I looked at him sympathetically. “I know. It’s
late. Go to bed.”
Ethan was silent. He stared at me, as if trying
to confirm I wasn’t angry. He didn’t find the
answer he was looking for. He reached for my
waist, but I subtly moved away.
“Which bedroom do you want?” I asked
blandly.
Surprise flickered in Ethan’s eyes. I’d always.
craved his touch. He slammed the guest room
door and went to the master bedroom. As
soon as he left, I fell back asleep. Since I’d
stopped caring, even sleeping had become
く
The next morning, the studio director called.
He’d somehow heard about me going abroad.
He wanted to have a farewell dinner, but I
tried to decline. He insisted, eventually
mentioning he was organizing a get–together
for everyone at the studio. I couldn’t really
refuse after that.
That evening, at the restaurant, Ethan was
there. It made sense; he was the director’s
nephew. Sarah was with him, of course. Even
at a casual gathering like this, he brought her
along.
Ethan saw me and gestured for me to sit with
them, but I ignored him. They were a perfect
couple. I wouldn’t intrude.
Sarah saw me and gave a smug smile. Then,
she feigned innocence “Sorry to crash your
く
reunion,” she said to me. “I was bored, so
Ethan brought me along.”
Ethan opened his mouth a few times, trying
to explain, but nothing came out.
I raised my glass politely. “It’s fine. I don’t
mind.” I took a sip.
Throughout dinner, my phone buzzed
constantly. I checked the messages. They
were all from Ethan.
“I just brought her along, don’t read into it.”
“If you mind, I won’t bring her next time.”
The last message read: “Let’s go home
together after this.”
<
I cleared my throat and typed back: “No.
thanks, you can give Sarah a ride. I drove.” I
put my phone away and focused on my food,
ignoring any further messages.
The dinner was lively, everyone reminiscing
about old times. The director, a little tipsy,
stood up and raised his glass to me.
“You were the best dancer we had, Olivia.
Your dream was always to go abroad and join
a top company, but for some reason, you
stayed. But now, finally, you’re going! You’re
going to achieve your dream! I’m so happy for
you! To Olivia! May your journey be smooth
and your future bright!”
I smiled, feeling a wave of emotion, and
drained my glass.
く
Ethan stared at me, his face frozen, as if he’d
just heard the most unbelievable news.
“Wait,” Ethan said, his voice sharp. “What did
you just say about going abroad?”
Ms. Carter, still oblivious to our relationship, cheerfully explained, “Olivia’s moving to
England! Got into a fantastic dance program.
This is probably our last chance to see her,
