Wiping my tears, I took pictures of everything, and saved Summer’s videos. Breaking up with Ethan wouldn’t be easy. Our families were
intertwined, business interests and decades of
friendship were at stake. But Summer’s
videos… that changed things.
I calmed myself down, packed a bag, taking
everything he’d ever given me. Consider it
compensation for wasted youth. I drove to my
parents‘ house. Luckily, they were out of town,
so I had the place to myself. After a shower, I
uploaded the evidence of Ethan’s affair to our
family group chat. Our families were so close,
everyone was in it. The chat exploded. I ignored
their questions, typing simply, “Ethan and I are
breaking up. The wedding is off.”
Ethan’s private message popped up
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12:12
100
immediately. “Olivia! Take that down! What the
hell are you doing?! Where are you? I’m coming
over. We need to talk!”
I blocked him. Then Summer messaged me.
“Olivia, I know I’ve hurt you, but Ethan and I
really love each other. If you’re angry, be angry
at me, not him.” I didn’t reply. I was done.
I didn’t reply to Summer’s message, instead
posting a screenshot to the family group chat.
If they didn’t want to be decent, I wasn’t going
to protect their reputations. My parents called
immediately, demanding an explanation. I told
them everything. Mom was furious, booking a
flight home to “deal with this.” I thought it was
unnecessary, but before I could stop her,
Ethan’s mom texted. “Olivia, come for dinner
tomorrow. Ethan will explain everything.” I
wasn’t going, but she added that Ethan’s
grandfather, who was very fond of me, wanted
to see me. So I agreed.
The next morning, my assistant called. “Ms.
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Hayes, it’s time for Summer’s monthly
allowance. How much should we send?”
“Nothing,” I said. “Cut her off. Someone else
can take care of her now.” Summer, no longer the shy, grateful girl I’d met, had developed a
taste for luxury. Designer everything. She hadn’t
applied for financial aid or bothered with a
part–time job. I’d thought about stopping the
payments, but she’d talked about her disabled
parents and intellectually challenged brother.
Now? She probably wouldn’t care.
I arrived at the office. Ethan was waiting, his
face thunderous. “Olivia, do you know Grandpa
almost had a heart attack after seeing those
screenshots?”
I met his gaze, unmoved. “That’s not my
problem. You did this, not me. You’re the one
who should be ashamed. Now, if you’ll excuse
me, I have work to do.”
く
He ran a hand through his hair, his anger fading
into something resembling pleading. “Olivia, it’s
a misunderstanding. Summer’s like a little
sister. There’s nothing between us. Just tell my
family everything’s okay. We can forget about
this and get married.”
