Love On Ice: Don’t Leave Me, My Charming Liar

Chapter 239: Ethan's psychological issues ran deep-without intervention, he risked becoming emotionally detached, functioning like a programmed machine rather than a human being. "Noelle," Ethan's voice carried an unusual weight. The unexpected emotion in his eyes-a glimpse of profound sadness-left her momentarily speechless. When she finally spoke, her tone had softened. "Ethan, without continued intervention, you risk serious consequences. A mental breakdown could come sooner than you think." "I failed to save your mother, but you...

I have to keep trying." Noelle's voice carried the weight of years of regret. The memory of her first visit to Zaylee, after hearing about her mental struggles, haunted her still. Back then, the warning signs had been clear, but Zaylee had deflected her concerns, asking only that she take Ethan away if possible. The official story that followed - Zaylee's mental breakdown and attempted murder-suicide - had never aligned with Noelle's last impression of her. Zaylee had appeared as a woman determined to live, and the sudden desire to end her life and her child's seemed incongruous.

This disconnect had always nagged at Noelle's conscience. Perhaps, had she alerted Zaylee's parents, they could have intervened. Instead, the tragedy had claimed not only Zaylee but, indirectly, her parents as well - her mother succumbing to illness first, and her father following shortly after. "You aren't responsible for this, Noelle," Ethan said, recognizing the self-reproach in her voice. "Your case is unprecedented in this country, Ethan. I cannot... I will not let history repeat itself." Noelle's words trembled with emotion.

Your journey begins on gⱯlnσνes․com Something in her plea reached Ethan, and he agreed to continue his therapy. For her part, Noelle had been blindsided by the reason Ethan had suddenly resisted treatment. She had assumed it had something to do with his mother. Instead, it was about a girl. "Can I meet her?" Noelle asked, her curiosity piqued and a little relieved. She had feared that his refusal stemmed from some buried trauma, but it seemed Ethan had formed a connection instead - an attachment. And from the way he spoke, his feelings for this girl were strong.

Ethan's reply was cool, his face impassive. "She probably wouldn't want that. She's trying to cut all ties with me right now." He hadn't been himself in the past few days. The Ethan who used to leave work promptly at 5 p.m. to pick up Nyla now buried himself in his tasks, avoiding even the clock. One evening, he found himself sitting in his car out of habit, only to realize he had nowhere to go. Aimlessly, he drove to Keith's bar instead. Noelle watched him carefully. "I think there's still unfinished business between you two," she ventured, her voice gentle but probing.

"She's holding back because she doesn't feel secure." . . .