When His Hero Complex Cost Him Everything

My husband, Ethan Blake, ended up at the police station for the seventh time, and once again, it was because he got into a fight defending my best friend, Lily Scott.

When I arrived at the station, his face was covered in injuries, and he comforted Lily while ordering me around.

Ava, go pay the fine first. Lily got badly frightened, so Ill stay here with her.

Lily was crying hysterically.

Im sorry. If I hadnt been sexually harassed by some creep again, you wouldnt have had to fight for me again.

But Ethan looked completely unconcerned.

Its not your fault that you were harassed. If something like this happens again, Ill still step in.

He looked at me like it was only natural.

Ava will agree that I should protect you too.

I said nothing and asked calmly,

How much compensation do we have to pay this time?

The other partys lawyer handed me a list. This time, Ethan had hit too hard, and we had to pay forty thousand dollars in medical expenses.

I froze on the spot.

What if we dont pay?

The lawyer looked at me with sympathy. If you dont pay compensation, your husband will definitely go to jail.

Of course I did not agree, and I touched my lower belly before turning to leave.

Just an hour ago, I had still been hesitating over whether to divorce him.

Now, it seemed I had to.

I had barely taken two steps out of the police station.

Ethan immediately chased after me and grabbed my wrist.

Ava, why didnt you pay the fine?

I looked at him calmly.

Ethan, youre thirty this year, not thirteen.

Youve been taken to the police station six times for fighting, and as an adult, you should bear the consequences yourself.

His expression changed slightly.

Lily ran over and grabbed my hand, her eyes red and swollen.

Im sorry, Ava, its all my fault. Someone was following me again just now, and I really didnt know who else to call, so I called Ethan.

As she cried, she slapped herself across the face.

Its all my fault. I shouldnt have called Ethan. Id rather be hurt by someone than watch your marriage suffer because of me

What are you doing!

Ethan stopped her and practically pulled Lily into his arms, moving so naturally it was as if they had done it many times before.

I already said its not your fault. Im a man, and I cant ignore something like that when I see it.

Ava, stop making a scene. Go pay the fine, then apologize to Lily!

I said nothing and only stared steadily at the man I had loved for ten years.

We met ten years ago because he saved me too.

A drunk creep was following me, and Ethan rushed over, grabbed my hand, pulled me into his arms, pretended to be my friend, and took me somewhere safe.

At that moment, my whole heart was full of him.

I liked him even more because he had a steady, calm temper.

But in the ten years we had been together, he had never fought for me.

Even when I was sexually harassed by a senior executive at my company, he only frowned and advised me,

Let it go, Ava. If you make a big deal out of it, how will you keep working at the company?

But for Lily, he could make exceptions again and again.

The first time he fought for Lily was because Lilys ex-boyfriend broke into her home in the middle of the night and tried to rape her.

After he got the call, he rushed to Lilys place at one in the morning and beat her ex-boyfriend until his ribs were broken.

After he was taken to the police station, he was completely certain.

Ava, I know I was impulsive, but shes your best friend, and I couldnt watch her get ruined by someone.

He wrapped me in his arms, his voice gentle.

Your poor husband is going to prison. Can you bear that?

I clenched my fists, and the diamond on my ring finger dug uncomfortably into my skin.

But it also reminded me that we were husband and wife, one unit, and I could not let him go to jail.

Back then, Lily cried until she was a mess of tears and held my hand gratefully.

Ava, you and Ethan are my saviors, and Ill never forget this for the rest of my life!

But later, again and again.

Ethan made exceptions for her over and over.

And every time afterward, he swore to me, This is the last time, Ava. Next time, I absolutely wont be this impulsive.

This time, I was truly tired.

I pushed Ethans hand away.

Ethan, forty thousand is not a small amount.

The baby is already four months along. I need to save money to raise him and prepare a lot of things, and I cant come up with that much money.

Besides, I had just decided to get a divorce, and I still needed to hire a lawyer.

From now on, Ethan could only handle these things himself.

His expression changed instantly, and his tone darkened.

What about the money I usually give you? Ava, where did you spend all the money?

I let out a soft laugh.

I took out an accounting notebook.

Everything was written clearly inside.

The money for my mother-in-laws long-term hospitalization after she got sick was over two hundred thousand.

The money for his last car upgrade was eight hundred thousand.

The costs of all his business dinners and socializing added up to one hundred fifty thousand.

There were also the medical compensation payments from the previous six times he fought for Lily, which already totaled more than three hundred thousand.

As for the money I spent on caring for myself during pregnancy and taking supplements, it was in the last column, pitifully small at only a few thousand dollars.

Ethans brows furrowed even deeper.

What about the companys cash flow?

The last project blew up, and it all went into filling that hole.

My voice was very soft.

You were busy going with Lily to see a therapist, so did you forget about the company?

Lily cried harder and harder, so Ethan could only comfort her while ordering me.

Go borrow some money first, and Ill pay it back later! Lily feels terrible right now!

I told him to wait for me for a moment.

Soon, I came back with a contract.

Ill open authorization and use the company account for you. Sign this, and finance will transfer the money to me.

He signed it without even looking.

I calmly put the contract away, paid the fine for him, and turned to leave.

Ethan called from behind me, Ill take Lily home first. Its dark, and she isnt safe alone.

I said nothing.

He had forgotten that I was alone too, and I was also a pregnant woman four months along.

The sky was dark and the road was dim, and if I walked alone, I could easily be in danger too.

But whenever it involved Lily, he cared about nothing else.

I slowly walked home and prepared to pack my luggage.

At the same time, I spoke to my lawyer on the phone. I already tricked him into signing the divorce agreement.

The next second, the door opened.

Ethan came back, a little tiredness in his eyes, and he was carrying a bag of my favorite cinnamon cake.

Hungry? How did todays prenatal checkup go?

It was fine.

Dont take Lilys matter to heart.

He paused, his tone carrying a trace of apology.

Remember how Lily helped us when the company was at its hardest point, so we should be grateful to her too. Saving her is barely any effort.

I froze for a moment.

Back when the company was struggling and on the verge of bankruptcy, I was the one who sold my patent to fill the hole for him.

I only cared about his pride, so I did not tell him the truth and instead had Lily hand the bank card to him for me. I never expected that, even now, he still believed Lily had saved him.

But I no longer wanted to explain.

Ethan touched my face.

All right, this really is the last time. I promise you that from now on, I absolutely wont impulsively step in again.

But when he mentioned the sleazy man who followed Lily, the hostility and murderous intent in his eyes could not be hidden at all.

I gently pulled my hand away. Youre hurting me.

He let go, and his tone softened a little.

All right, go to sleep. Our baby needs to sleep early too.

He carried me to bed, fed me some nourishing soup, massaged my feet for thirty minutes, and carefully lit the calming aromatherapy blend made especially for me.

He gently stroked my belly.

Baby, hurry and sleep. Dont kick Mommy, or Daddy will feel bad.

He had kept up this routine for all four months of my pregnancy.

A faint ache rose in my chest.

Every time I was unhappy because he favored Lily, he would do these little things.

They made me unable to harden my heart, and they made me want to give him one more chance.

I silently looked toward the divorce agreement in the drawer.

If he promised this was the last time, perhaps I could give him one chance.

One in the morning.

The phone suddenly rang loudly.

I woke in panic, but Ethan answered the phone even faster than I did.

From the other end came a heart-wrenching cry.

Okay, dont panic. Ill be there right away!

Ethan threw on his coat and rushed out the door.

What happened?

Something happened to Lily. I have to go check on her.

My heart tightened, and despite his objection, I followed him out.

I need to watch you, so you dont hit someone again.

His face looked awful, and his voice was stiff. I wont hit anyone.

The car arrived at Lilys home, and he took out a key and opened the door.

Lily was wearing a semi-sheer lace nightgown, and she threw herself into Ethans arms, her voice shrill with fear.

Ethan, thank God you came. A man climbed in through my window just now, and I was so scared

But I already fought him off, and this time I didnt cause trouble for you!

Dont worry. Im here.

Ethan gently stroked her back.

You protected yourself very well.

Lily smiled through her tears. Thats only because the self-defense moves you taught me worked.

I spoke softly.

Where is that man?

They both looked at me at the same time.

Lily immediately let go of Ethan and looked timid.

Im sorry, Ava. Did I disturb your sleep again?

I took out my phone.

Since someone broke into your home just now and threatened you, how about I call the police for you?

Ava!

Ethan scolded me in a low voice.

She just went through something terrible. Calling the police now will only upset her more. How can you not understand something so simple?

I could not help laughing out loud.

So were just going to let it go? Lily, every time something happens to you, the first thing you think of isnt calling the police, but calling my husband.

As soon as I finished speaking, Lilys face instantly turned as pale as paper.

I dont know anyone else in this city. I only know you two, so

There are cameras all around your house, and the security level in this neighborhood is very high. If a man who broke into a private home could get in, he definitely isnt ordinary. If you dont call the police, youll still be in danger again.

I cut her off and pressed the number.

The next second, Ethan snatched my phone out of my hand and smashed it on the floor!

Bang!

The screen shattered instantly, reflecting his twisted face.

Enough!

She is your best friend. Stop being so aggressive!

I froze in place.

He patted Lilys shoulder.

Ill stay here with Lily tonight and go back after dawn, in case that man comes back.

Ava, go home by yourself.

I looked at him deeply.

Ethan, if you insist on staying here with her, were getting divorced.

Ethans face instantly turned livid.

Ava, are you sure you want to make a scene?

Im not making a scene.

She is your best friend, and if shes in danger, I cant just ignore it!

But shes also a woman,

I looked coldly at Lily.

I cannot accept my husband being alone in the same room with another woman in the middle of the night.

Lily, even I dont have a key to your place, so why does my husband have one? Arent we supposed to be best friends? Or did you want Ethan to come and go from your home freely behind my back from the very beginning?

Lily swayed, her face deathly pale. Last time, he took me home, and I thought maybe it would be more convenient to leave him a key.

Ethan, hurry and go home with Ava. I dont want you two to argue because of me

The next second, however, she tremblingly clung to Ethans shoulder as if she were about to faint.

Ethan picked her up in his arms, his voice cold as ice.

Stop talking nonsense.

Im only staying with her. Ill sit by the bed and keep a video call open for you. Ava, your thoughts are disgusting.

He turned and carried Lily into the bedroom, and the door slammed so loudly it shook my ears.

I turned around too.

Outside, the cold wind howled, and at two in the morning, there were already no taxis on the street.

Just like that, I walked six kilometers step by step before I got home.

My feet were already swollen from pregnancy, and by the time I got home, both of my feet had been rubbed raw with blisters.

My tears fell silently and endlessly.

I remembered the year he loved me most, when I twisted my ankle at a sports meet.

Even though he had just finished running a thousand meters himself, he carried me on his back all the way to the infirmary.

Now, he was also the one who let me walk home alone on a winter night.

How ridiculous.

I took out that divorce agreement and signed my name heavily.

Then I bought a plane ticket to South City three days later.

Ethan, you will regret this one day.

Early the next morning, Ethan came home, his eyes shadowed with dark circles.

Why didnt you answer when I video-called you last night?

There was no need.

He sighed tiredly. I only wanted to prove that there really is nothing between Lily and me. I help her only because she is your good friend.

I nodded faintly.

From now on, you can help her as much as you want.

He did not understand the meaning behind my words, and a trace of relief flashed in his eyes.

I knew you were understanding.

But a moment later, he suddenly received a phone call.

Ava, how can you be so vicious!

He grabbed my wrist hard, his eyes full of disappointment and hatred.

Lily hired a private investigator and found out that you hired that man!

No wonder she keeps running into men stalking and harassing her. It turns out you were behind all of it!

My breath caught. I didnt! Ethan, youre hurting me!

I can call the police right now and have them investigate!

He sneered.

Those men have all fled abroad. If you were capable of doing this, then of course you made perfect arrangements! You honestly scare me!

He shoved me hard.

My lower back hit a sharp decoration, and pain spread through my whole body until I went numb and collapsed to the floor.

His figure had already disappeared through the door.

And just as I was about to get up, in the next second, a scalding hot flow surged from beneath me.

I was miscarrying!

I immediately called Ethan.

Ethan, please take me to the hospital. Im miscarrying!

The person on the other end was clearly tense for a moment.

Where are you?

But the next second, Lilys voice sounded faintly.

Ava, I know you hate me, but you cant use a fake miscarriage to trick Ethan.

When I saw you last time, your pregnancy was very stable. How could you possibly miscarry?

I broke down. Ethan! Dont believe her. I really might be miscarrying. This is our child!

Ethans voice suddenly turned cold.

Ava, you can even lie about a miscarriage. You truly disgust me!

The call was abruptly hung up.

Using the last of my strength, I propped myself up and called an ambulance.

By the time I reached the hospital, my blood oxygen was very low, and the baby was already gone.

I underwent a dilation and curettage on the bed, and the pain tore through me.

But Lily posted a photo on Ins.

She leaned on Ethans shoulder, eating pizza he had made with his own hands, smiling gently.

[You said you would protect me forever, and you really kept your word]

Around her neck was a necklace, the one Ethan had ordered for me from France for our last anniversary, and it had just arrived.

At that moment, my heart hurt so badly that it went completely numb.

My four-month-old baby was gone.

The final thread between Ethan and me was completely severed too.

One day later.

I went to City Hall and rushed through the process to get the divorce certificate.

When I came back, Ethan happened to be in the kitchen making soup.

Seeing me arrive, he lifted his eyes slightly.

Youre back? Lily isnt angry with you anymore, but you need to apologize to her.

I spoke softly.

Okay.

Ethan froze for a moment, and his tone became a little unnatural.

Also, her house isnt very safe, so shell stay at our place for now. I plan to turn your studio into a bedroom for her.

Okay.

He hesitated, looked at me for a long time, and sighed softly.

I hope you really mean that.

His gaze swept over my lower belly, but I was dressed thickly, so he did not notice anything wrong.

Take good care of the baby, and stop overthinking things. Ill go to the hospital to see Lily first, then come back later to keep you company.

I smiled and quietly placed his copy of the divorce certificate in his study.

What I thought no longer mattered, because what mattered was that I was leaving.

Before Ethan went out, he suddenly spoke.

Oh, right. I ordered seafood, so remember to sign for it when it arrives. Lily likes fresh Australian lobsters, so put them in the fridge.

I still nodded and said okay.

Even though he had forgotten that I was allergic to seafood.

Everything completely faded from my life the moment he closed the door.

I dragged my suitcase and went steadily to the airport.

I only left him one sentence.

[Ethan, we are completely over]

A few hours later, I flew all the way to South City, and after landing, I turned on my phone.

But a storm of missed calls and messages instantly flooded in.