ELLIE
“What do you want me to say? That I’m angry at her? I thought that was obvious,” he continued, following me back into the room.
“Yeah, but you know it’s not just that.” I began to undress.
“You know I can’t just erase my past, no matter how much I want to.”
“That’s not what I’m asking.”
“Then what? Do you think this changes how I feel about you? Do you think I’ve been lying this whole time?”
“No. But you know it affects us. You can’t talk about it. All you ever say is 'I’m fine,' but I know that’s not true. And the way you acted tonight just proves it.”
“What did you want me to do? I was just trying to spare you from having to go through that.”
“By acting like I wasn’t even there? Of course.” I huffed. “You know what? I’m too tired for this, so good night.” I moved toward the bed and climbed in.
“Ellie—”
“Good night, Ethan,” I cut him off, slipping under the sheets.
I stayed awake for the next few minutes, listening to him in the bathroom and then in the room as he changed before finally joining me in bed.
“You know I love you, right?” he whispered after settling behind me, gently tucking some strands of my hair behind my ear.
It was almost impossible to stay mad at him after that, but I remained silent and simply closed my eyes, surrendering to sleep.
✽
I sat at the hotel restaurant’s bar, waiting for the girls for breakfast we’d planned.
I was hopeful they might give me some advice, especially since they had definitely witnessed the whole scene last night.
My head was still heavy, despite my efforts to sort through my thoughts.
But this time, it seemed I was at Ethan’s mercy and his willingness to open up to me to solve this problem.
Which meant this situation could drag on for a long, long time, judging by how he had behaved so far in our relationship.
I was stuck. Now, all the happiness I’d felt before seemed uncertain.
Shit. What’s wrong with me? We’re engaged—I should be happy. But I’m not. I can’t be, not when she still seems to affect him this much.
Even though I had no doubts about his feelings for me, it didn’t feel right. I couldn’t just ignore it.
I really wish I could. Yes. God knows how much I wish I had just ignored all of this when I woke up earlier with his legs tangled in mine and his arms wrapped around me.
All I wanted was to give in to the feel of his warm, firm body—and his erection pressed against my ass.
“Looks like not all women take hours to get ready. I wasn’t that lucky, though…” a male voice said suddenly, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I turned my head to face the dark-haired stranger with a friendly smile sitting beside me. I had no idea how long he’d been there or if he was there when I arrived.
“If my fiancée got ready as quickly as you, my life would be so much easier,” he went on, probably noticing the confusion on my face.
“I can assure you she’ll definitely look better than I do,” I forced a smile, catching on.
“No. You look great, and more importantly, you’re not late. Whoever you’re waiting for is a lucky guy.”
“Actually, that lucky guy is probably still in bed since I kind of ran away from him.” I winked.
“Sounds like your reason for being here so early isn’t as noble as I thought,” he teased.
“Oh no, it’s very noble, actually—and I’m sure you, more than anyone, will understand.” I lifted my hand, showing him the ring on my finger.
We both laughed.
“Yeah. You couldn’t be more right,” he said before extending his hand. “I’m David. And you are?”
“Ellie…” I was about to accept his hand and crack another joke about being engaged when she suddenly approached, making my body stiffen.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, darling,” Charlotte said, stopping beside the stranger and kissing him.
✽✽✽
***Author’s Note:***
*Hi everyone!*
*Some of you may have noticed that the app is splitting some chapters into multiple parts. I’d like to inform you that this is a decision made by the platform and is beyond my control.*
*I truly wish they could be available as I planned for you and as I publish them. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support!*
*Sending you all lots of love,*
*Mary S2*