Lucky to miss
I chased Ethan across the country for Olivia, my
best friend. He didn’t even look back. A year
later, I got married. Ethan flew back the
moment he heard.
Seeing my wedding ring, the usually arrogant
Ethan completely lost it. He forced a smile, his
voice trembling, “Avery, are you going to take
that off yourself, or do I have to do it for you?
I’ll buy you any ring you want, just get rid of
that one. Please.”
It was a small wedding, just a dozen close
friends and family. My husband, David, doted on
me, taking care of everything so I could relax
and chat with Olivia.
“I thought you’d wait for Ethan forever,” she
said, watching me with a knowing look.
I gave a small laugh. “I thought so too.”
く
“Does he even know you’re getting married?”
I shook my head. “No. And there’s no need for
him to know.”
She paused. “I heard he booked a flight last
night like a madman, flew back from California
as soon as he could.”
I didn’t say anything. He was probably panicking because Olivia had taken off again. Just like before, when she’d gotten upset with him and
flown to California, Ethan had booked a flight
right in front of me to chase after her. I
remember having my period then, shivering
even under a pile of blankets.
I sat there, watching his long fingers tap on his phone screen, securing his flight. I’d bitten back
the tears, still hoping to change his mind.
“Ethan, please don’t go,” I’d begged.
He’d looked at me, a careless smile playing on
く
his lips. “Be a good girl and stay home. I’ll bring
you back a present.” He tilted my chin up,
kissed me lightly, and tucked the blankets
around me. “Necklace or bracelet?”
I hadn’t said anything. Ethan loved giving
jewelry, he’d showered me with it. But never a
ring. He didn’t give Olivia much, but every gift
was a ring.
I took a deep breath, looking at his handsome
face, his pale skin. “Can you please stay?”
His smile faltered. He patted my head. “You
know how things are between us.”
I was speechless. Ethan was someone I’d
pursued relentlessly. He’d had one condition:
our relationship had to remain secret, especially
from Olivia. I was the backup plan. I had no
right to stop him, even though we lived together
and he’d even taken me to a few family
gatherings.
く
10:53
Seeing my silence, he’d kissed my forehead.
“Be good. I’ll bring you a gift.”
“When will you be back?” I’d asked quietly.
He’d stood up, buttoning his shirt. “A few
days.”
544
He probably hadn’t expected Olivia’s “getaway”
to turn into a year–long study abroad program,
forcing him to stay with her.
Watching his tall figure disappear through the
doorway, I sighed. As if sensing my
unhappiness, he’d turned back. “Before I go, is
there anything you want me to do? Anything at
all.”
