The Lycan Kings Rejected Daughter

"Nurse, Ive tried contacting my family multiple times, but Ethan Shangs phone is still not answering," Sonya Song said, her voice hoarse from the ordeal. She was one of the many victims of a massive pile-up on the North 3rd Ring Overpass in Rivercity, where a bus had overturned and plunged into the river. As other families rushed to the hospital, Sonya found herself alone, her calls going unanswered.

The gruesome scene of the accident was still fresh in her mind, but it was the cold reality of her situation that chilled her to the bone. A thought crossed her mind: if she had died in this accident, would there even be someone to claim her body?

"Ms. Song?" the nurses voice brought her back to reality. Sonyas face, already pale, seemed even more translucent against the backdrop of bloodstains on her clothes. "Im sorry, but if we cant get a family members signature, we advise you to stay for observation. A concussion is not something to be taken lightly; we need to ensure your safety."

Sonya pressed her lips together, "Let me try again."

She stepped out of the ward with her phone, making way for two passing nurses who were gossiping about a celebrity patient. "Did you know whos in room sixteen?" one asked.

"Who?" the other replied.

"Vivian Young! The big star! She was the lead in that popular series Mysterious Lovers recently!"

"Wow! Is she badly injured?"

"Scratched her arm, it was almost healed by the time she got here. But shes a big star, she makes her living off her face, naturally more delicate than us common folks. If I looked like her, Id insure every inch of my body!"

"By the way, I saw her boyfriend! The one who was photographed with her at Lakeheart Villa recently!"

Sonya halted in her tracks.

"Tall, handsome, and by the looks of it, quite wealthy. Most importantly, he cares for Vivian. He was here at the first sign of the accident, took the VIP channel at the hospital, and stayed by her side the whole time. It just makes you wonder, same as women, why are some born with all the luck..."

As their voices faded, Sonyas grip on her phone tightened, her knuckles turning white.

Outside room sixteen, Ethan Shang was speaking with Vivian Youngs agent. Though too far away to hear anything, Sonya couldnt help but feel that he was there to confront someone about Vivians accident.

She dialed Ethans number.

Ethan paused, glanced at his phone, and his furrowed brows tightened even more.

He answered the call with an impatient tone, "What is it?"

"Where are you?" Sonyas voice was raw, her vulnerability seeping through.

Ethan, however, remained oblivious, responding coldly, "At the office."

"Has the Shang Corporation expanded into hospitals now?" Sonya asked, her voice laced with bitterness.

Ethans body stiffened, his expression darkening, "Are you following me?"

Sonya almost laughed, but her eyes reddened instead, pained by his evident annoyance.

"You flatter yourself," she paused, then continued, "I saw it on the news. Someone who looked like you. Just checking."

Ethan dismissed her with a "boring" and hung up, disappearing into the ward.

Sonya scoffed at herself. Indeed, it was boring—seeing everything with her own eyes, yet calling to humiliate herself willingly.

It was Tracy Tang who eventually took her away. If not for the lack of reachable relatives, Sonya would have hesitated to trouble a friend. No one wants to expose their tattered life for public ridicule or pity; both only added to her embarrassment.

"Wheres Ethan?" Tracy asked.

"At the office, I guess," was his reply.

Tracy cursed as she steered the wheel, "That dog of a man, doesnt even come when his wife has an accident. Is he earning all that money to buy himself a coffin?"

Sonya joked in return, "Maybe its for me."

Tracy glared at her, "You still have the mind to joke! There was a fatality in the car behind you!"

"Yes," she lowered her gaze, sighing inaudibly, "almost died..."

Tracy, having urgent matters to attend to, dropped her off and left in a hurry.

Upon arriving home, Sonya greeted the housekeeper and went upstairs.

After a shower, the traffic accident on the North 3rd Ring had made it to the trending topics, but most of the headlines were about Vivian Young.

While official media was concerned with the severity of the accident, the entertainment outlets were more focused on Vivians mysterious boyfriend.

The media was cautious not to reveal Ethan Shangs identity, only hinting that he was a man of considerable wealth. Vivians fans were busy denying the romance while flooding social media with concerns for her well-being.

Sonya found it somewhat amusing; the nurse had mentioned that Vivian had only minor scrapes—was it necessary to make such a fuss?

However, her amusement soured quickly as her heart clenched: Vivian had posted a pregnancy test on social media.

Six weeks pregnant, and six weeks ago was the day he was photographed at Lakeheart Villa.

The timeline matched.

Sonya stared at the screen, her heart crumpling.

Three years of marriage, a blank sheet.

Ethan had been with Vivian before marrying her, but the Shang matriarch disapproved of Vivians background and forced them apart.

Ethan, in his disillusionment, chose Sonya from among the socialites with the least prestigious family to rebel against his clan.

The Song Family sought the Shang Familys protection, and Ethan sought her status— their marriage was a mutual agreement for their own gains.

No one knew that what she sought was Ethan himself.

In love, the one who moves first loses, and Vivians existence was like a thorn in her marriage.

She tried to ignore it, let it grow into her flesh, always thinking she could endure it, but the thorn took root and blossomed, tearing her marriage apart.

Her persistence became the biggest joke.

When Ethan returned, it was almost ten oclock at night.

The downstairs was quiet, with only the housekeeper present.

"Where is she?" he asked.

The housekeeper handed him his coat and whispered, "Madam went to her room as soon as she got back and hasnt come out since, not even for dinner."

Ethans brow furrowed.

"Ill heat up the porridge and take it to madams room," the housekeeper offered.

"No need," Ethan replied indifferently, "Shell come down if shes hungry."

The housekeeper didnt inquire further.

After a shower, Ethan spent some time in his study. At eleven, he checked his watch.

Usually, by this time, Sonya would bring in a glass of milk, even during arguments, she would have the housekeeper deliver it.

But today, more than ten minutes past eleven, there was no movement from the study door.

Unable to focus on his documents, he stayed a few more minutes before finally retiring to the bedroom.

He opened the door to a dark room, the only discernible shape being the person lying on the bed.

Sonya opened her eyes the moment the door opened. She didnt move, feeling the spot beside her sink as Ethan lay down.

She turned over and reached under his pajamas.

Feeling her hand, his muscles tensed abruptly, her touch becoming bolder.

Ethans breathing grew heavy, and as she continued