break up

Ethan hadn't come home all night. My heart sank with every passing hour until he finally stumbled through the door the next morning, looking exhausted. "That crazy bitch," he muttered, cutting off whatever I was about to say.

He sat beside me, fuming. "She was playing me! Said some creep was following her. Like anyone would stalk her!"

His words eased my anxiety slightly. I leaned closer. "She's really disrupting our lives, Ethan. Can you just… not answer her calls anymore?"

He gave a wry smile. "I wish it were that easy. She uses different numbers. It's impossible to block her."

"Don't worry," he continued. "We're getting engaged soon. I'll make it clear to her. It's over."

I nodded, then noticed he was only wearing the T-shirt from last night. His jacket was gone. "Where's your jacket?" I asked, frowning.

"Oh," he said dismissively, "I left it at her place. Whatever. Don't want to go back there again."

We didn't invite Ashley to our engagement party. Who knew what she'd do? We didn’t even post about it on social media, just told our friends privately. But somehow, she found out and showed up anyway.

I was with Ethan, greeting guests at the door, when she walked up to us, a sickly smile on her face. "Seven years, huh? Finally made it official."

"Congratulations," she added, her voice dripping with false sincerity.

She'd clearly tried to dress up, but the result was disastrous. Heavy eyebrows, bright red lipstick, and although her freckles were covered, her face was so pale she looked ghostly. The white dress she wore, however, made her look like she was the bride-to-be. And the jacket draped over her shoulders… I recognized it. It was Ethan's.

My smile faltered, but I managed a polite, "Thank you. I hope you find your own happiness too."

Ashley ignored me, staring straight at Ethan. His usual annoyance was absent, replaced by a strange mix of emotions.

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

"Don't worry," she said, her voice strained. "Just wanted to see… I might not have you, but I can at least wish you well."

Her dejected look disarmed even Ethan. He didn’t have a chance to respond before she walked away.

After she left, my best friend, Chloe, pulled me aside. "Oh my god, did you see her face? Nightmare fuel!" she whispered. "I feel so bad for Ethan. Being stalked like that… he probably has nightmares!"

I tried to smile, but couldn't. A sense of unease settled in my stomach. Something felt off, out of control.

"Do you think… do you think Ethan actually likes her?" I whispered, the thought terrifying me. Something about his expression earlier…

Chloe rolled her eyes. "Seriously? Ethan? He could have any girl he wants! He wouldn't go for her. Five-foot-nothing, bow-legged, freckled… please. Don't insult him."

I took a deep breath. Chloe was right. I was so much better than Ashley. Ethan would know who to choose. Besides, we'd been together for seven years. We were practically family. I had to trust him.

Later, at the table with...