Chapter 266: The blowout

As the day wore on, tensions simmered beneath the surface of the group, casting a shadow over their once carefree camaraderie. Vanessa's frustration with Ethan's persistent attempts to talk to Lisa had been building steadily throughout the day, and now it finally reached its boiling point. As they sat around the campfire that evening, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, the air thick with unspoken tension. Vanessa could feel Ethan's eyes on her, his gaze burning with a mixture of guilt and defiance. Finally, unable to contain her anger any longer, she rounded on him, her voice sharp with accusation. "What is wrong with you, Ethan? Can't you see that Lisa wants nothing to do with you? Why can't you just leave her alone?" Ethan's eyes widened in surprise at her outburst, his mouth opening and closing soundlessly as he searched for a response. "I...I was just trying to talk to her," he stammered, his voice weak with uncertainty. Vanessa scoffed, her patience wearing thi