Chapter 2

Ethan's eyes shifted.

He avoided my gaze, casually changing the subject.

"Nothing important. Anyway, since you don't like this gift, you failed this test. I'm telling you-you only have two chances left."

"Two chances? What do you mean?"

Kira crossed her arms, smugly taking over.

"Oh right, I forgot to tell you. For the 99 tests Ethan set up, if you fail 3 of them, the whole thing is considered a failure. When that happens, Ethan will break up with you."

These words shocked me again.

His tests involved breaking up with me?

I was shaking with anger. Just as I was about to confront Ethan, I heard footsteps behind me.

I turned around to see a group of people approaching-all childhood friends of Ethan and Kira.

Seeing Kira's arm hooked around Ethan's neck, the group started teasing.

"Get a room, you two! Hugging that tight right in front of Hazel, pretty bold move!!"

"Hazel, don't take it too seriously. Kira's just naturally flirty. She's like this with everyone. No hidden meaning."

"Yeah, seriously. Come on, let go already. Can't you see how upset Hazel looks? Don't make her mad."

Only then did Ethan slowly remove Kira's arm from his neck and look at me.

"We're going out drinking tonight. You should head home first. Don't bother coming along, you'll just get jealous watching me and Kira hang out. Such a hassle."

After saying this, he didn't even glance at me again before turning and walking away.

Only I remained standing there, still holding those cheap secondhand earrings.

I couldn't help lowering my head and laughing bitterly at myself.

Ethan was my first boyfriend.

Before meeting him, I'd never been in a relationship.

I thought if I gave my whole heart, I'd receive equal love and cherishing in return.

But I never imagined my first love would be such a scumbag.

I shook my head and walked home in a daze.

After getting home, I didn't hesitate for a second and started packing my things.

I didn't need to wait for Ethan to break up with me.

I wasn't playing his testing games anymore.

Love was never meant to be tested.

Real love is trust and respect.

Their so-called tests were a defilement of genuine feelings.

Just as I finished packing and was about to leave, I heard noise at the front door.

I walked over and opened it to find the smell of alcohol hitting me in the face.

Standing at the door was Ethan, completely drunk.

His face was flushed red, barely able to stand. Seeing me open the door, he went limp and collapsed into my arms.

His weight made me stumble backward, nearly falling.

Looking at him completely wasted in my arms, I could only help him inside.

This was his house, after all. I couldn't just leave him at the doorway.

Gritting my teeth, I helped him to the bedroom and dumped him on the bed.

Ethan lay sprawled on the bed and noticed the suitcase by the bed.

He looked at me groggily.

"Hazel, what are you doing? Are you leaving?"

I didn't answer, turning to leave.

But the instant I turned around, Ethan suddenly reached out and grabbed me.

"Hazel, don't go."

"Today was my fault. I shouldn't have lied to you. Don't be angry, okay? Stay here with me."

His words softened my heart, and my determination to leave wavered slightly.

"Don't go, Hazel. Don't leave me..."

He kept mumbling these words, holding my hand tightly.

I sighed and slowly sat down on the edge of the bed, quietly watching him.

Before long, after saying these words, Ethan tilted his head and fell into a deep sleep.