Chapter 2

Cassie, Liam, and Ethan, and I.

The four of us were the best of friends in college.

Liam and Cassie started this company together, and they really busted their butts getting it off the ground during the early days.

Once the company was finally on track, Cassie relentlessly convinced me to join as the VP of Public Relations.

It was a perfect fit for my major, and we could hang out all the time, just like in college.

Not long after, Liam, as a founder, was invited onto the stage.

Then the host asked about his personal plans for the second half of the year.

Liam played coy, stroking his chin and pausing for a few seconds before grinning.

"Next month! I'm getting married on the island!"

The audience erupted in cheers and playful jeers.

He turned and looked at our table, his gaze settling on Cassie, his voice suddenly softening:

"I hope to spend my life with my wife. Even with all the playful bickering we're bound to have!"

Laughter and applause blended enthusiastically.

Cassie's eyes welled up, but she muttered, "You're crazy."

Liam's tone shifted, and his gaze moved to Ethan. He sincerely and expectantly extended a hand, asking loudly and with full vigor:

"Brother, want to join us?!"

My eyes suddenly welled up.

All the spotlights seemed to be focused on our table.

Everyone's eyes were on Ethan.

Our friends had their hands clasped in front of them, ready to erupt in applause.

The sound tech quietly flipped a switch, ready to cue the music.

Perhaps the atmosphere was truly moving, as I turned to look at Ethan, a faint, fragile hope flickering in my heart once more.

But Ethan, under everyone's watchful eyes, just smiled, waved his hand, and replied with a playful tone:

"You go first. I'm not really into crowded weddings."

We were all adults; Liam didn't press the issue, just awkwardly rubbed his nose and continued his speech.

The surging tide in my heart finally receded, leaving behind only a dead calm and an endless, salty emptiness.

Nicole, from not far away, turned her head, a faint, almost imperceptible smile playing on her lips. Her gaze slid past Ethan and quietly assessed me.

Her eyes held curiosity, triumph, and a hint of indefinable pity.

I calmly nodded at her, curving my lips into a polite, distant smile.

That entire day, Cassie didn't speak another word to Ethan. Whenever their eyes met, she looked at him as if he were her worst enemy.

In the end, Liam awkwardly saw us out by himself.

Ethan and I emerged from the parking lot, and from a distance, we saw Mia standing alone at the company entrance.

The night breeze pressed her skirt against her calves as she hugged her arms, looking around expectantly.

Ethan's car window rolled down.

Mia's eyes lit up, and she scurried over, calling out Ethan's name with a pitiful whimper: "Ethan—"

"Why haven't you left yet?"

"Can't get a ride-share... it's impossible to book one this late," she said, her voice laced with a hint of grievance.

Ethan glanced at the backseat, then at me, his tone neutral: "I can give you a lift."

"Oh, I don't know... Chloe's here," Mia said, pressing her lips together, though her feet remained firmly planted.

"It's on the way," Ethan said, then turned to me.

"Our place is on the way. I'll drop you off first, then take her home."

I nodded.

There was nothing more to say.

All the way, Mia chattered like a magpie, rattling off amusing anecdotes from the hospital.

Listening to those unfamiliar names, I suddenly felt like an awkward outsider.

After I got out, Ethan leaned out the window, his voice soft as he cautioned:

"You go on up. I'll be back as soon as I drop her off."

I acknowledged him and turned to leave.

As I reached the building, my steps involuntarily slowed.

Driven by an inexplicable impulse, I couldn't help but glance back.

Under the streetlamp, the black sedan hadn't turned off its engine.

Through the windshield, I saw that Mia had, at some point, moved to the passenger seat.

She was leaning slightly forward, excitedly tugging on Ethan's arm, pointing at the road ahead and saying something.

Ethan had his head turned, seemingly listening to her, his profile, bathed in the play of light and shadow, looked exceptionally gentle.

The next second, the car did a U-turn and drove off in the opposite direction.