A Trip to the Theater

A Trip to the Theater
Diana

When Ethan called out to me late that afternoon, I was sprawled on the sofa, eating saltine crackers as if they were the fanciest food in the world. He appeared in the living room doorway with that look—the "I messed up and need to make it up to you" look—and said:

"Babe... want to go to the theater tonight? Just the two of us. My official apology."

I knew he’d been trying to win me over ever since that embarrassing scene he’d made when he found out about the pregnancy. And honestly? He was trying so hard that I actually found it sweet. I took a deep breath and got up from the sofa.

"Okay... but I’m going to take a shower first," I said.

He smiled that crooked smile that always makes me melt.

"Take your time. I’ll wait for you."

\---

I went into the bathroom and let the hot water pour over me, as if it could wash away any lingering tension in my shoulders. I closed my eyes, breathed slowly, and let my head rest against the cold wall. My body was more sensitive because of the pregnancy—or maybe it was just pent-up emotion. I don't know. All I know is that the shower felt like a mother’s hug.

When I stepped out wrapped in a towel, I found the walk-in closet lit up. And right there in the center, hanging on a solitary hanger, was a red dress.

The kind of red that doesn't ask for permission.

The kind that says, "I’ve arrived."

I touched the fabric and almost laughed. Ethan. It had to be him. That man had a knack for picking things that made my heart do somersaults.

"Son of a gun," I murmured, smiling. "He knew this would win me over."

I put the dress on carefully. It hugged my body as if it had been custom-made. The neckline was elegant—nothing over-the-top—and the skirt draped in a way that made my legs look longer. I put on a pair of black heels I hardly ever wore—because, honestly, who can stand heels for hours? But it was a special occasion... and I wanted to feel beautiful.

When I stepped out of the walk-in closet, Ethan was standing there, waiting for me.

The man was frozen in place.

"My God..." he said softly, his voice almost husky. "You look... perfect."

I was startled when he walked toward me holding a small box.

"What is that?" I asked, wary.

"Just a little something," he said, as if it were normal to give "little somethings" that cost as much as a car.

He opened the box.

And inside was a diamond necklace.

It wasn't just beautiful.

It was breathtaking.

It sparkled so brightly I had to blink a few times.

"Ethan..." my voice faltered.

"Let me put it on you," he asked.

He slowly moved my hair aside—so slowly it sent a warm shiver down the back of my neck. The cool metal touched my skin, and he fastened the clasp with hands that were firm yet gentle. Then, he pulled me by the waist and rested his forehead against mine.

"I'm sorry for being an idiot," he murmured. "You deserve the whole world. And I want to give you everything I can."

I took a deep breath, holding back the tears that threatened to spill.

"Let's go before I start crying and ruin my makeup," I said with a laugh.

He laughed too and kissed my forehead.

\---

The theater was beautiful. Brightly lit, filled with elegant people, and that scent of expensive perfume mixed with gourmet popcorn—all those fancy things I still wasn't quite used to. Ethan held my hand as if I might slip away at any moment.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm great. Just... pregnant and emotional," I replied, shrugging. We walked slowly up the stairs, and I was gazing at the huge chandelier on the ceiling when I heard someone say my name:

— Diana?

My blood ran cold.

Literally.

I froze right where I stood.

I turned slowly, as if looking at a ghost.

And it was worse.

Much worse.

My ex.

The professor.

The one who had deceived, lied to, and manipulated me…

The one who caused me to lose my baby years ago through negligence, irresponsibility, and cowardice.

There he was.

Alive.

Free.

Handsome as ever—and that infuriated me—wearing that fake smile only he could pull off.

— Diana? — he repeated, as if it were a wonderful surprise.

My stomach lurched.

Everything inside me went blank for a second.

Ethan squeezed my hand, sensing something was wrong.

I could only stare at that man from my past and feel the ground vanish beneath me.

And that was when everything inside me shut down.

Locked up.

Went silent.