I shook my head and laughed, typing into the group chat. [You two are practically inseparable. Why not just get married already?]

Instantly, the chat exploded with question marks and exclamation points.

Ethan and Lily both fell silent.

Moments later, Ethan messaged me privately in a demanding tone. [Emma, what do you mean? Stirring things up in the group chat isn't helping.]

[You misunderstood. I was being sincere.]

I replied nonchalantly, then tossed my phone aside and continued unpacking.

The phone didn't buzz again.

Ethan probably thought I was just throwing a tantrum and that I'd come running back to him within 48 hours.

But inside, I felt nothing.

My legs needed another week of rest before I could ditch the wheelchair. During that time, I kept myself busy with books on psychology, rekindling an old interest.

There was a time when I couldn't focus on anything without Ethan, constantly checking my phone for his messages.

Even a simple reply from him used to bring me some relief.

Now, I found peace in being alone. I read, watched shows, and played with the neighbor's pets.

Ethan messaged me a few times, his tone softer, asking me to calm down and even inquiring about where I was staying.

I sent him a reply. [None of your business.]

He also called a few times, but I didn't pick up.

Then, Ethan's mother called.

"Emma.

"Why did you move out? Even if you and Ethan had a fight, you shouldn't do something so reckless. What if you get scammed?

"I've reserved a table at a restaurant for tonight. Let's meet and talk, okay?"

She sounded anxious.

"Alright," I agreed.

Some things needed to be cleared up so people wouldn't think I was being petty or unreasonable.

In the evening, I arrived at the restaurant.

Before I entered the private room, I overheard Ethan's mother complaining.

"Ethan, it must be hard for you.

"Honestly, you spoil Emma too much. That's why she feels so entitled. Lily said she's run away from home several times already?"

I paused, then smirked coldly.

Like mother, like son.

"So now I'm the spoiled one? Just because I'm standing up for myself, I'm in the wrong? I'm supposed to be treated unfairly by Ethan?" I thought bitterly.

That was just absurd.

"Emma is just overly sensitive." Lily's voice cut in.

"You two have been friends forever. If Lily hadn't spent those two years abroad, you'd have been together a long time ago. Emma wouldn't even be in the picture," Ethan's mother added.

A cold shiver ran through me.

So the rumors were true!

I'd heard whispers about this before from Ethan's middle school friends. They hinted at something, but Ethan quickly changed the subject, telling them not to spread gossip.

I thought it was just idle chatter, but it turned out I was merely a placeholder in his life.

No wonder Ethan didn't even try to defend me.

Even when I was on the brink of walking away, I was still at fault.

It was clear now. His heart was always with Lily.

"Miss.

"Could you please move over?"

The waiter's voice broke my train of thought.

I took a deep breath and followed him into the private room.

The seating arrangement was clear. They were huddled together like a perfect little family while I was the unwelcome guest.

"Ah, Emma, you're here! Come on in."

Ethan's mother greeted me, but there was a hint of unease in her smile.

"How's your leg? Feeling better?"

Ethan looked up at me.

Before I could respond, Lily jumped in. "Emma must be recovering so quickly. Unlike me, with my psychological issues and frequent colds."

"It's fine. We'll make sure you're well taken care of," Ethan said, holding her hand in a way that was far too affectionate, ignoring me completely.

Did he think my presence here meant everything was back to normal?

Or was he deliberately flaunting this to make me submit?

Either way, I wasn't backing down.

I wasn't the same person who would feel jealous or angry. Now, I just felt a wave of disgust.

"Lily, don't worry. We'll look after you," Ethan's mother said, then turned to me with a forced smile.

"Emma, don't you agree?"

"It's not my problem. That's between you," I said, my tone icy.

Ethan's mother's smile froze, and her brows furrowed in surprise.

Clearly, she hadn't expected me to respond like that.

Back then, I used to be overly polite to her. Every time I went to their house, I would jump at the chance to help with anything.

Meanwhile, Lily would just lounge on the couch, and Ethan would be busy peeling fruit and serving her snacks.

I'd feel a pang of jealousy, wishing Ethan would do the same for me. But when I asked, he'd just say, "Can't you get it yourself?"

I loved Ethan so much at the time that I was terrified he'd think I was being petty. So, I'd choke back my tears and put up with it.

I never asked for anything like that again.

"Emma!

"My mom has even come all this way to apologize. What else do you want? I've explained everything over and over," Ethan said, his face darkening.

He felt he'd already done more than enough, but my refusal to back down was too much for him to handle.

"Yes, Emma. Ethan and I are just friends, nothing more. Please don't be upset.

"Let's have a drink and move on."

Lily picked up her glass, putting on a conciliatory act.

"Why would I be upset?"

I glanced at her and continued, "I'm here to clear the air.

"Ethan, I was completely devoted to you, but you only had eyes for Lily and ignored how I felt.

"So, I'm done. I don't want to keep this up. I'm giving you your freedom."

With that, I stood up and turned to leave.

"Emma, my son's been discovered by a talent scout and is set to appear on a dating show soon. He's going to be a big deal everywhere.

"You'll regret leaving today. Think carefully," Ethan's mother said, her chin held high.

"No matter how famous he gets, it won't change a thing for me," I said, walking out the door without a second glance.

When you were in love, even if the person was down and out, they shone brightly in your eyes.

But when you were no longer in love, even their success couldn't make them glow.

"Emma..."

Ethan caught up to me, grabbed my wrist, and asked in a trembling voice, "Will you please not leave me?"