Chapter 7
For a moment, my heart fluttered, a physical echo of the past. Memories washed over me.
I was back with Ethan in his crisp white shirt, feeling the wind as he biked me to school.
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I saw his hand, patiently working through math problems on scrap paper, his voice explaining each step until it finally clicked.
I felt the warmth of the cup he’d hand me, always knowing just what I needed.
And I saw the raw hurt in his red–rimmed eyes just before I married Charles, his voice cracking as he asked, “Do you really have to go through with this?”
That collage of sensation and emotion–warmth, innocence, and a piercing regret–softly folded itself back into the archives of my heart. And with it, my heart grew calm, the ghost of the past laid to rest once more.
I turned around, and there he was: Ethan. Three years had only made him more poised. His eyes, softened behind gold- rimmed glasses, still held that same kindness that could melt even the coldest heart.
The Bennett brothers really won the genetic lottery. Both were incredibly handsome, Charles with his sharp, cool elegance, and Ethan with his warm, gentle charm.
“Long time no see,” Ethan said, walking over with a gentle smile.
I returned the smile, calm and measured. “Long time no see.”
We used to talk for hours without ever running out of things to say. But now, standing face to face, an awkward silence hung
between us.
It was then that I understood: some fractures mended in a way that the break remained forever visible. What we shared was a perfect, fragile, and entirely confined to the past.
Diana glanced between Ethan and me, and then chuckled, “Annie’s single now. Don’t miss your chance.”
Ethan’s eyes immediately landed on me. His intense gaze made me nervous for no good reason.
Before he could say anything, I blurted out, “I should go. I’ve got stuff to take care of.”
“Annie.” Ethan quickly caught my hand. He looked hurt. “Do you not want to see me?”
“It’s not that,” I said, scrambling for a response.
I was Charles’s lover. And the truth was, even if I weren’t involved with Charles, there could never be anything between Ethan and me. I’d had a crush on Ethan, pure and simple.
But so much had changed since then. I wasn’t the same person, and my feelings weren’t either.
Ethan held my gaze. “About your family, I just—”
“We’re fine, thanks. And don’t take Diana’s words seriously. You know, she loves jokes,” I replied, my tone cooler than I intended.
Ethan looked down, a bitter smile touching his lips. “So even after divorcing Charles, I still don’t have a chance?”
I was about to answer when my phone rang. Charles‘ name flashed on the screen, and my heart jumped. I pulled my hand
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3:49 am P P pp.
Chapter 7
from Ethan’s.
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Was Charles calling because he’d come home and found me gone? The thought of his anger made me hesitate to pick up.
When the ringing stopped, I quickly called Bella. “Has Charles come back?” Relief washed over me when she said no.
Ethan was still watching me, his expression complicated. “You’re divorced, but you’re still hung up on him?”
“I’m sorry, Ethan,” I said softly. “Please, just forget about me.” Then I excused myself to the restroom.
If there was no future for us, I didn’t want to lead him on. The clean break was painful, but it was kinder than letting old wounds be torn open again.
I quickly called Charles back. I hadn’t answered his call earlier and could only hope he wasn’t angry.
It was funny how things change. I used to be so sure of myself around him, and now here I was, walking on eggshells. How the mighty had fallen, right? Nothing was the same anymore.
Charles picked up and let out a low laugh. The sound was eerie, and it sent a chill straight down my spine.
My heart hammering, I rushed to explain, “I’m so sorry. I was asleep. I woke up when you called, but you’d already hung up by the time I picked up.”
“Oh?” Charles chuckled again, slow and deliberate. “What are you doing now?”
I paused, then answered, “Still in bed. Your call woke me up. I’m just lying here talking to you.” I caught my own calm reflection in the mirror and almost had to applaud my own composure. I’d gotten too good at lying.
Charles laughed even harder. This cold, humorless sound made my skin crawl. There was something deeply wrong about a man who never smiled being consumed by such joyless laughter.
“So did I interrupt a good dream?” he asked, his tone deceptively calm.
I forced a light laugh. “More like a nightmare. Honestly, your call was a welcome rescue. It was getting pretty scary.”
Then there was another quiet laugh on the other end. Every time he did that, my nerves twisted tighter. This was torture.
Then his voice leveled. “Where are you right now?”
The question hit me like a physical blow. For a second, it felt like his eyes were on me.
I hurried to the bathroom door and peeked out. No one. Of course, no one. It was just my guilt messing with me. Besides, he was probably wrapped up with his first love. Why would he even be at a bar? He never liked them anyway. Feeling a little more confident, I replied calmly, “I’m at home. Where else would I be sleeping?”
Then there it was, that laugh again. If he kept this up, I was going to snap.
“Good. Very good,” he said suddenly.
The tone was too smooth and pleasant. It coiled in my stomach like a snake, and my chest tightened with a familiar, cold dread. Something was wrong.
Heart hammering against my ribs, I forced the words out, “What about you? When will you be back?”
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3:49 am P p pp.
Chapter 7
He said, “Me? I’m having a drink.”
Drink. The word electrocuted the line. “Where?” I asked, numb.
“At a bar. Want to join me?” His voice was deep, almost seductive, but it made my blood run cold.
“No, no… I should really get some sleep,” I stammered before quickly hanging up.
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That was the peril of lying. It heightened every sense, made one scrutinize every word, and it was only a matter of time before the facade crumbled.
Right now, I could only cling to the feeble hope that Charles had been telling the truth, that he was simply at a bar and wanted to check up on me.
Anyway, I couldn’t stay here any longer. I had to get back. I hurried out of the bathroom, intent on saying a quick goodbye to Ethan and Diana before making my escape.
But as soon as I stepped out of the hallway, a strong hand grabbed me. Before I could react, I was slammed against the cold wall.
I gasped. Something soft and warm crushed against my lips. A familiar scent washed over me. Stunned, I stared into the handsome, coldly amused face right in front of me. It was Charles.
