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Chapter 15
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2025-03-28 08:54:54The math teacher walked in after Ethan left, and class started, but Lily couldn’t focus.
“Does anyone know how to solve the equation?” ” Ms. Peller asked, scanning the room.
A minute passed. Then two.
Lily’s gaze flickered towards Ethan’s empty seat.
Finally, she made up her mind.
She raised her hand.
“Miss Monroe, would you like to try? ” Ms. Peller asked gently.
“No, ma’am. I wanted to ask if I may I go to the bathroom?”
The maths teacher let out a sigh as she waved a dismissive hand. “Be quick. Would anyone like to try?”
Lily closed her notebook and slipped out of the class. But instead of heading to the restroom, she turned in the direction of the principal’s office, her pace increasing with each step.
The hallway was quiet as she passed by. Classes were in full progress, leaving the hallways empty.
Just as she turned the corner—
Slap.
The sharp sound echoed through the hallway.
“...Do you feel better now?”
Lily’s breath caught.
It was Ethan’s voice.
Lily’s heart pounded with worry as she walked closer, her gaze locking onto Ethan, his cheek already red from the impact. His father stood in front of him, a hand raised still in the air.
Was he going to hit him again?
“I–” His father started.
“You’re what? Sorry?” Ethan took a step back. “No need.”
Anger burned in Lily’s chest.
Striding closer, her eyes fixed on Ethan.
“Ethan.”
He turned to her, surprise flickering in his eyes. “Lily.”
She reached for his wrist. “Uncle John, I have to get Ethan back to class. I hope you don’t mind.”
His father looked like he wanted to say more but changed his mind at the last minute.
He nodded. “Okay.”
“Tha–”
He started to speak again, but Lily didn’t wait.
She tugged Ethan’s wrist and led him away.
Neither of them spoke as they walked down the hallway.
Instead of turning down the hallway that led to their classroom, Lily veered left, only stopping when they got to the nurse’s office.
Ethan looked up at the sign on the door, then back at her. “Why did you bring me here?”
Only then did she turn to face him.
“Ice pack for your face.” She said simply.
She lifted a hand to his cheek, but he flinched back in pain as she touched him.
Her eyes reddened. “Are you okay?” She asked, her voice quieter.
Ethan let out a slow breath. “Shouldn’t you be in class?”
Lily crossed her arms. “That’s not an answer, you’re avoiding my question.”
His lips curved slightly in a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “I’m fine. It’s not the first time.”
She frowned, her gaze flickering to his cheek. “He hits you often?”
Ethan didn’t answer.
Lily’s finger curled into a fist.
How could he do that to his own son?
“Since when?” she asked.
Before Ethan could respond, the door opened from inside, and the nurse stepped out.
She took in Ethan’s face and stepped back in. “Come in.”
Etha hesitated, but Lily nudged him in.
She sat by the side as he got treated.
As Ethan and Lily walked out of the nurse's office, the bell rang.
“You should hurry on to your next class.”
Lily hesitated.
He patted her hair. “Don’t worry about me.”
*****************************************************************************************************************
Lily walked into the classroom just after Mr. Riley.
She hurried to her spot.
“Did something happen?” Chloe asked as Lily sat down, taking in her reddened eyes.
Lily shook her head slightly. “I’ll explain after class.”
Miles glanced at her but said nothing.
He passed her a sticky note with a puppy drolling.
She smiled.
After the art class, they went back to their homeroom,
Ethan was sitting at his desk, the swelling on his cheek already reduced.
Lily studied him as she sat down. His expression was unreadable.
Before she could say anything, the teacher for the next class walked in– following behind him was a new student— a girl.
As the teacher was introducing the girl, Stacy.
Lily noticed her gaze was fixed on in their direction.
On Ethan.
She frowned.
Tapping Ethan’s desk lightly. “Do you know her?”
“Just met.” He replied gruffly.
Lily turned her attention back to the front.
The teacher’s voice filled the room. “....she transferred in the middle of the school year. Please assist Stacy with anything she needs.”
The teacher began the lesson after assigning Stacy a seat.
When class ended.
Stacy headed straight for their corner when the teacher walked out.
“Hello, I am Stacy Peters.” Stopping in front of Lily, she extended a hand to Lily. “Nice to meet you.”
Lily was doodling in the back of her notebook when Chloe kicked her desk. She looked up to find a hand extended in her face.
Her fingers tightened around her pencil.
She slowly reached out and shook Stacy’s hand. “Lily Monroe.”
Something about this girl didn’t sit right with her.
*****************************************************************************************************************
Despite all of Stacy’s efforts to integrate herself into the group, she was unsuccessful.
She was friendly, nice, and always brought snacks, but they could tell— she didn’t really like them and was only doing this for Ethan.
She tried to sit with them during lunch, inserting herself into their conversations, but they only politely replied and kept quiet afterward.
One thing she was successful in was getting Ethan to tutor her.
Since his father commanded it, he didn’t have a choice.
But even then, Ethan never gave her more attention than necessary.
He was cold in the face of her enthusiastic pursuits.
Stacy would always try to invite Ethan out after tutoring sessions, asking him out to go to the movies or to go shopping with her. Each time, she came up with something different, but he always rejected her.
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Ethan’s fingers flew across the keyboard, his eyes focused on the computer scree as he wrote the last couple line of codes. Beside him his teammates worked frantically to write their programs before time went up.As the timer in the giant screen hit zero, a loud beep signaling the end of the competition echoed through the auditorium. Ethan’s hand stilled on the keyboard. He sighed in relief as he leaned back in his seat.“I didn’t finish writing the program,” one of his teammates groaned.“You did well,” their teacher said, patting the classmate’s shoulder. “You all did very well.”Ethan’s gaze shifted to the stage where the host stood, microphone in hand, to announce the final rankings.“After compiling the scores of all the teams…”Ethan’s fingers brushed over the blue hair tie on his wrist. He wondered how Lily was doing, She hadn’t replied to the message he had sent her this morning before the competition, which was unusual.As celebratory music began to play, the host’s voice ra
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“Will you be coming back for dinner?” Lily asked as Ethan sat at the table, reading the morning’s newspaper as he ate breakfast in quick bites. Ethan, already dressed in one of his tailored suits–it was a blue that matched his eyes, glanced at her briefly. “I have an important business dinner.” He answered flatly, getting up without another word and leaving the room.Today was their wedding anniversary. And once again he would be spending it elsewhere. A familiar ache welled in her chest. She wondered why she bothered anymore, like she hadn’t been disappointed enough, three years of marriage and he was still as cold as their wedding day. She should be used to this by now. But somehow, every year, it hurt even more.After breakfast, Lily told the butler to cancel the dinner she had planned since she was going out with friends. The butler–uncle Dan– watched Lily go upstairs in pity, she had been planning the dinner for weeks, and even personally baked a cake to celebrate.“What about t
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Lily watched the city lights flash by as Chloe drove to the club. A love song was playing on the radio, she had heard it before. It seems to be one of the songs that was played on her wedding day. Yes it was the one they danced their first dance as a couple to.“Oh my God.” Chloe’s sudden scream shattered the quiet. She stirred the car to the side of the road and pulled it to an abrupt stop.“What’s wrong?” Lily’s heart jumped. She twisted in her seat, scanning around for what could have possibly made Chloe panic. “What happened? Are you okay?” “We can’t have you going to the club like this.” Chloe declared, turning to face Lily. “Not with you dressed like this.”Lily blinked confused. She looking down at her dress. It was an elegant white dress that flowed down to her ankle. It was one of her favorite dresses–Ethan had given it to her for her birthday last year. “What’s wrong with my outfit?”“Everything, it is beautiful, but more appropriate for a picnic,” Chloe answered, shaking h
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When they pulled up in front of the club, Lily felt her nerves creeping in again. A huge signboard bearing the club’s name–Golden Arc– in bold, elegant lettering, stood imposingly at the top of the building.For a moment, Lily wanted to turn back and go home. Her hand tightened around the seat belt, her heart racing. But Chloe was already stepping out of the car, she took a deep breath and stepped out too. “It’s time for the night of your life.” Chloe came to her side and grabbed Lily’s arm. She led her to the entrance where a long line was already forming–stretching down the sidewalk– the crowd buzzing with excitement.As they walked past the crowd, many heads turned in their direction, taking in the newly arrived beauties. Lily felt a little self-conscious with all the eyes on her, her confidence wavering. She shifted closer to Chloe.At the door, two bouncers stood like sentinels, checking IDs and maintaining the crowd. They were huge and held guns in their hands. Their stern expr
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Lily stood in front of the large mirrors–her eyes red, struggling to calm herself down. She tried–really hard– to erase the image burned into her mind — Ethan and Stacy, walking arm in arm. But no matter how she tried, she kept seeing them.The bathroom was mostly empty, save for the two girls that stood taking selfies and even they soon left. From behind the closed bathroom doors, the muffled hum of the music continued. The near silence was a relief to her throbbing head, but did little to calm the storm that threatened to erupt inside her.She glanced down at the dark stain maring the red material of her dress and sighed shakily. Turning on the tap, she grabbed a tissue from her purse and wet it. Carefully, She dabbed at the stain trying to soak up as much of the wine as possible.“Lily…Is that you?” an airy, familiar voice spoke behind her.Lily stiffened, her fingers freezing mid-motion. Through the mirror she caught sight of the speaker. Stacy Peters.“Oh my God, I didn’t expect
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Hey—” Lily started, startled.Ethan's grip tightened around Lily’s wrist as he pulled her through the teeming crowd off the dance floor, his jaw was set in a hard line. “Ehan let go,” She shouted, twisting in his grip trying to free herself. “You’re hurting me.”He immediately relaxed his grip but didn’t let go. He continued to lead her through the hallway, but gentler this time. They stopped at a balcony at the end of the hallway. It was quieter here, the bass of the music could still be heard, but was reduced to a distant thrum. They were the only ones there. Ethan released her abruptly, and turned to face her, his blue eyes blazing with anger as he clenched his fists by his sides.“What the hell do you think you are doing?” he demanded, his voice low but harsh.”Why are you here?” Lily stood, rubbing her sore, reddened wrist. “I was dancing Ethan. What the hell are you doing?”His gaze swept over her, taking in the way her dress hug her curves, the tigh peeking out through the s
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The math teacher walked in after Ethan left, and class started, but Lily couldn’t focus.“Does anyone know how to solve the equation?” ” Ms. Peller asked, scanning the room.A minute passed. Then two.Lily’s gaze flickered towards Ethan’s empty seat.Finally, she made up her mind.She raised her hand. “Miss Monroe, would you like to try? ” Ms. Peller asked gently.“No, ma’am. I wanted to ask if I may I go to the bathroom?”The maths teacher let out a sigh as she waved a dismissive hand. “Be quick. Would anyone like to try?”Lily closed her notebook and slipped out of the class. But instead of heading to the restroom, she turned in the direction of the principal’s office, her pace increasing with each step.The hallway was quiet as she passed by. Classes were in full progress, leaving the hallways empty.Just as she turned the corner—Slap.The sharp sound echoed through the hallway.“...Do you feel better now?”Lily’s breath caught.It was Ethan’s voice.Lily’s heart pounded with wor
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The morning was crisp as Ethan, Lily, Chloe, and Miles walked through the school gates together. They made their way through the morning crowd, rushing to class before the bell rang.Lily and Chloe were deep in conversation about a newly released edition of their favorite magazine, their voices animated as they flipped through the pages.“I still think the spring collection was better,” Chloe said, pointing at a page. “Red and green isn’t a summer color. It’s like going out as a Christmas tree. ”“Come on. It’s not that bad. If you pair it with yellow boots instead of brown, it would be better. ”Miles, walking beside them, glanced over at the magazine with mild interest. “Hmm, she really does look like a Christmas tree,” he mused.“You both don’t know style.” Lily pouted. “See,” Chloe smirked. “He gets it, truly the soul of an artist.”Ethan walked slightly behind them with his hands in his pockets, mostly listening, though he threw in an occasional remark whenever they asked his op
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Ethan and Lily sat on the floor playing scrabble. Sun streamed in through the window and wide balcony, casting a warm glow over the wooden floor.It was Saturday.After an entire week of Miles being almost everywhere Lily went, Ethan could finally spend time with Lily— just the two of them. No extra person. No interruptions.He leaned back against the bedpost, watching as Lily chewed her lips, deep in thought as her eyes drifted between her rack and the board, planning her next move. She looked really cute.Ethan smirked. “We should have played with a timer. In an official game, you’d have lost 10 points.” “I was strategizing my ultimate move.”Ethan raised a brow. Lily went to work and placed all seven tiles on the board. “Bingo.” She yelled with a treiumphant grin. “Fifty extra points for me.”She picked up the pen to record her score.His gaze drifted to the pen Lily was using.A sleek, pink fountain pen with a silver tip.Miles had given it to her.It was well in line with her t
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Lunch had never felt this long.Ethan sat, silently chewing his food as Lily and Miles continued talking opposite him. Every now and then, Lily would call his name, trying to include him in the conversation as she recounted stories from their childhood to Miles. He responded with one-word answers.He aggressively sipped his orange drink, but it was tasteless when it entered his mouth.His grip on the carton tightened slightly as Miles leaned in to brush something off Lily’s hair.The sound of the bell put their conversation to an end. Finally.They packed up their bags and headed to class.Ethan let out a breath of relief and fell into step behind Lily as they walked back to their class.But just as he entered the class someone bumped into him–Miles.Ethan’s hands clenched into fists beside him.Why was he here?He had assumed Miles was just another one of Lily’s art classmates— someone she’d only hang out with during class and sometimes during lunch. But now he was also here. In t
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Lily sprinted down the stairs, her school bag half open and her tie half knotted. She nearly tripped over her dog as Ivy ran to greet her, wagging her tail excitedly as she jumped.“Not now, Ivy, I’m late for school. We’ll play in the afternoon.” She said , crouching down to gave Ivy a quick rub on the head, she picked up her toy and threw it up the stairs, Ivy whined, but ran up after it. “Don’t forget your lunch!” her mom called from the dining table.“Yes, ma’am,” Lily yelled back, picking her phone from the table and zipping her bag.“And Ethan’s.” Lily groaned. “I know, Mom, I know.”She walked into the kitchen to pick up the already packed lunch boxes sitting on the counter.“What did you make?” she asked Mrs. Harper, who was cutting cookie dough.“Chicken Pitas,” She answered without looking up. “Hurry along now.” “Yay, you’re the best,” Lily said, rushing outside.When she got out, she spotted Ethan waiting by the gate, his hands in his pocket.“Your lunch.” She said as sh
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Ethan sat at his desk, staring at a bird flying in circles around a tree outside.The teacher’s voice droned on in the background, but he couldn’t focus.His fingers tightened around his pen, his textbook open to the topic of the day.He had barely slept last night.Over the weekend he had gone to the hospital. He saw his mom. The doctor said she just needed rest, but Ethan had seen how pale she looked, and how weak her voice sounded compared to before.But she seemed to be getting better.She had said she was feeling better.She even ate two plates of brown rice.He didn’t tell her what he saw during the week, who his father had brought home. He didn’t know how to tell her or if he even should.A nudge against his arm made him snap out of his thoughts.Lily leaned in close, whispering, “You’re zoning out again.”Ethan blinked, turning to face her. “Huh.”Lily frowned, her eyes scanning his face. Ethan had been acting weird these past few days. Always staring off into space and he had
