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I considered Summer’s suggestion but ultimately dismissed it. I’d been through an unfair relationship myself. To inflict that on someone else would make me no different from Ethan. Dating might make me happy, but not at the expense of others.
I returned the handkerchief to the box and closed the drawer. Turning off the lights, I fell into a deep sleep. Though Peter had told me how he felt, he didn’t ask me for an answer. At work, we tacitly avoided personal matters. I felt no pressure. I hadn’t seen Ethan since that day. Life was peaceful and pleasant; my focus was entirely on the design competition.
Inside a dimly lit bar, deafening music pounded against the walls. But the private room was frigid, silent save for the occasional clink of glass.
Mark sat nervously between Ethan and Peter. Their gazes met, crackling with tension. The air was thick with animosity.
are
of their bond.
them Mark poured them both red wine, chuckling nervously. “So… Ethan, what did you want to say to Peter? Come on,
talk it out.” friends; just
He subtly reminded you guys They used to be good friends!
Both men ignored the wine. Ethan lit a cigarette, the smoke partially concealing his cold gaze. “Peter, a man doesn’t pursue his friend’s wife. Give me an explanation.”
Mark nearly choked on his wine. His eyes widened.“Ethan, what are you saying? What do you mean?” Ethan ignored him. Mark’s usual relaxed demeanor vanished. He asked uncertainly, “She’s back?” Ethan remained silent, his icy gaze fixed on Peter. Mark turned to Peter. “What does Ethan mean by that? You and her… you…”
Peter took a slow sip of wine, ignoring him.
Mark was anxious.
After a long pause, Peter said calmly, “Natalie is not your wife. You two didn’t get married.” His words struck a nerve. That was Ethan’s deepest pain. Peter triggered a torrent of suppressed emotion. Ethan’s face darkened. He swept the wine glasses and bottles from the table, sending them crashing to the floor. Shattered glass flew everywhere.
Mark recoiled in alarm. “Ethan, calm down!”
Peter remained impassive and fearless.
Ethan glared at him, his eyes terrifying. “Dare you say you didn’t have a crush on her in college? She was my girlfriend! Peter, you were despicable! You stepped in when there was a rift between us! Have you no shame? You third man!”
Ethan’s roar was so loud that Mark’s attempt to mediate was cut short. He stared at them with shock. Even Peter, the seemingly ascetic one, had feelings for Natalie…
What a mess…
