Substitute Bride: Utterly Pampered by Her Billionaire Husband

Chapter 1544: Let Me Hold You for a While

"You can continue with the career you love, live well. I don’t want this child either. I won’t disturb you."

Celeste Linden was stunned. She really hadn’t expected Ethan Barnes to say something like this, to willingly let her go.

He wouldn’t fight her for the child, nor would he disturb her life anymore.

The impact of these words was too great for Celeste Linden to believe for a moment. She looked at the handsome man before her, "What you said... is it true?"

Ethan Barnes nodded, "It’s true, Celeste Linden, congratulations, the nightmare of your first half of life is over."

He knew he was her nightmare.

Celeste Linden hadn’t expected freedom to come so quickly. All these years of resistance, struggle, and escape had all failed.

She had felt trapped. Now that she had regained her freedom, she didn’t have to hide or avoid him. She could breathe freely in the sunlight.

Celeste Linden’s eyes reddened. She didn’t know if she should cry or laugh.

Seeing her overwhelmed with joy and at a loss, Ethan Barnes felt a deep stab in his heart. She had no attachment to him at all.

Ethan Barnes took out something, "Celeste Linden, I’m giving this to you."

In his hand appeared a bank card.

Celeste Linden, "What’s in this, money?"

"Yes, the child in your belly is mine, and you have been with me for these years, so I’m giving you this bank card. You can take the money out to use."

Celeste Linden shook her head, refusing, "You keep it yourself. I don’t need it. I have money and can earn it myself."

He knew she could earn money. As an internationally renowned fashion designer and artist, her annual income was substantial. She didn’t need his money at all. But apart from giving money, he didn’t know what else he could give her. Once he let go, perhaps he and she would never meet again. He wanted to ensure her and the child’s material well-being, at least that they wouldn’t need to worry about clothing and food.

"Celeste Linden, you must accept what I give you. You’re becoming assertive before even leaving me, not listening to me anymore, huh?" he said, pursing his lips.

Celeste Linden really didn’t want the bank card, "I..."

"Celeste Linden, take the card and keep quiet. If you dare make me angry again, I will rescind this chance and trap you by my side forever. No matter what happens in the future, I will not..."

Before he finished, Celeste Linden reached out and took the bank card from his palm.

Ethan Barnes felt an emptiness in his palm, and his whole heart felt empty as well. He had indeed scared her into compliance.

Ethan Barnes reached out and gently hugged her.

"What are you doing?" Celeste Linden hadn’t expected him to hug her suddenly. She immediately tried to push him away.

Ethan Barnes kissed her hair, his hoarse voice whispering in her ear, "Celeste Linden, let me hold you, just for a moment. Consider it our farewell hug."

Celeste Linden originally wanted to push him away, but her fingers slowly curled up. Regardless of her reasons—whether fearing he’d change his mind or as a final goodbye—she ultimately let him hold her silently.

Ethan Barnes tightened his strong arms, pulling her firmly into his embrace. He wished time could stop, allowing him to hold her forever.

He thought, at this moment, her warmth and her heartbeat, he would remember for a lifetime.

This moment would be a cherished memory for life.

After a long while, he slowly released her, "Celeste Linden, you should go now."