Chapter 317

Ethan Carter felt a stab of guilt shoot through him the moment he heard her words. After a brief silence, he said, “Mara, put your clothes on first. My mom and your mom are here. They're right outside.” “What?” Mara Hawthorne’s voice jumped in panic. “Why would my mom be here? They… they didn’t see us, did they?” “Just get dressed,” Ethan replied, irritated and exhausted just thinking about both mothers standing out there. “I’m sorry, Ethan! I have no clue why my mom showed up. I know you don’t want to be engaged, that’s why I’ve been trying to convince her to call it off…” Mara’s voice trembled as she curled herself under the blanket, whispering through tears. “Don’t worry—whatever happened last night, I won’t let her use it to trap you into getting engaged.” Ethan didn’t respond. He just stood up and walked out. The second the door shut behind him, Mara’s tears disappeared instantly. Her eyes glinted with cold satisfaction. Calmly, she threw off the blanket, got out of bed, and began