Chapter 5
The next morning, Ethan told me he didn’t have class and could take me sightseeing.
I remembered the places he had mentioned during our video calls, the places he wanted to
show me in New York.
garah, you don’t come here often. I took the day off from my research and classes to spend time with my girlfriend.” He pulled me out of bed excitedly.
I didn’t tell him that I had already booked my return flight for that evening, before he woke
- up.
Ethan insisted on taking me out, saying it was to make up for last night.
I agreed.
We chose a few places, mostly around the shopping district. He kept taking me to high–end luxury stores.
He seemed more interested in them than I was. I never shopped at these places.
Even though he was with me, Ethan was constantly on his phone. When he saw me standing there awkwardly, he said, as if offering compensation, “These are all famous brands in New York. See if you like anything. I’ll buy it for you.”
“Since when are you interested in this stuff?” I asked.
He used to be clueless about women’s jewelry and makeup, let alone choose a luxury store as a date spot.
“Ashley told me about them. She said girls usually like this kind of thing. And I realized, you don’t really have any nice jewelry.”
He put down his phone and chose a necklace, paying for it immediately.
“What’s that for?” I asked, puzzled.
He said habitually, “Oh, it’s Ashley’s birthday soon. She mentioned liking this one a while
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Shattered PrumTUDES
Chapter 5
ago, so I figured I’d just get it for her.”
I smiled faintly. “Well, since you’ve already bought it, can we go now?”
Ethan seemed to realize something and his expression became nervous. “Sarah, I really came out here to spend time with you. Choose something, I’ll buy it for you.”
I picked a random necklace from the counter. “This one then.”
han
han glanced at it and his face fell. “Sarah, choose another one. I already bought this one for Ashley.”
I raised an eyebrow. “So? What’s wrong with us having the same necklace?”
“Come on, don’t be difficult.” Ethan sighed. “I hate to say this, but it’s for your own good. If you have the same necklace as Ashley, people will compare you. You don’t want people talking, do you?”
He was implying that if Ashley wore this necklace, it would enhance her beauty, while on
me, it would be a pathetic imitation.
I remained silent.
Because of my insecurities, I used to be afraid to eat an extra bite of food, I would wear a mask and hat whenever I went out, and because of my body shape, I only dared to wear loose clothing.
Ethan felt sorry for me and constantly encouraged me, saying I deserved the best things in
the world.
To be together, I endured countless criticisms and negative comments. A simple photo could
become a weapon against me.
But Ethan used to be the one who built up my confidence, bit by bit.
He said looks were superficial, that people didn’t see my inner beauty because they didn’t
know me.
He said he loved me, that he genuinely thought I was beautiful.
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Shattered Promises
14.8
Chapter 5
Ethan knew exactly what kind of words would hurt me the most. I had become accustomed
to the negativity from strangers.
But hearing these words from Ethan was different. He knew how much pressure I had
endured.
I fought back tears.
Ethan ran his hand through his hair in frustration and finally bought me the necklace,
“Sarah, that’s not what I meant.” He put the necklace on me,
Just then, Ashley appeared at the entrance of the store.
She was with another guy, quite handsome. Just as handsome as Ethan.
Ethan visibly tensed up.
Ashley saw the necklace around my neck, and tears streamed down her beautiful face. The guy next to her rushed to comfort her.
I quietly observed Ethan’s reaction.
He clenched his fists.
One second, two seconds…
Finally, as Ashley turned to leave, he ran after her without hesitation.
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