ELLIE The conversation continued normally around the table as we had dinner, just as Ethan continued to ignore me. I did the same, lacking the energy to deal with our confusion. I was tired and inwardly frustrated and irritated. The men were talking about work, and I was about to leave when I thought I heard Bennett mention that Ethan had said he could take care of the business in London. This meant he would have to spend more time there. He hadn't told me anything about it. Was he thinking of moving back there? I stared at him instantly. He was already looking at me. He had told me they had a problem with the manager of the London branch, and that's why he was going there frequently, but that was it until now. I waited for an explanation as we stared at each other, but he remained silent as the tension between us grew. Was that it? He wasn't going to say anything? If I didn't even deserve an explanation, then all of this was a waste of time. I stood up, grabbing my bag. "Good n
ELLIE Ethan carried me to the couch as I recovered. I tried to calm my breathing while he undressed. I appreciated the sight of his body completely naked. His muscular legs and defined abdomen always left me impressed. Leaning over me on the sofa, he undressed my skirt and panties, sliding them down my legs. My reason was partially back, and I wondered what we were doing. We should talk, not have sex. But Ethan didn't seem interested in talking at the moment. He was focused on taking off my blouse and bra. When he succeeded, he turned my body, placing me face down. "Get on all fours," he ordered. I complied, letting myself be carried away by the moment; after all, he had already made me orgasm. We could talk later. "Hands behind your back," he demanded. Despite the excitement, he was already irritating me, but I still obeyed, placing my arms behind my back. Grasping my wrists, he held them together with one hand. Positioning his cock at my entrance, he plunged in again, making
ETHAN We had just finished a five-kilometer run in the park. Will bent down to tie his shoelace. "Don't forget, eight o'clock at Bennett's place," he said, standing up. Bennett and I exchanged glances. He was hiding something from us. He seemed strangely excited this morning. "I'm not sure I can make it," I said, remembering that Ellie would be there. "What's going on? Did you guys have a fight? You know you don't have to go back to London just because of work. We can figure something out. Find someone else," Will said. "It's not just about that, but it doesn't matter. I won't run away from my responsibilities." "Sorry, I didn't mean to..." Bennett started to apologize. "It's okay, maybe it's for the best," I interrupted. The two of them exchanged confused looks. I wasn't willing to go back to rock bottom once again, giving my all to someone who wasn't willing to do the same. "Anyway, you better show up, or you'll regret it," Will said, with a huge smile. What was going on w
ELLIE The night was being odd, as everyone had already noticed that we were fighting. I was reluctant to use the word "ended," but deep down, I knew that's what was happening. I didn't want to admit it because I didn't know if I could handle being without him and going through all of that again. Sitting on one of the sofas, I had lost count of how many glasses of wine I had taken. If Anna hadn't insisted so much, I wouldn't have come. It seemed like she and Will had something important to tell us. They hadn't separated the whole night. Why the hell was she hiding, whatever it was, from me? I was her best friend. I had the right to know before anyone else. Eventually, my gaze shifted to Ethan. I couldn't help it. He didn't say a word to me all night, even though I felt his eyes on me at times. And the more wine I drank, the more my desire to drag him into a room grew. I looked at the wine glass in my hand. This meant it was time to stop. I got up and headed for the kitchen. Leaving
ELLIE I hadn't heard from Ethan all Sunday. In fact, I spent the entire day trying to ignore my phone to avoid contact with everyone. I was afraid that at any moment a message would arrive saying he had left. Internally, I was falling apart. Outwardly, I was trying to pretend that the familiar pain wasn't gradually consuming me. But this time, I knew it would be much worse. Because I truly loved him. I also couldn't talk to my best friend because I didn't want to dump my drama on her when she was experiencing such a wonderful moment. I couldn't be selfish. No, I wasn't going to ruin her moment. So, I had to endure all the agony alone, feeling my heart shatter slowly. Had I made a mistake? Maybe I shouldn't have cornered him. But he was being so foolish. Oh, God! How did we get to this point? We were so happy. Had I ruined everything? No. I won't blame myself because it's not all my fault. If he truly loves me, he will understand, and we will find a way to fix this. He won't leave.
ETHAN It was late at night when I landed in London. I took a taxi to the apartment I maintained in the city. I was mentally exhausted. My phone was filled with unread messages and missed calls, which I had decided to ignore throughout the flight. I knew they were from my brother and Will, but I did not incline to deal with them. At the moment, all I needed was sleep, as I had been awake for over twenty-four hours. My mind hadn't stopped for a single second since she left me on Saturday. Making the decision wasn't easy, but I couldn't accept that things would continue as they were, no matter how much I loved her. And as before, I knew work was the only thing that would keep my head straight. And I thought maybe distance would make things easier too. It seems I was right after all. I could never give her what she wanted. I tried, but it seemed like it wasn't enough for her. Even after I suggested she move in with me, she said no. What else could I do? What did she expect me to say?
ELLIE I spent the whole week in autopilot mode as if nothing else made sense. I didn't feel like going to work or doing anything, but I did it anyway. The anger and despair had subsided, leaving only a deep void. I missed him so much. I thought I would never have to go through this again, but everything seemed even worse than the first time. The worst part is that he didn't dare to talk to me; he simply left. Did he care so little? Did I not even deserve an explanation or a message? I had to hold myself back all week from calling him or sending a message. Sometimes, I thought about cursing him and saying the worst things possible, but other times, I just wanted to tell him I missed him and that I didn't want to live without him. I still couldn't believe it was all over. And the reasons seemed so insignificant. I truly loved him, and these problems seemed so trivial compared to what I felt. I had plenty of time to think since he left, and it made me realize I was willing to compro
ETHAN It was Saturday night when Neil knocked on my door. I stared at him, confused. He hadn't mentioned he'd be paying a visit. "Is everything alright?" I asked. "It's you who should be answering that. Just look at yourself." "I was working. What brings you here?" I gestured for him to come in. "I figured you would be, and that's why I'm here. I thought I'd pull you out of this damn apartment before it's too late, and you meld into the furniture and walls," he said, entering. "Actually, I'm not really in the mood to go out." It wasn't a good day. Especially because tonight, I should have been with her, celebrating. In fact, we would still have the whole day ahead of us, if I were in New York, due to the time difference. "Take a shower and get dressed. I'm not letting you work yourself to death on the weekend, either. I know it helps keep your mind occupied, but it's not healthy." "And what about Rosie? Did she agree to this?" "She and Phillipa are having a girls' night out o