12
Menu
At that time, although Ethan was drunk, every word from him showed his excitement and joy. Mark’s gaze darkened as he thought about the past.
He deposited Ethan in the backseat before sliding into the driver’s seat. All the way home, Ethan murmured. “Natalie,” interspersed with slurred, inappropriate sweet talk.
Mark didn’t know what to say.
Finally, they arrived. Mark supported Ethan, asking, “What’s the password?”
Ethan, whose eyes were glazed, mumbled, “Natalie’s birthday… Natalie’s birthday…” He couldn’t recall the exact date.
Mark’s headache intensified. His eyes flickered as he entered a date he remembered. Then, the door unlocked.
The lights revealed a shocking scene. Mark surveyed the room and was stunned. Six months ago, it had been sparsely furnished, cold and impersonal. Now, it was like a different place. Twinkling lights adorned every corner; subtitles flashed across the walls. The rugs were soft; corner protectors shielded every sharp edge. It was like a house designed for someone with severe hearing loss!
“Natalie, I’m home. I’ll make you your favorite fish,” Ethan mumbled.
Mark’s headache intensified. He steered Ethan towards the bedroom. Every step up the stairs triggered auditory cues. Mark was sure the apartment was completely adapted for Natalie.
He deposited Ethan on the bed, pulling the covers over him. Then, he noticed several small white bottles on the nightstand. Assuming they were sleeping pills, he didn’t think much of it.
Exiting the room, he saw someone he shouldn’t have seen.
Mark’s face hardened.“Chloe, what are you doing here?!”
Chloe had been following him since the call. Ethan had avoided her since her recovery and refused to see her even when she used her parents as leverage. This had never happened before. It was all that bitch’s fault! She’d left, but she was still controlling Ethan!
Rage trembled in Chloe. Her venomous gaze was obvious.
Mark’s eyes grew colder.“Chloe!”
Chloe snapped out of it, ignoring him and heading towards the bedroom. “I’m going to take care of Ethan.”
Mark seized her wrist, his voice
chilling.“He
doesn’t
want to see you. Go home.”
“He didn’t say it!”
Mark held her tightly; Chloe winced in pain, slapping his hand.
“Mark, are you even my brother?! You won’t even help your own sister!”
Mark’s anger flared.“You are the way you are because I spoiled you! Just because you’re depressed doesn’t mean you should get whatever you want! How many times do I have to tell you? Ethan doesn’t like you! Go home! If you come here again, I’ll have Mom and Dad cut you off!”
Something snapped in Chloe. She stopped struggling, her voice sharp.“You’re right. You shouldn’t have spoiled me. But you know what? I know you like Natalie!”
“You’re in love with your best friend’s girlfriend!”
08:21
1.7%
< 13
