7
358words
Neighbors gawked. Dad took this chance and told everyone watching what Ethan did.
Single again, Ethan quickly hooked up with Sophie. She announced it online, flaunting a huge ring.
I shook my head, blocking him, wanting only my peaceful life.
I thought it was over, no more contact. But two months later, Ethan found me.
I had switched jobs, and was now doing design at another firm. Grabbing coffee with colleagues, I saw Ethan and Sophie arguing roadside.
I turned to leave, but Ethan spotted me. Seeing me so radiant, he couldn’t look away from me.
Sophie, furious, yelled, “Ethan, I’m your wife! Why stare at her? You still thinking about her? Speak!”
“You’re insane! Unreasonable!”
He shook her off, jumping in his car. Sophie chased.
I shook my head. Childhood sweetheart, first love, and now like this. But what did it matter it to me?
I shrugged, saying nothing. Next day, Ethan was downstairs, leaning on his car, smoking.
Seeing me, he approached, “Emily!”
“We’re done. Call me Ms. Harper please.”
My coldness stung him.
He smiled bitterly, “I thought marriage meant happiness. But she has changed—watching me, freaking out if I talk to a random woman, thinking we’re flirting. Why?”
I glanced, “Cast your mind back. A cheater’s hard to trust.”
My sarcasm froze him. He laughed, “Right, how could I forget? Emily, I’m sorry. I hurt you. I regret it!”
I scoffed. Regret? Too late!
I shook my head to leave. He blocked me, “One more chance, please?”
“Ethan, see that leaf?”
I pointed at a tree, a leaf was fallikng down.
He stared, confused. I smiled, “Make it grow back on the branch, and I’ll forgive you.”
He gaped. I walked away. He didn’t deserve my regret or my love.
I thought that was it, but Ethan was persistent, always loitering near my place.
After work, he would ambush me. When I ignored him, he sent flowers, worrying my parents.
“Don’t turn back, Emily. He’s no good!”
“I know, Mom. I won’t fall for it. I know who he is!”
Ethan’s selfishness only caused trouble.
