Chapter 23

Chapter 23
Ethan walked through the estate gate in the setting sun. The clouds were dark and heavy, signaling the impending rain. The weather perfectly mirrored his mood.

Just as the first droplets started to fall, a cab slowed down near him.

The driver, an elderly man in his sixties, rolled down the window. His face was weathered with time but kind. “Young man, do you need a ride?”

Ethan nodded and slid into the backseat. “Can you take me to the hotel near the airport?”

“Sure, son.”

As they drove, the rain fell heavier, they passed Hillcrest Hotel— one of his family’s hotels. His gaze lingered on the grand entrance. His father had once brought him to those very doors.

“Ethan, one day you will help Daddy take care of the hotel, okay?”

“Yes daddy,” a young Ethan had replied. “We will make lots of money to buy mummy and Lily pretty dresses.”

His father chuckled, stroking his head gently. 

Ethan shook his head to clear the memories.

For a second, he almost told the cab driver to stop. 

But he didn’t. 

Since he had already left the house, it was better to leave everything behind.

Also, with the way his stepmother operated. He doubted that any of his father’s loyal employees would still be working there. She would have replaced them all with her own people now that she was in charge.

The hotel the driver took to him wasn’t the most luxurious, but it was enough. 

“How much is it?” Ethan asked when he got down.

“It’s free. Looks like you’re having a rough night. Take care of yourself, son.” He replied before driving off.

The unexpected warmth made Ethan smile. 

After checking in, the receptionist handed him his room key with a polite smile.



Lily wakes up with a smile.

She could already hear the noise from downstairs made by the people setting up. 

When she got downstairs, her parents were already seated at the dining table with her favorite food laid out. 

“Happy birthday, sweetheart.” Her mother stood up to hug her, “My baby is now eighteen. It feels like it was just yesterday when you were born.”

She wiped the tears in her eyes as she watched Lily.

“Mom, why are you crying on my birthday?” Lily whined, leading her mother to sit.

As she also took her seat, her father slid a wrapped gift towards her. “Happy birthday, my princess.” 

She tore off the wrapper to reveal a brand new drawing tablet. Her fingers traced over the box before opening it. Her eyes glistening as she looked at the sleek black surface.

“Dad–”

“You recently got into jewelry design,” he added with a smile. “You need to have the best tools.”

Before she could thank him, a hand was placed on her shoulder.

“Happy birthday, Lily.”

She looked up and gasped. “Aspen!”

Her older brother stood behind her.

She shot up in surprise, throwing her arms around him. “You came.”

Her brother had been studying in Germany and rarely came back home.

He pinched her cheeks before handing her a box. “Of course, you think I’ll miss my baby sister finally becoming an adult.”

She opened the package— inside were a pair of glittering silver heels.

“They’re so beautiful.” 

“I had my friend design it, it’s the only one in the world.” Aspen took the seat next to her.

“Tsk tsk, they grow up so fast. Too bad you’re still too young to drink.”

“Aspen–” their mother started sternly.

“Kidding, Mom.”

The butler entered the room. “Madam, they’re here.” 

Lily looked at her mother in confusion.

“Finish your breakfast,” her mother said, sipping her tea. “I had a fashion brand come by. So you can pick the perfect dress. ”



Ethan woke up in the dark hotel room, he clicked the button to open the curtains. It was still bright outside. He ruffled his hair, reaching his phone. The screen read 5:00 PM. 

He had been up all night, coding till 7 in the morning.

If he didn’t get up now, he would be late. Because he had wanted a hotel closer to the airport, he would have to spend more than one hour getting to Lily’s house.

He hurried to shower and dress up.

He reached for his bag, unzipped the front pocket, and took out the envelope from his bag.

Today, he was going to tell Lily everything.

He had to talk to her.

He left his room hopeful.



The garden had been transformed. Fairy lights had been draped over the trees, elegant white tables and chairs lined the grass. The scent of flowers added to its charm. It was set up exactly as Lily had wanted. Music and laughter filled the air as the guests milled around.

He stood at the entrance, scanning the crowd, his hands in his pockets.

Then he saw Lily.

She was standing at the center, smiling. Miles walked up to her, he couldn’t hear what they were saying.

He started to walk forward.

Then, she jumped into Miles’ arms.

Ethan froze. 

His mind drifted to his conversation with Miles from a month ago.

“I plan to confess my feelings and ask her to be my girlfriend.” 

Lily liked Miles.

Dejected, he took a step back. Then another.

He turned and walked away.

Maybe it was best for everyone if he left.



Back in his hotel room, Ethan stood under the shower. The warm spray washed his tears down. 

Lily being with Miles was better than being with him anyway. 

With Miles, she could live a carefree and happy life with a stable future. 

But he had nothing. 

It was good that she didn’t like him.

When he stepped out, his phone was ringing.

It was a pop song Lily had insisted he use.

Chloe.

He stared at the screen. He could tell why she was calling, if he picked it, she’d demand to know why he was late.

If they found out he had been kicked out by his stepmother, they would only worry.

,

Ethan exhaled. 

His hand hovered over the answer button for some seconds.

Then, without hesitation, he switched off his phone.

And tossed it in his open suitcase.

It was time to say goodbye to the past.



Ethan spent the whole of Sunday putting finishing touches on his ongoing projects. The only sound that could be heard was the rhythmic tapping of his keyboard. He only went to sleep late into the night.  

Before the sun rose on Monday morning, he was already at the airport.

All around him were people saying tearful goodbyes to their loved ones.

His hand went to the scarf wrapped around his neck, stroking it gently—it was Lily’s birthday gift for him. He didn’t even give her a return gift.

The boarding call rang through the speakers.

With a sigh, he walked to the terminal.

Goodbye Lily.