Chapter 8

"Why should I trust you?" Lila forced down the ache in her chest. "Ethan, you’ve seen how I’ve felt about you all these years. Just this once, believe me, please? I’m waiting for you at Ava’s place." As soon as the call ended, a bitter smile tugged at Lila's lips. All that love she poured out over the years, and still, he couldn’t give her a little trust? If Ethan didn’t show up, maybe that meant it was really time to let go. Ava glanced at the time, trying not to make it obvious. "You stay here for now. I’m going out to bring that guy in." "Okay," Lila nodded without a second thought. Her feet were killing her—blisters burning with each pulse, the pain drilling into her brain like a needle. She watched Ava walk away, but her own vision started to blur. Hot. Her whole body felt like it was on fire. Every cell felt like it had snapped awake. Why was it so hot? Why did she feel this miserable? Uneasy, Lila started rubbing her arms, trying to cool herself down, but her skin was burning. Her head was getting fuzzier, but her senses were sharp as ever. She needed someone—anyone—just some kind of touch... And just as everything became unbearable, a blurry figure appeared in front of her. The person’s hands were rough, and though instinct told her to push away, her body refused to listen. Ethan pulled up outside Ava’s place. Deep down, he still couldn’t bring himself to completely doubt Lila. So, he came—wanted to give her one last chance. Ava was standing outside, her eyes red from the cold. When she saw Ethan, surprise and panic flashed across her face. Something was off—Ethan caught on right away. "What happened?" "N-Nothing. Why’re you here? Lila's not… she’s not here." "That’s impossible. She called and asked me to come," Ethan's face turned cold in a second. He didn’t bother looking at Ava again and headed straight for the building. "Wait! You can’t—Lila’s not there!" Ava cried, practically begging, on the verge of tears. But the more desperate she sounded, the more Ethan’s suspicions grew. What evidence had Lila wanted to show him? Ignoring Ava's protests, Ethan pushed ahead. The door to her apartment was open, and the moment he walked in, a strange, unpleasant scent hit him. "A-ah—mm—" A woman’s moans made Ethan’s fists clench without thinking. Fury surged in his chest, his vision tinged red as his footsteps grew heavy and stiff. Hearing something was one thing—seeing it... In front of him, Lila lay curled up in a stranger’s arms, her usual innocent features twisted into something seductive and unfamiliar. This was her truth? Wasn’t the photo shocking enough? Did she want him to witness it with his own eyes? Rage and heartbreak collided in Ethan’s chest like a storm. He glared, lips pressed in a tight line, barely holding it together. Just then, Ava rushed up behind him, tears perfectly timed as they slid down her cheeks. "Lila… there’s gotta be some misunderstanding. Let me talk to her!" Ethan grabbed her wrist before she could take another step. His voice came out hoarse from the lump in his throat. "Don’t bother. She’s already made her point." The sounds coming from the room didn’t stop. Gritting his teeth, Ethan turned around and walked away. Each sound felt like a blade dipped in poison, stabbing straight into his chest. Breathing suddenly felt impossible. Who knew heartbreak could hurt like this? "Ethan, wait, let me explain..." "Get lost!" he snapped, violently shaking off Ava’s hand.