Chapter 2

The moment he broke my hearing aid, the sharp pain made me determined to cut all ties with Ethan. Ethan was stunned. That hearing aid was a gift he’d given me on his seventeenth birthday. His family never encouraged lavish spending for their children, and Ethan’s allowance wasn’t generous. He had worked two summer jobs to afford it, spending every penny of his savings.

Back then, the seventeen-year-old boy had sneakily put the hearing aid on me while I was asleep. When I woke up and tearfully realized what he’d done, he had fussed and tried to comfort me.

Ethan had always been good to me. So good that his mother often said I should become her daughter-in-law. Ethan would grin confidently: “As if you needed to say that. You think I raised my future wife all these years for someone else?”

Everyone assumed we’d attend the same college, date, and eventually marry. Ethan had lived with his grandfather next door to my family since we were kids. We grew up together—he’d wake me up each morning and carry my backpack. When he confessed his feelings, I blushed and said yes.

Until Vanessa appeared, everything changed. When she arrived as a transfer student, Ethan, sitting next to me, stared at her for a long time. In that moment, I knew something had shifted.

Sure enough, Ethan and Vanessa grew closer. He stopped walking to and from school with me. The back seat of his bicycle became Vanessa’s exclusive spot.

Even though I distanced myself from Ethan, Vanessa still disliked me. She accused me of studying hard just to make people think Ethan had chosen wrong. Gradually, even Ethan started to believe this and grew to resent it. He held Vanessa’s hand and berated me for being manipulative in front of the entire class. Vanessa tearfully claimed I had no boundaries and was a third wheel in their relationship. But Ethan and I had grown up together. He was the one who confessed to me, saying we’d be together after SATs. Ethan stood by silently, offering no explanation. My heart froze completely. I stayed away from Ethan, thinking that would bring peace.

Until today. Ethan opened his mouth, wanting to say something. But Vanessa called from across the way, “Ethan, let’s go home together.” He glanced at me one last time, then left.

At home, Dad cautiously brought up his desire to quit his job and start a small company over dinner. He carefully asked for my opinion and Mom’s. “If I start this business, our finances won’t be as stable as they are now.” “And we don’t have much savings. I’m thinking of selling our house and buying another one in the suburbs.” “What do you think?”

Mom frowned. “Honey, maybe we should forget it? Lily’s about to start college. We’ll need to prepare for her tuition and later for her wedding. What if…” “We’re not getting any younger.”

They knew about Ethan and me. For years, despite many offers to leave Ethan’s family company, Dad had remained loyal. Especially since Ethan was an only child, Dad had been particularly devoted and never felt right about leaving.

Dad pressed his lips together: “You’re right. So…”

I suddenly spoke up, interrupting him: “Dad, I support your business plan.” I knew Dad’s capabilities—he had experience and had worked in the industry for years with good connections. Our savings weren’t plentiful because of Grandparents’ health issues over the years. He must have been eager to start his own business and considered it thoroughly, or he wouldn’t have asked us now.

“Do what you want to do.”

Dad’s eyes reddened. Mom chimed in: “Our girl’s all grown up.” “Honey, go for it then.”

Once decided, Mom immediately contacted a real estate agent. Though our house was old, its central location and Dad’s fair asking price helped us sign a contract quickly. The new owners agreed to let us stay a few more days. My parents spent every evening after work looking at houses in the suburbs.

Until my birthday arrived. Mom got off work early and asked me to take some birthday cake to Ethan’s family. I hesitated.