On Christmas Day, to my surprise, Ethan showed up at our door.
“Mrs. Saville, my parents are out, and I’m spending Christmas alone this year. May I join you and your family?” Ethan asked politely, and my parents couldn’t refuse, so they invited him in.
Ethan naturally sat down next to me.
I wanted to move away, but it would be too obvious, so I just stayed where I was.
The relatives who came over to celebrate the holiday with us didn’t know that Ethan and I were no longer on good terms and continued to tease us like they always did. Ethan had been chatting happily with everyone, but as I explained things with a smile, his expression slowly darkened.
When it was time for everyone to go to bed, I was about to head to my room, but Ethan grabbed my arm.
“Are you in such a hurry to clarify our relationship?”
I tilted my head, confused. “What relationship do we have?”
My words left Ethan frozen in place. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but just as he was about to speak, my phone rang.
It was Miles, my college classmate. I wasn’t surprised. Since we met, Miles had been openly pursuing me with warmth and sincerity. At the time, I had just gotten out of Ethan’s shadow and wasn’t ready to get involved with anyone else.
Miles was polite, not like Ethan with his overbearing presence. He quietly supported me, providing emotional comfort.
I had a great time chatting with Miles. With him, I didn’t need to force conversations, and we’d lose track of time talking.
“Merry Christmas, Cynthia.” It was already past midnight when Miles reluctantly ended the call.
“Merry Christmas.”
1/3
Chapter 9
+25 Bonus
After hanging up, I turned around to find Ethan still there. I wasn’t sure how long he had been standing behind me, but I had gotten so absorbed in my conversation with Miles that I had completely forgotten Ethan was there.
