Chapter 105: On the Edge of Control

ETHAN

On 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