I hung up the phone, turning down Ava’s offer to come over and keep me company.
Sadly, the memories from last night kept replaying in
my
mind.
The way his strong arms held me close, his warm breath against my skin, and the sweet, whispered promises that made the bed frame rattle all night.
I shook my head sharply, trying to push the thoughts away. I curled up on my bed, hugging my knees to my chest.
My mind kept flipping between the Ethan who used to be so kind to me when we were kids and the cold, careless Ethan from today.
I only managed to fall into a fitful sleep as dawn broke. Ethan hadn’t sent a single message all night.
Once, when I got drunk and disappeared for a few hours, Ethan had nearly lost his mind trying to reach me.
After that, he insisted we say goodnight every evening, just so he knew I was safe. It had become our habit, a small, comforting ritual.
It was funny how even habits built over years could be shattered in a single night. Maybe this was for the best. We were bound to drift apart eventually.
For a moment, I considered confronting him, even if it meant ruining my own reputation. However, my family’s business still relied on his father’s influence. I couldn’t afford to be reckless.
No, the best I could do was quietly pull away, bit by bit, until we became nothing more than distant memories to each other.
The next morning, I felt myself being pulled into a warm, firm embrace. I jolted awake, my heart racing.
The first thing I saw was the familiar curve of a defined jawline, the hint of stubble against smooth skin.
It was Ethan.
