I sighed, realizing I couldn’t keep this a secret any longer. I forced a small, apologetic smile and nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Luciano. I realized MIT was a better fit for me, so I switched my application. I’m sorry I didn’t mention it earlier.”
Ethan didn’t seem to believe me. He grabbed my shoulders, his grip uncomfortably
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tight. “But we applied to the same college together. Why would you suddenly change to another school?”
I winced, trying to twist out of his grasp. “Why should I have to follow you to the same school? I have my own life, Ethan. MIT is a better fit for me, and Caltech was only ever a compromise for your sake! Stop being so selfish. I’m not your property. I have the right to make my own choices,” I shot back, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside me.
Ethan froze, his jaw clenching. “What the hell are you talking about? When have I ever treated you like you’re just some… tool for my convenience?”
“Oh? Then what was that night? You treat me like a convenient outlet whenever it suits you, and then you run off to chase someone else?”
He looked stunned, his anger momentarily replaced by confusion. “Are you seriously bringing that up? We’re adults, Cynthia. What happened was mutual. It was your choice too.‘
I closed my eyes, trying to keep my temper in check. “Ethan, if you like someone else, just be honest about it. I won’t cling to you. But don’t keep stringing me along while you chase after someone else. That’s not fair.”
I chose my words carefully, not wanting to reveal that I had overheard his conversation on the balcony earlier.
For a moment, Ethan seemed at a loss for words, his usual confidence shaken. “I… I never did that. I’m not that kind of person.”
I let out a bitter laugh. “You can keep telling yourself that, but we both know the truth. Are you lying to me or just to yourself?”
My words seemed to hit a nerve. His face twisted with a mix of anger and wounded pride.
“Cynthia! After all these years, this is what you think of me? You really disappoint me. If you don’t apologize and promise to never say something like that again, I’ll never forgive you!”
With that, he stormed off, his footsteps echoing sharply down the hall.
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I watched him go, too tired to feel anything but a deep, lingering sense of regret.
How had I never realized just how immature Ethan really was?
