The Substitute's Contract: Seven Days to Reset My Life

Chapter 3

The aroma of dinner wafted from the kitchen as Ethan Smith placed the final dish on the table. Sophia Sinclair entered the dining room arm-in-arm with Alexander Huxley, followed by the bouncing figure of Luna Smith.

"Daddy, sit here!" Luna pulled out the chair at the head of the table, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at Alexander.

At the table, Alexander completely ignored Ethan’s presence, eagerly piling food into Luna’s bowl. With every bite he offered, the little girl’s frown deepened.

"Daddy!" Luna finally slammed her chopsticks down. "How many times do I have to say I hate carrots?"

Alexander’s smile froze before he turned to Sophia with a pleading look. He picked up a shrimp, but before he could place it in her bowl, Sophia pushed it away coldly. "Are you trying to kill me? I’m allergic."

The air turned icy. Ethan silently stood and began serving the dishes with practiced ease—the stir-fried seasonal greens Sophia loved, the sweet and sour spare ribs Luna adored, each portion perfectly placed.

"The soup should be ready," Ethan murmured before heading back to the kitchen.

Just as he turned off the stove, footsteps approached. Alexander sidled up with a fake smile. "Let me help."

"No need." Ethan reached for the ladle, but out of the corner of his eye, he saw Alexander grabbing the soup tureen.

"Ah!"

Scorching broth splashed across Alexander’s hand, turning his skin bright red. He yelped in pain, tears welling in his eyes.

The commotion drew Sophia and Luna from the dining room. When Sophia rushed in, she found Alexander clutching his hand while Ethan stood nearby.

"He did it on purpose!" Alexander accused, his eyes red. "I know my return bothers him, but how could he—"

"Ethan!" Sophia cut him off sharply. "How dare you lay a hand on him?"

Luna charged forward like an angry kitten. "You monster! Mom only married you so someone would take care of me. Did you really think you belonged here?"

"Get out," Sophia said coldly. "Don’t let me catch you hurting Alexander again."

No one noticed the angry red burns on Ethan’s thigh. No one saw the triumphant smirk Alexander flashed as he turned away.

Ethan stood motionless, watching Sophia carefully bandage Alexander’s hand while Luna fussed over him. Suddenly, all these years felt like a cruel joke.

The difference between being loved and unloved had never been clearer.

But it didn’t matter. He touched the plane ticket in his pocket.

In three days, it would all be over.

The aroma of dinner wafted from the kitchen as Ethan Smith placed the final dish on the table. Sophia Sinclair entered the dining room, arm-in-arm with Alexander Huxley, while Luna Smith skipped in behind them.

"Daddy, sit here!" Luna pulled out the chair at the head of the table, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at Alexander.

Alexander shot Ethan a smug glance before sprawling into the seat. He eagerly served Luna a portion of food, only for the little girl to scrunch her nose in distaste.

"Daddy, I don’t like carrots," Luna said, pushing her bowl away.

Alexander chuckled awkwardly before turning to Sophia. "Honey, try this shrimp—"

"I’m allergic to seafood," Sophia cut him off coldly. "After all these years of marriage, you didn’t know that?"

The atmosphere at the table instantly froze. Ethan quietly stood and ladled out two bowls of lotus root and pork rib soup—their favorite—for Sophia and Luna.

"I’ll check on the soup in the kitchen," he murmured before stepping away.

Just as he turned off the stove, footsteps sounded behind him. Alexander leaned against the doorframe, a fake smile plastered on his face.

"Need any help?" he asked, sauntering toward the pot.

Ethan barely had time to react before Alexander "accidentally" knocked it over.

"Ah!" Alexander yelped dramatically.

Scalding broth splashed onto Ethan’s legs, but he didn’t make a sound. Meanwhile, Alexander cradled his slightly reddened hand, eyes watering.

Sophia and Luna rushed in at the commotion, only to find the scene before them.

"He burned me on purpose!" Alexander whined. "I knew he never wanted me back—"

"Ethan!" Sophia snapped. "How dare you hurt Luna’s real father?"

Luna glared at him, fists clenched. "You’re awful! Mom only married you to take care of me! You’ll never be as good as Daddy!"

Sophia tenderly held Alexander’s hand. "Let’s go. We’re taking you to the hospital."

The three of them swept out without sparing Ethan a single glance. He remained where he stood, his pants soaked, the burns on his skin searing.

But the pain in his chest was worse.

All these years, he’d worked tirelessly, believing he might earn at least a shred of warmth. Now, he realized it had all been in vain.

A bitter smile tugged at his lips as he wiped the splattered broth from his face. It didn’t matter. Soon, he’d leave this house that was never truly his.

Outside, the happy family disappeared into the distance. Ethan quietly closed the kitchen door and began cleaning up the mess.