Megan’s POV
“Umm.”
“What’s wrong? Aren’t you Jay’s girlfriend and going to marry him someday? I don’t understand,” he asked.
“I broke up with Jay and he’s in a relationship with Piper. Jay already knew that the woman that night was Piper, and vice versa. And they also knew that what happened to them seven years ago was our doing. Jay asked me to leave the mansion and live a new life because he, Piper, and their two kids are going to live a new life too,” I said as I wiped my teary eyes.
“I suspected this when you told me that Piper was working as Jessie’s private tutor. So what happened then?” he asked.
“I refused and there was an argument and then I left the mansion and went back to Grandma’s mansion. During dinner, she questioned me about my relationship with Jay and the reason I came back to her mansion. I finally had to confess that I had broken up with Jay and had been in a serious relationship with you for a long time. From there, Grandma asked when we were going to get engaged. Mom also asked us to get engaged as soon as possible. Do you understand my story?”
Ethan was silent as he took a cigarette, took a deep drag, and exhaled the smoke into the air.
“Ethan, why are you silent? Do me a favor. Will you get engaged to me?” I pleaded, while holding his hand tightly.
Suddenly, his lips broke into a wide smile. He turned his head and looked at me. “I know the real reason. You think I don’t know you well?”
“What do you mean? I don’t understand.”
“I am just your tool to show Jay and Piper that you are fine and happy. I am disappointed in you. For a moment I was happy when I heard you asked me to get engaged, but it was all just a vain hope,” he replied as he stood up and walked towards the table where there were several bottles of various brands of alcoholic beverages.
“E-Ethan, I thought we were just,” I said as I thought hard, trying to translate his words.
“You took me as a man when you needed everything, including sex. You never realized the signals I was sending you, care and love I gave you all these years and you didn’t even realize my sadness and heartache when you talked about Jay and your life together. I was too stupid. Putting so much hope in you that led to heartbreak. Maybe I should move on and learn to see reality before my eyes,” he replied as he downed the alcoholic drink.
“Sorry.”
I didn’t know what to answer. All this time, I thought Ethan had no feelings for me. We did and enjoyed many things together, including sex. We did it consciously and just for fun when desire ruled our minds and bodies. But Ethan had feelings for me and I was not sensitive to it at all.
Sorry, Ethan. Your place in my heart is irreplaceable by anyone, but I liked Jay from the first time I saw him. Everything that happened to both of us was my fault. I just wanted to take you away from Piper and make her suffer the loss of the person she loves. I shouldn’t have teased you in the first place, so you wouldn’t be hurt.
“Sorry. If there’s anything I can do for you to make up for all my mistakes, then I will,” I said as I wiped the tears from my face.
I didn’t even dare to look at his face. After I apologized to him twice, he was silent and said nothing until several minutes had passed.
“Let’s go on as before. There’s nothing to change. If indeed our engagement can help you, I’m willing. Let’s get engaged as soon as possible,” he said as he finished the second glass of drink.
“Re-really?”
“Yes. You know I will do anything for you as long as you are happy,” he replied with a smile, but his face looked sad.
Ethan, I’m sorry. I wish feelings were easy to change course, like a ship that relies on a rudder that is easy to manage. Unfortunately, my feelings couldn’t choose who to anchor to.
“Let me think once more about this engagement. I don’t want to make you sad and suffer. Let’s go home, it’s getting late. I’ll take you home,” I said as I approached him and picked up the glass that was still half filled with alcohol.
Ethan was completely drunk. He couldn’t even stand up straight. After putting the glass he was holding onto the table, I carried his body out of the bar with difficulty.
“I can drive myself,” he muttered. Several times, he pushed my body to let him walk to the parking lot by himself.
“No, you’re drunk. I’ll take you home. Now get in the car,” I pleaded as I opened the car door for him.
Although he rebelled a little, he finally got into the car. After fastening the seat belt, I hurried to get into the car.
Then I heard Ethan mutter in an unconscious state, “I did everything for you, Megan. I betrayed Piper to be with you. How long do I have to play along to see you with another man?”
I froze, staring at him. Maybe an apology wouldn’t be enough to make up for my mistake to him. If the two of us are reunited in the next life, I want to be with you. Spend my life together with you.
Before starting the car engine, I brought my head closer to his and kissed his pale red lips. The smell of alcohol was quite pungent. I stroked his head a few times.
“Sorry, Ethan.”
Piper’s POV
“Welcome,” Jessie, Jansen, and the waiters, Ken and Nick yelled. They were all standing in front of the entrance, each carrying a decorative alphabet balloon. They had cheerful looks on their faces.
Jay took my hand as we walked up the stairs to the front porch. Jansen and Jessie ran up to us yelling, “Mommy!”
They both hugged me. With some difficulty, I knelt and hugged them both. A few days away from them felt like months.
“Miss you, Mom. Are you feeling better?” Jansen asked.
“Yes, I am. Sorry for leaving you guys for so long. Who took care of you while I was in the hospital?”
“Grandma and Lily. But I can take care of myself. I took care of Jessie’s needs,” Jansen replied to Jessie’s frowning face.
Then Lily came closer, and with a slight bow, she said, “They’re both very independent, madam. I’m surprised that Jansen can take care of all his own needs and help Jessie prepare for all her needs. You have raised him to be a wonderful boy.”
“Thank you, Lily,” I replied with a smile.
“Come on now, let’s go inside and I have something to show your mom,” Jay said as he pulled my hand and hurried into the house.
“Can we come?” Jessie and Jansen asked.
“Sorry, kids. It’s between the two of us, confidentially,” Jay replied, smiling and showing his white teeth.