Lucky to miss

I chased Ethan across the country for Olivia, my best friend. He didn't even look back. A year later, I got married. Ethan flew back the moment he heard.

Seeing my wedding ring, the usually arrogant Ethan completely lost it. He forced a smile, his voice trembling, "Avery, are you going to take that off yourself, or do I have to do it for you? I'll buy you any ring you want, just get rid of that one. Please."

It was a small wedding, just a dozen close friends and family. My husband, David, doted on me, taking care of everything so I could relax and chat with Olivia.

"I thought you'd wait for Ethan forever," she said, watching me with a knowing look.

I gave a small laugh. "I thought so too."

"Does he even know you're getting married?"

I shook my head. "No. And there's no need for him to know."

She paused. "I heard he booked a flight last night like a madman, flew back from California as soon as he could."

I didn't say anything. He was probably panicking because Olivia had taken off again. Just like before, when she’d gotten upset with him and flown to California, Ethan had booked a flight right in front of me to chase after her. I remember having my period then, shivering even under a pile of blankets.

I sat there, watching his long fingers tap on his phone screen, securing his flight. I’d bitten back the tears, still hoping to change his mind. "Ethan, please don't go," I’d begged.

He'd looked at me, a careless smile playing on his lips. "Be a good girl and stay home. I'll bring you back a present." He tilted my chin up, kissed me lightly, and tucked the blankets around me. "Necklace or bracelet?"

I hadn't said anything. Ethan loved giving jewelry, he’d showered me with it. But never a ring. He didn't give Olivia much, but every gift was a ring.

I took a deep breath, looking at his handsome face, his pale skin. "Can you please stay?"

His smile faltered. He patted my head. "You know how things are between us."

I was speechless. Ethan was someone I’d pursued relentlessly. He’d had one condition: our relationship had to remain secret, especially from Olivia. I was the backup plan. I had no right to stop him, even though we lived together and he’d even taken me to a few family gatherings.

Seeing my silence, he’d kissed my forehead. "Be good. I'll bring you a gift."

"When will you be back?" I’d asked quietly.

He’d stood up, buttoning his shirt. "A few days."

He probably hadn’t expected Olivia's "getaway" to turn into a year-long study abroad program, forcing him to stay with her.

Watching his tall figure disappear through the doorway, I sighed. As if sensing my unhappiness, he’d turned back. "Before I go, is there anything you want me to do? Anything at all."

I’d thought for a moment. "Could you help me find someone? His name is Daniel. He's a war photographer."

His face darkened. "What's he to you? If you don't tell me, I won't help."

I bit my lip. "He's my brother. My cousin's son."

His expression softened. He nodded. "I'll see ...