Chapter 2

After throwing Ethan’s belongings outside, I sat in my room with a glass of red wine and finally broke down crying.

Six years of love weren’t something I could simply let go of.

The first time I met Ethan was when I returned to my alma mater to give a speech as an outstanding graduate.

After the speech, he stopped me.

With all the awkward innocence of a college freshman, he nervously opened the door to our first meeting.

“Hey, you’re amazing. Could I get your contact information? Don’t worry, I won’t bother you.”

Ethan was wearing a white T-shirt, and his smile was bright enough to light up the room.

I smiled.

“Of course. If you ever need help, just let me know.”

After that day, Ethan shared little things about school with me every day.

He always had questions, but he was afraid of bothering me, so he was unfailingly polite.

I was happy to help someone using what I had learned from my own success. I passed on all my experience to him.

Eventually, we became friends.

I had been too busy working to think about relationships, and Ethan’s persistent affection slowly began to win me over.

His love came at me without hesitation, rushing straight into my heart.

“I really like you,” he told me. “But I know it’s probably just wishful thinking. It’s okay if you don’t feel the same. Just pretend I never said anything.”

Because I was worried about the age difference and the reality of our situation, I rejected him.

But as time passed, our feelings grew stronger.

Ethan confessed his love again and again, and eventually, I could no longer hold back my own feelings.

I said yes.

I still remembered how excited he had been that day. He had nearly jumped for joy.

“I’ll always love you.”

With him, I could forget my age and become a happy child.

He accepted every childish part of me and brought me back to eighteen.

Now, all of it had become a dream.

The doorbell rang, interrupting my thoughts.

“Claire, how did you end up drinking this much?”

Ryan looked at me with concern.

“Was Ethan really that great?”

“He used to treat me well.”

“And now? Ethan changed a long time ago. You know that. For the past two years, where was he when you were sad? Where was he when you were sick? He wasn’t there. His love for you has been disappearing for the last three years.”

“Claire, I was the one who stayed by your side.”

Ryan’s eyes reflected my face so clearly.

It was something I had never seen in Ethan’s eyes.

“A younger guy calling you ‘Claire’? You’re pretty bold.”

Ryan grinned.

“Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how I feel about you. We’re both adults. Do you really not understand what I want?”

Ryan was incredibly handsome. In fact, he was exactly my type.

“Are you staring because you’re fascinated?” he teased. “Well? I’m younger and better-looking. Compared to Ethan, I’m obviously a hundred times better.”

He leaned closer.

“Why don’t you give me a chance, Claire?”