Chapter 31

Chapter 31


Chloe had still not met Ethan, she didn’t want to. 

Lily tried to set up a meeting, but Chloe rejected her each time. Chloe hadn’t forgiven him and didn’t plan to. 

Chloe: I’m going on a 2 month long trip.

Chloe’s message came in just as Lily got home. She settled into her couch and opened the chat interface.

Lily: “Where are you going?”

Chloe: “The Maldives. Ocean therapy.”

Lily: “Okay, have fun.”

Chloe: “You have plans with him tonight, right?”

Lily: “Yes. Dinner.”

Chloe: “If he hurts you, I’ll come back and beat him up.”

Lily thought about Ethan’s height and how he towered over her. Then she thought of Chloe, who would pant if she had to climb 2 flights of stairs.

Lily: “I’d rather you didn’t.”

Chloe: “You’re not even married, and you’re already protecting him. What happened to sisters before husbands?”

Lily: “I’m protecting you. You don’t even exercise. How are you going to take on Ethan?”

Chloe: “True. Then I’ll pay someone to beat him up.”

Lily: “That’s illegal.”

Chloe: “The things I’m willing to do for you.”

The doorbell rang. Ethan had arrived. He came earlier than she expected.

Lily: “Gotta go.”

Chloe: “Make sure to use protection.”

Lily: “Chloe!!!!!!!!!!!!!”



Lily and Ethan kept meeting each other frequently, initially at the insistence of Lily’s mom. But after they exchanged contacts, they started making all the plans themselves. 

They had multiple dinner dates, a trip to the amusement park, a visit to the zoo, and many more. But unlike their first dinner, Ethan had become more subdued and distant. Lily felt the difference. He was still polite and charming, but it felt like there was a wall between them. He wasn’t asking personal questions, just polite ones.

They didn’t talk about the past. Nobody brought it up.

That evening, they were watching a movie— a horror movie. Ethan and Lily took their seats side by side near the back of the theater, each of them with their own popcorn and drink. As the movie went on, Lily couldn’t help clinging to Ethan’s arm, scared.



Warm hands gripped his, prompting Ethan to look down.

Lily was close— very close. His body tensed.

A scene flashed on the screen— the ghost dragged one of the characters into the void. Screams filled the theater. Lily let out a small yelp and buried her head in his chest.

Ethan stared at her from above and smiled. He could even smell her shampoo— something floral. It had been years since he had held Lily in his arms. 



That Friday, Lily was closing up the flower shop for the day. The sun had already set, and she had sent out the last order for the day. She stood up from her place behind the counter, ready to leave.

She glanced at her watch. She was having dinner with Ethan tonight. Slowly, he had become a regular part of her life again.

She didn’t know what they were at the moment, but at least they were together. And she was happy. She knew they might never be as close as they were before.

The shop’s bell rang and a voice called. 

“Lily.”

She turned.

Jack Clifford was standing behind her, holding a large bouquet of roses.

“For you,” he said, smiling in a way he thought was charming. But all Lily could think about was how handsy he was the last time they met.

Lily looked at the flowers in his hands and then looked around her shop pointedly. 

“I own a flower shop.” She said flatly.

He stepped forward, holding the flowers out further. “These ones are different, they were chosen with love.”

Jack opened his arms to hug her. Lily moved to the side to avoid him. 

“What do you want?” she asked, arms crossed.

He smiled widely before answering casually. “I came to take you out to dinner.”

Lily raised a brow.

“Don’t worry, I broke up with all my girlfriends,” he declared proudly, “Now I’ll focus on only you.”

“Jack.”Her voice hardened. “I want this to be the last time I’ll say this. I’m not interested in you— and I have plans tonight.”

She picked up her bag and gestured to the door.

“Please leave, my date is waiting for me.” 

Jack stood in place. “You don’t have to pretend to be seeing someone just to reject me,” he said.

“I’m not pretending.”

She walked to the door, intent on leaving.

A hand reached out and grabbed her wrist. “Lily, I won’t give up on us.”

Lily turned, annoyed. “What are you talking about? There’s no us. Let go.”

“I can wait till you’re ready.” He continued.

“Let go of me.” Lily struggled to get out of his grip to no success. 



Ethan pulled up outside the flower shop.

He had gotten the address from her mother, when he asked, she had sent it immediately. 

He stepped out of the car and glanced at the wooden sign. It read ‘Blooms for you’ in a fantasy-like font.

As he approached, he saw movement inside. Through the large glass windows, he spotted Lily.

And someone else.

She was trying to pull her hand away. The guy was holding on, not letting her go.

In long strides, Ethan reached the door and pushed it open.

The jingle of the bell attracted the people inside, who turned to the door. 

He strode and punched Jack across the face. The grip on Lily’s wrist loosened instantly.

Lily stepped back.

“Go wait in the car,” Ethan said, turning to Lily and dropping his key into her palm. 

Lily nodded and walked out. 



Ethan turned back to Jack. 

“Who are you?” He stepped closer. “And why are you harassing my girlfriend?”

“What? Your girlfriend? Since when?”

“None of your business.”

Ethan took another step forward. Jack took a step back. 

“If you come near her again.” Ethan said coldly, “I’ll beat you to a pulp.”

Jack opened his mouth to speak, but Ethan’s glare shut him up.

He hurriedly stood up, almost tripping over his feet, and ran out of the shop.