Chapter 2

2 I said nothing, the chill spreading through me. He stared, surprised by my silence. I was usually the chatty one, eager to share every detail of my day. He used to listen patiently, even offering comments. That was before Summer arrived. After that, he became increasingly impatient, interrupting me mid-sentence: "Girls are cuter when they're quiet. You talk too much."

I'd protested, but he never apologized. He just let me stew in my frustration. How foolish I had been. The signs were all there.

Ethan and I had known each other since kindergarten. Our parents were close friends, and we'd practically been engaged since we were kids. We both knew we'd marry someday. We avoided other relationships, focusing on each other.

Summer was an accident. I had suggested sponsoring her. The first time I met her, she was thin and frail, but sweet, calling me "sister" with a shy smile. I wanted to help her escape poverty. My allowance was limited, so I begged Ethan to join me.

He initially refused. "I don't have time for your charity projects."

Then I had a serious car accident. He desperately sought help, climbing three thousand temple steps to pray for me, despite being an atheist. Someone suggested good deeds might improve my karma, so he agreed to sponsor Summer. Days later, I pulled through. He joked that Summer was my lucky charm and I should treat her well.

I treated her like a sister, sharing everything I had. I had unwittingly invited a wolf into my fold, sharpening the knife that would eventually pierce my heart.

I lost my appetite, pushing the spicy food around my plate. Ethan noticed. "Something wrong with the food?"

He realized his mistake. Most of the dishes were loaded with chili. I couldn't handle spice. "Sorry, I forgot you can't eat spicy food."

I opened my mouth to finally end things, when a familiar, high-pitched voice chirped from the entrance.

"Ethan!" Summer, in a pretty white dress, beamed at him, then paused, noticing me. "Oh, hi Olivia."

Her smile for me lacked the warmth she'd showered on Ethan. It was almost…condescending. I simply nodded.

Ethan frowned at her. "Have you forgotten your manners again? Knock before entering." The rebuke was gentle, almost indulgent.

Summer giggled. "I forgot! I'll remember next time." Turning to me, she asked, "Olivia, do you mind if I join you? I'm starving after class." Her gaze, however, remained fixed on Ethan.

Before I could answer, Ethan spoke. "Of course, have a seat. Is there anything else you want to order?"