didn't push her?"

Ethan frowned.

He said, "I saw you push her with my own eyes. How can I believe you?"

I looked at him and suddenly laughed.

There was no warmth in my eyes, only the indifference that comes after complete disappointment.

Ethan, I really don't love you anymore.