14
Ethan’s fingers traced the delicate details of the dress design, murmuring Natalie’s name over and over again. He missed her so much it was like having a constant stomachache. The sound echoed in the silent studio, sending shivers down one’s spine.
Three years later, at a plane to New York.
I woke up with a gasp, breathing fast with beads of sweat on my forehead and the fear of the terrifying dream in my eyes. I’d dreamt of Ethan again! Over the past three years, I’d had recurring nightmares about him; I couldn’t. recall the details, but he was always a distorted, frightening figure.
My best friend, Summer, handed me a glass of warm water.“What’s wrong? Fear of coming home?”
I took a sip, trying to calm down.“I dreamt about Ethan.”
Summer looked disgusted. “Don’t mention that jerk. I hate him.”
“You won’t believe this. Not long after you left, that jerk showed up at our company. And some colleagues said he bought most of your designs at exorbitant prices.”
I frowned.“What?”
Summer showed me a screenshot of a chat log.“I just found out. A friend sent this to me.”
My eyes widened at the familiar profile picture. Ethan’s picture hadn’t changed; it was a photo I took of a rabbit when we were together. I hadn’t expected him to still be using it.
Summer quickly changed the subject.“Let’s just say he’s got too much money to burn.” I whispered, “Whatever. He doesn’t matter to me anymore.”
“Exactly! Don’t let him ruin your mood,” Summer agreed.
I arrived at the airport at 10 AM. Summer had to catch a connecting flight, so we parted ways. I wore light makeup, my hair softly curled. My simple trench coat and white scarf made me look both serene and elegant.
As I stepped out, my mother called.
“Natalie, Peter’s waiting for you at the airport. Have dinner with him.”
Her hopeful voice filled my ears.
“Mom, I…” I tried to refuse, but she hung up.
I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. My parents knew about Ethan. For the past year, my mother, probably influenced by too many dramas and online stories, had believed I couldn’t let go of Ethan. She’d relentlessly tried to set me up on blind dates, but I had turned them down on the grounds that I was busy with work. Now that I was back, I had to face it.
I started towards the designated spot.
“Natalie.”
A deep male voice stopped me. I turned and saw a pair of dark, intense eyes. The man was tall, impeccably dressed in a black coat. His expression was serious and aloof, with an air of sophistication, like an educated playboy.
It took me a moment to recognize him. Peter Caffrey. He was one of Ethan’s college friends and had gone abroad after graduation. My only memory of him was that he was cold. I’d met Ethan’s friends during my relationship with him; they were all polite, except Peter; he seemed to dislike me.
I didn’t expect to run into someone connected to Ethan on my first day back. I nodded politely and moved to walk
around him.
But as we passed, his long fingers stopped my suitcase.
His cold voice cut through the air.“Natalie Ellis, I’m your blind date.”
08:21
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< 14
Meanwhile, at the airport exit, Mark and Ethan stood waiting. Their striking good looks attracted many glances. Mark cursed as he read a message on his phone.“What’s wrong with Peter? After all these years, we came to pick him up, and he told us to go back. This is weird.”
Ethan
remained silent, his
scanning gaze
the crowd, seemingly searching for someone. In the parking lot, as they got into their car, a black Maybach pulled alongside them. Mark glanced over, only to see Peter and a woman beside him. Even through the car window, the woman’s beauty was obvious.
“Peter!” Mark called out.
Ethan followed his gaze. His pupils constricted. In that instant, a storm of emotions erupted within him- a tumultuous
longing and fear. His
trembled fingers
mixture of
