Forced To Marry My Cousin's Fiancé

Chapter 132: Chapter 132

Days had passed since the incident. From the moment Ethan found out Lane was pregnant, he refused to let her go out alone.

Whenever she needed to go somewhere, he accompanied her. She couldn’t venture out much anyway, especially with their wedding fast approaching.

She had initially thought the ceremony might be postponed because of everything that had happened, but Ethan wanted it as soon as possible after learning about the baby.

He insisted he couldn’t delay it any longer, wanting to make her his wife before her belly began to show.

He had spoken directly to Miss Ivy about his plans. With Miss Ivy and her team handling the details, backed by Ethan’s power and connections, the wedding was set for the following week.

Given that the big day was only a week away, Aunt Grace advised her to stay put, echoing Ethan’s concerns about old superstitions regarding accidents before a wedding.

Her mother had given her the exact same warning when she called after learning the news.

Heeding their parents’ advice, the couple stayed close to the mansion. If Ethan needed anything from the office, he called his secretary, and they handled meetings via video conference.

Later that afternoon, Lane glanced at her phone when it started buzzing. Seeing Ava’s name on the screen, she answered immediately.

"Hello?" she said.

Her heart dropped the second she heard Ava sobbing on the other end of the line.

Shifting her position on the bed, Lane asked, "What happened, Ava? Are you okay? Why are you crying?"

Ava sniffled. "I want to eat something. But I’ve been to so many places and I can’t find it."

Lane’s lips parted in surprise. She saw herself in her friend.

She had been the exact same way when she was pregnant with Calvin, forced to track down her own cravings since she was alone back then. If she couldn’t find what she wanted, she would break down completely.

She understood the agony all too well, especially since Ava was going through it without a partner.

Ava could have asked Noah, just like Lane used to do. Back when Ethan hadn’t cared about her, Noah had been the one she called whenever a craving hit, and no matter how busy he was, he always delivered.

Ava was friends with Noah too, but she couldn’t ask him because of their complicated situation. If she did, Noah would undoubtedly figure out her secret.

Lane sighed softly. "What do you want to eat?"

"Derby Pie," Ava replied. "I was told you can only get the real thing in Kentucky."

"Do you want me to make it for you?"

"No, Lane. I want the one bought there."

Lane paused, weighing her options. "Okay. I’ll handle it."

"R-really?"

"Yes. Just sit tight."

"Thank you, Lane."

"You don’t have to thank me, Ava. We’re friends," Lane said gently.

"If you need anything else, never hesitate to call. You aren’t alone in this. I’ve got your back."

"You’re making me cry," Ava choked out.

"That’s just the pregnancy hormones talking. Alright, I’ll call you back once I figure out how to get your craving."

"Okay," Ava whispered, saying goodbye before hanging up.

As soon as the line went dead, Lane began racking her brain for a solution.

A smile spread across her face as an inspiration hit her. Why not ask Noah? He wouldn’t suspect a thing since Lane was pregnant too and would just assume the cravings were for her.

Without wasting a second, she dialed Noah’s number.

"Okay, Chris. Just send me the report," Ethan told his secretary after receiving an update on a requested file.

"Got it, Sir," Chris replied.

Ethan hung up and slid his phone into his pocket, walking into the mansion to check on Lane. He detoured through the kitchen first.

"Do you need anything, Sir Ethan?" Lily asked, spotting him near the counter.

"I’m just grabbing some fruit for Lane."

"I can do that for you," Lily offered.

"I’ve got it, Lily," he said, stepping toward the fridge. He pulled out some grapes and an apple, peeling the fruit before neatly arranging the slices in a bowl. He grabbed a glass of water as well in case she grew thirsty.

With the tray in hand, he headed upstairs.

They were staying put at the mansion per family wishes, though Ethan preferred it anyway so Lane could rest. He had taken over her workload, only giving her minor tasks when she grew restless.

Reaching the bedroom, he noticed the door was ajar. He raised a hand to push it open, but froze upon hearing Lane talking on the phone.

Ethan frowned as he caught the name she uttered.

"Come on, Noah, just get it for me," Lane coaxed. She paused, listening to a response.

"He’s here, but I want you to buy it."

Ethan’s jaw tightened.

"Come on, Noah. Buy me some Derby Pie in Kentucky," she urged. Another pause followed.

"Don’t worry, Noah. I’ll talk to Ethan. We can borrow his chopper so you can fly down there quickly."

A beat later, Lane let out a bright laugh. "Thank you, Noah. You’re the best."

Ethan gripped the edges of the bowl until his knuckles turned white. A sharp wave of jealousy pierced his chest.

When he had discovered she was pregnant, he had vowed to move heaven and earth for her cravings. No matter the hour or the distance, he wanted to be the one to provide for her and their child.

Instead, she had bypassed him entirely to ask Noah.

The realization felt like a heavy blow to his ribs, sending a dull ache through his heart.

He took a slow, grounding breath before stepping into the room.

Lane sensed his presence immediately, looking up with a radiant smile that only widened when she saw him.

"Ethan, I need a favor," she said.

He walked over and placed the bowl on the bedside table without a word. Lane reached out, taking his hand and pulling him down to sit beside her on the edge of the mattress.

"Can I borrow your chopper and pilot? I need Noah to run an errand for me."

"Are you asking him to satisfy a craving?" Ethan asked, his voice flat.

"Yes," she replied with a bright grin. But the smile faltered when she caught the serious, guarded look in his eyes.

"Okay," Ethan said evenly. "Eat some fruit first. I’ll call the pilot to prep the aircraft."

He stood up immediately, turning toward the door. Lane called his name, but he kept walking, needing to put distance between himself and the bitter sting of jealousy he knew was irrational, yet impossible to shake.

He headed straight to Calvin’s empty room, pulled out his phone, and called the pilot to coordinate the flight details.

After hanging up, he lingered by the window, staring out into the courtyard until he heard soft footsteps approach the doorway.

"Ethan."

He turned to see Lane standing in the frame.

"I already talked to the pilot. He said he’ll call when the chopper is ready. You just need to tell Noah to get moving," she said.

Instead of answering, he stared at the floor.

Lane crossed the room, closed the remaining distance, and climbed right onto his lap, wrapping her hands around his shoulders.

"What’s wrong?" she asked softly.

Ethan let out a heavy sigh. "I’m sorry."

"For what?"

"I’m jealous," he admitted, watching her lips part in surprise.

"Jealous?"

He nodded. "I’m your husband, Lane. But you asked Noah to fetch what you’re craving. I know it’s stupid, but it makes me feel useless that you won’t let me do these things for you."

Before he could say more, Lane threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Don’t ever say that, Ethan. You aren’t useless."

"I’m sorry. I’ll try to get a grip."

She pulled back just enough to look him dead in the eye.

"You don’t need to be jealous," she said softly.

"Because what I’m asking Noah to get isn’t for me."

His brow furrowed deeply. If it wasn’t for her, why send Noah all the way to Kentucky for street food? "What do you mean?"

"Promise me something first."

"Promise you what?"

"Promise you won’t tell a soul."

"About what?"

"Just keep it between us, okay? Even Noah can’t know," she whispered, leaning in close.

"The Derby Pie isn’t for me. It’s for Ava."

Ethan stared at her, processing the revelation.

"Ava is pregnant, and Noah is the father. And for whatever reason, Ava refuses to tell him."

Ethan remained completely still, the weight of her words finally sinking in.

.....

NOAH’S POV

Noah looked away from the computer monitor when his cell phone chimed. Seeing Lane’s name flash across the screen, he answered it immediately.

"Hello?"

"Noah," Lane said. "The chopper is ready. They said they’ll pick you up at the building. Just head to the rooftop."

Noah couldn’t understand why Lane had called him to fetch her cravings.

Ethan was right there, and the two of them were on good terms now, a far cry from the past when Noah was the one forced to run errands because Ethan didn’t care.

In truth, Noah had harbored deep anger toward Ethan back then for how he treated Lane, the woman he secretly loved.

While Lane had been pining for Ethan in secret, Noah had been doing the exact same thing for her. He had kept his feelings locked away because Lane was off-limits, engaged to his cousin.

He knew she could never reciprocate his affection, and he refused to risk their friendship by confessing the truth, so he loved her silently.

Every time she cried over Ethan, Noah had wanted to march over and punch the man for hurting her.

He had even toyed with the idea of taking Lane away himself, ready to raise her child and be the father figure she deserved. Yet he always held back, knowing her heart belonged entirely to Ethan despite the pain he caused her.

In the end, Noah had accepted that he never stood a chance. He was genuinely happy that her dream of being loved by Ethan had finally come true, and he supported whatever brought her joy, including the family they were building together.

After saying goodbye, Noah grabbed his wallet and phone, left his office, and headed straight for the rooftop to wait for Ethan’s helicopter. It arrived promptly, and he boarded without delay.

The flight to Kentucky was swift.

Once he landed, he quickly secured the Derby Pie Lane had requested, picking up an extra batch just in case she changed her mind later and sent him back for more.

With the errand completed, he hurried back to the aircraft.

Moments later they were airborne again, touching down in New York not long after.

He thanked Ethan’s pilot on the rooftop before heading back down to his office to grab his car keys. From there, he drove straight to Ethan’s mansion to deliver the food.

Pulling out his phone as he drove, he dialed Lane to let her know he was almost there.

To his surprise, Ethan answered instead.

"Ethan, tell Lane I picked up what she asked for," Noah said.

"Lane doesn’t need that."

Noah frowned. "What do you mean?"

"Lane isn’t the one who wants to eat it."

His frown deepened. What was the man talking about? "It was Ava. Ava is the one craving it."

"And why would Ava want to—"

"Because she’s pregnant, Noah," Ethan interrupted. Hearing those words, Noah felt his heart skip a beat.

As soon as Lane stepped out of the bathroom, her phone rang. She walked over to the bed and saw Ava’s name glowing on the screen.

Sitting down on the edge of the mattress, she swiped to answer. "Hello?"

"Lane... d-did you tell him?"

Lane frowned at the tremor in her friend’s voice. "Huh? Tell who what?"

"N-Noah is here. And... he knows I’m pregnant," Ava stammered, sobbing softly. "H-he brought the Derby Pie I asked for."

Lane’s eyes widened in horror. "I didn’t tell him, Ava! I asked him to buy it, but I told him it was for me."

"B-but why is he here? How does he know I was the one who asked? How does he know I’m pregnant?"

"I don’t know how he—"

Lane cut herself off as the realization hit her.

"Ethan," she muttered under her breath.

She had let the truth slip earlier because Ethan was green with jealousy, feeling useless because she had turned to Noah instead of him. To ease his wounded ego, she had confessed that the cravings belonged to Ava. She never dreamed he would turn around and blurt it out to Noah.

Frantically, she tried to explain. "I’m so sorry, Ava. I didn’t think Ethan would say anything."

"I don’t know what to—"

Ava stopped mid-sentence. In the background, Lane heard Noah’s familiar voice calling out Ava’s name.

"Let’s talk," Noah said to Ava.

Lane took a shaky breath. "You and Noah need to talk, Ava. Work this out," she urged gently before ending the call.

Standing up with a fierce scowl, she stormed out of the bedroom to find Ethan.

She tracked him down in the living room.

"Ethan!" she called out sharply.

Hearing her angry tone, he whipped around, rushing toward her with a look of alarm, fearing a pregnancy emergency.

"What’s wrong?" he asked, taking her arm to guide her carefully back to the sofa. "Does something hurt?"

Instead of answering, she gave his shoulder a hard whack.

"Why did you tell Noah that Ava is pregnant?" she demanded, glaring at him.

Ethan caught her wrists to stop her flailing. "Calm down, love."

"Calm down? You promised you wouldn’t tell!"

"I didn’t actually promise," he replied smoothly.

She narrowed her eyes. "You promised by implication!"

"Look, I’m sorry for spilling the secret, but he has a right to know," Ethan said, his voice turning serious.

"I didn’t want him to go through what I did, hiding in the dark, wondering, keeping Calvin away. It is agonizing to be kept from your own child. It is better that Noah knows so they can sort this out."

He offered a soft, hopeful smile. "Let’s just hope they figure things out for the baby’s sake."

Lane let out a long, defeated sigh. Her gaze drifted down to the arm she had just struck. "Does it hurt?"

"Yes," he teased, rubbing his bicep. "So you need to make it up to me, Lane."

"How?"

"Give me a kiss."

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