Chapter 6

Serena POV

When I got home, I went into the bathroom first to take a shower.

I was too tired today. I needed to rest properly.

Suddenly, I heard Ethan's voice.

He was practically shouting my name. "Serena!"

The bathroom door happened to open. I walked out in a bathrobe, my long hair still dripping wet.

Ethan strode forward and grabbed my shoulders. "Are you okay? Are you hurt? Why was your phone off?"

I looked at him, puzzled. "What would be wrong? What could happen to me? My phone died. It's charging in the living room."

Ethan pulled me forcefully into his arms. "As long as you're okay. As long as you're okay."

His face showed panic as he continued, "Why didn't you let me take you home earlier? Don't ever walk alone at night again!"

I smiled and gently reminded him, "Before, when I was scared walking home at night and called you, didn't you say I was being delicate and that I was interfering with your work?"

Ethan suddenly fell silent.

But he asked again, "Then why did you give up the passenger seat to Vivian? Last time she sat in the passenger seat once, you got angry at me."

I interrupted him. "Last time, didn't you say that fighting over the passenger seat was something only immature little girls do?"

I used his own words to block him completely.

Ethan stared intently into my eyes. "No. Serena, something's wrong with you. I wanted you to be understanding, but not like this."

He softened his tone. "Don't lie to me. Are you angry with me? If you have any complaints, say them. Let's communicate properly."

Communicate?

In the past, when I wanted to chat with him more, he said there was nothing to talk about.

I would say ten sentences before he'd deign to reply with an "Mm."

Sometimes I would deliberately ask him what I'd just said, and he couldn't answer a single thing.

He never listened to me seriously.

Now he suddenly remembered he wanted to communicate?

Thinking of this, I shook my head gently. "I'm not angry. You're overthinking it."

Ethan's face was full of doubt.

He looked at me deeply. "Serena, we've been together for three years. We get along well. I think you're very suitable for me. I want to marry you."

He paused and repeated, "So if you think I'm doing something wrong, you can tell me directly. I'll change."

I looked into his eyes, my heart full of bitterness.

He sounded so sincere.

He said he wanted to marry me. He said he would change.

But he didn't say he loved me.

All his tension and anxiety were only because I was good to him, so he wanted me to be understanding, so he was nervous about me leaving.

But his real love was for someone else.

I heard myself say calmly, "Okay."

The next day, Ethan actually took the initiative to suggest taking me to his parents' house for dinner.

His parents were both teachers, and they'd always liked me.

When they saw me, they were somewhat excited and kept telling me to eat more throughout the meal.

After a while, Ethan's father spoke first. "Ethan, you should get married. Serena doesn't have parents, but I really like her. Since you two have a good relationship, get married soon. I really want to become family with her."

Ethan's mother nodded repeatedly. "Yes, I like Serena too. You two should get married soon!"

In the past, they'd also wanted us to get married.

Every time, Ethan refused with excuses like "I'm still young" or "I'm busy with work."

This time, he would probably use the same excuses again, right?

Just as Ethan began to speak, I cut him off.

"We're both still young and busy with work. Let's not rush into marriage this year."

The spoon in Ethan's hand dropped onto the table.

He turned to look at me, panic showing in his eyes.

His father rarely got serious and scolded Ethan, reminding him not to put all his attention on work. He also needed to make time to spend with his girlfriend and family.

Ethan kept nodding and saying okay.

Not long after the meal, he couldn't sit still anymore.

He made up an excuse and pulled me out the door.

His expression was terrible.

He finally couldn't hold back and slammed his palm on the steering wheel.

"Serena, what the hell is wrong with you? Can you please stop making trouble for me?"