- 5.
Ethan and I started spending more time together.
We’d grab lunch, go for walks, or just hang out and talk about lighthearted, trivial things.
Ethan has always seemed like the serious type–someone a little hard to approach. But .when he smiles, there’s a warmth to him that’s surprisingly charming.
Sometimes, I’d catch myself staring at him, a small smile creeping onto my face.
“What are you smiling about?” he asked one day, catching me in the act.
“Nothing,” I replied with a playful shrug, “just thinking you should smile more often.”
He tried to keep a straight face but quickly gave in, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You’re not like I imagined,” he said.
“How so? Did you think I’d turn into some bitter, vengeful ex–wife after being cheated on?” I teased, brushing my hair back. A strand accidentally grazed his face, and he
instinctively turned away.
“Something like that,” he admitted.
“At first, it felt like my whole world was falling apart,” I said, my tone casual. “But once I accepted it, I realized it wasn’t so bad. I’m still young. I’ve got plenty of time to figure out my future. Leaving Ryan doesn’t mean my life is over. Worst case, I start fresh.”
I turned to him, my expression softening. “If you’re spending time with me out of pity, you don’t have to. I don’t want to waste your time.”
“That’s not it.” Ethan denied it quickly, almost too quickly. “I enjoy spending time with you. You’re not wasting my time–if anything, I’m here because I want to be.”
Ethan’s lack of experience in relationships was obvious. Even now, he was still single, and when he said things like that, there was a clumsy sincerity in his voice. →
I suddenly leaned in and hugged him. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
<
21:14 Wed, Mar 12
<3
He froze, completely caught off guard.
Suppressing a smirk, I quickly let go, brushing it off with a laugh. “Sorry, I got a little
carried away there.”
“It’s fine,” he said, trying to act nonchalant.
During this time, I made a point not to bring up our college days too often. Those memories, no matter how sweet, were in the past. Dwelling on them would only dull their shine. Instead, I focused on creating new memories with him–ones that felt fresh and
meaningful.
Judging by how things were going, my approach seemed to be working.
Ironically, I had Ryan’s cheating to thank for all this. He was so busy making excuses to stay away from home that he never noticed where I was or who I was with.
Ethan often came over to drop things off for Ryan, and Ryan, in his obliviousness, was actually grateful to him for helping out.
Still, Ethan seemed a bit uneasy. Whenever Ryan was home, he’d make himself scarce and avoid staying for dinner.
That night, Ryan was supposedly away on a business trip (though I had my doubts), and James was staying over at his grandfather’s house. I decided to make soup and bring it
over to Ethan.
His company had been swamped lately, and he’d mentioned having to attend endless business dinners. When he finally came out to meet me, it was past ten, and he reeked of
alcohol, his face tired and drawn.
I handed him the thermos and said with a grin, “Your personal chauffeur has arrived.”
Ethan chuckled when he saw me, “You really go above and beyond, don’t you?”
“Well, you’re a VIP client. Of course, you get special treatment,” I replied, motioning for him to get in the car.
21.14 Wed, Mar
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ས་ཅ པཱས
3
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I drove him home, and by the time we reached his building, the alcohol had fully hit him. He leaned back in his seat, half–asleep.
Helping him out of the car, I supported him as we made our way upstairs. Once we reached his door, I started searching his pockets for the key.
Suddenly, Ethan grabbed my hand, his voice low and hoarse. “What are you doing?”
“Relax,” I said, smiling. “I’m just looking for your key. You’re drunk, remember?”
“Hmm.” He rested his head on my shoulder, his breath warm against my neck, sending a faint shiver down my spine.
Finally, I found the key, opened the door, and helped him onto the couch. Then, I went to the kitchen to get him some water.
Ethan’s apartment was neat and tidy–he had someone come in to clean regularly–but it felt cold and lifeless, like it belonged to someone who didn’t truly live there. I wanted to make him some honey water, but he didn’t even have honey in the house.
As I helped him drink, I couldn’t help but scold him gently. “You’re a vice president now. Why not let your team handle some of these dinners? You don’t have to run yourself into the ground.”
“Some things you just have to do yourself,” he murmured, rubbing his temples.
“Well, at least keep some honey at home. It’s good for hangovers. And don’t drink on an empty stomach–it’s terrible for your stomach… I rambled on, not realizing how much I’d been talking until I felt his gaze on me.
When I looked up, Ethan was staring at me intently, his eyes burning with an emotion I couldn’t quite place.
quickly broke the silence with an apologetic laugh. “Sorry, am I annoying you?”
Ethan didn’t answer. Instead, he reached out, pulling me into his arms.
For a moment, I thought something might actually happen between us. But then he
21:14 Wed, Mar 12
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࿄ ར རཱ 80
Ethan didn’t answer. Instead, he reached out, pulling me into his arms.
For a moment, I thought something might actually happen between us. But then he pressed something into my hand–a key.
“This is for you,” he said quietly. “Next time, it’ll be easier for you to come in.”
His actions spoke volumes. He wasn’t annoyed by me. He didn’t think I was a burden.
And when a man gives a woman the key to his home, the implications are clear.
Neither of us said anything to break the moment.
are
Then, in a low, slurred voice, Ethan muttered, ‘Nicole… I never should’ve let you go to Ryan.”
I covered him with a blanket and left quietly, a satisfied smile on my lips.
This was exactly the step I’d hoped to take tonight.
