ETHAN Although it was still daylight, it was dark in the hotel room, as I had closed all the windows before we went to bed. She was asleep next to me. Finally getting some rest. We both needed it, but unlike me, she had reasons other than physical exhaustion. Despite being naked and needing clean, dry clothes, I was hesitant to get up and go to my room. Perhaps because I knew that getting up and leaving meant much more than it seemed. I didn't want to leave her. Especially now, as she was going through such a tough time. But I knew she wouldn't allow me to stay much longer after I said those things. I should have waited a little longer, but I needed to be honest. I gazed at her back and the beautiful curve of her hip. All I wanted was to stay in this bed with her forever, feeling her scent and the sensation of her soft skin beneath my fingers. Maybe living in a bubble wouldn't be so bad. But I knew I couldn't. Even now, I couldn't be what she needed. Because what she needed most w
ELLIEThe trauma of abandonment had haunted me my entire life, even though I didn't quite understand why, given that I had wonderful parents. But scattering Lilian Cooper's ashes into the sea had somehow helped me overcome the lingering sense that I'd always carried within me.It was so painful yet liberating at the same time. Although it took me a whole afternoon, I managed to say goodbye and express all the things I wanted, even if she couldn't hear them, but deep down, I felt she could. After forgiving her and forgiving myself, I truly felt at peace.But there were still other issues to deal with, ones that had nothing to do with my biological mother. And it seemed that spending a week in Santa Barbara with my parents hadn't worked as I had hoped, with all my problems disappearing.Ethan was still living in London. We had genuinely broken up. And I had no idea how I was going to get through this. But I decided to try my best. Immersing myself in my work, as usual.I returned to New
ETHANOn Tuesday night, the group decided to meet up at the bar. I didn't want to show up, but Bennett insisted, saying it would be even weirder if I didn't show my face, as it would be obvious that I was trying to avoid her. But that's exactly what I was trying to do.A week ago, she had sent me away. And I accepted it, because I knew those were just the consequences of my decision. But all I did when I got back to London was work like crazy and try to sort everything out so I could return.And here I was, a week later, back in Manhattan. I wanted to say that it had nothing to do with her, but that wasn't the truth. I wouldn't be able to stay away. I needed to be around, to know that she was okay, especially after seeing her like that.And when she walked into the bar next to Anna, wearing a relaxed smile on her face, I could breathe a sigh of relief. She didn't look that bad.But her smile disappeared as soon as she saw me. Then she quickly averted her gaze.They approached, taking t
ELLIEWill got up from the table and headed to the bar, taking Ethan and Bennett with him."What did you guys talk about?" Zoe turned her attention back to me."You can stop now, okay? He's gone." I made sure they were far enough away."He deserves it, and you know it," Anna said."I told you I didn't want any interference this time. I don't want you to meddle, got it?""So it was all a lie? There was no lunch with the hot scientist?" Zoe furrowed her brows, confused."As I said before, we only talked about work. Forget about it; I already told you I'm not interested in dating anyone." I got up. "I'm leaving, goodnight!""Ellie..." Anna said, but I cut her off."No. I'm tired, and I need rest."I walked out of the bar, taking a deep breath. I didn't know he would be there. I still wasn't ready to see him, let alone spend the whole night sitting at the same table with him. And to make things worse, Anna did that. What the hell did she think she was accomplishing by trying to make him je
ELLIEIn the end, Anna managed to corner me and even made me help with the preparations during the week.She had really decided to throw a small gathering to celebrate the pregnancy. She not only invited Jorrick but also Will's parents and some of her family members. Even Jason and Niels came from London, accompanied by Rosie and Phillipa.But what really shocked me on Saturday night was seeing a completely unexpected guest walking through the door.From a distance, I saw Anthony entering the room right after Jack and Zara. My stomach churned a little. Seriously, wasn't inviting Jorrick enough? Anna was succeeding in driving me crazy.I wanted to disappear. So I decided that retreating to a room seemed like a good option. Ethan hadn't arrived yet, and I wished he wouldn't come, even though deep down, I was missing him.No matter how much I tried to hide the painful feeling, I couldn't avoid it. And things didn't seem to be getting any better as the days went by.On the contrary, the fe
ELLIE My phone buzzed, and I opened the message with Anna's name on the screen. She was apologizing for the thousandth time that week and insisting that I go to the bar for our weekly meeting. I put my phone in my purse and grabbed my keys before leaving my apartment. After what she had pulled in her apartment, I decided it was best to take a break from her, from everyone, actually. That included the men she was trying to set me up with. So, that's what I did during the week: I only spoke to Anna when necessary, tried to avoid Jorrick, and turned down Anthony's invitation for a date. I didn't want to go out with anyone; I just needed some time, especially after that conversation with Ethan. And even though it was painful to hear him repeat the same story about how he could never give me what he thinks I want, I think I finally understood that his decision has nothing to do with me. From the beginning, I knew Ethan had his own traumas, and he made it clear that he couldn't offer me
ELLIE His lips covered mine, but I didn't respond to the kiss. Pressing my hands against his chest, I pushed him away. My mind was still in a whirl, but his actions ignited anger within me. "No... What are you doing?" "I... I'm sorry, Ellie. I..." "Never do that again!" I turned to open my door. "Ellie..." When I managed to open it, I stepped inside and slammed the door shut behind me. What the hell was he thinking? Tossing my bag aside, I dragged myself to the bedroom and flopped onto the bed. Not even the anger I felt toward Todd could prevent me from falling asleep; I was soon drifting away, the alcohol taking its toll. The next morning, I woke up with a slight headache that persisted even after a hot shower. After changing, I left the bedroom. Standing by the living room window, I watched the sky covered in gray clouds that blocked the sun. It seemed like it was about to rain anytime soon. Perfect weather for a Saturday. I headed to the kitchen to prepare a strong coffee.
ETHAN I parked in front of the restaurant on Madison Avenue. My mind was in turmoil. What was she doing? Why would she go back to him after everything he put her through? I couldn't understand, and I couldn't accept it, not after letting her go so she could have a chance to find someone who could give her everything she deserved. And that someone wasn't that damn jerk. He had his chance and didn't know how to seize it. It couldn't be that she had forgotten everything so easily. She couldn't be that naive. And if that were the case, I wouldn't allow her to make the same mistake. I stared at the restaurant's entrance, trying to decide what to do. I couldn't just yank her out of there. My intention was only to talk to her, to try to open her eyes. Suddenly, someone exited the restaurant, and I quickly identified the dark hair and shapely legs. It was her. Great. I got out of my car, and my eyes followed her as she crossed the street, so I hurried in her direction. When she reached h