Chapter 5
Before Ethan’s parents could answer, Avery interrupted.]
“Nobody. You misheard.“]
His parents shot her a weird look.
Ethan didn’t notice their confusion. He grabbed Avery’s arm and pulled her to his car.]
“Perfect timing! You’re here. You should be done with the conversation, right? Cool. Let’s go somewhere.“[]
They drove in total silence.[]
When the car stopped, Avery realized he’d brought her to a luxury boutique.[]
He instructed the staff to bring out piles of clothes, shoes, and bags for her to try on.]
She frowned. “What the hell is all this for?“]
Ethan pushed her toward the dressing room with a bossy tone. “Just try them on.“[]
Avery tried to refuse but the sales associate had already shut the door and started unpacking boxes.]
After each outfit, Ethan would take a photo before shoving her back into the dressing room.]
Over and over again. Avery tried on hundreds of outfits until she was completely drained. The high heels had rubbed her feet raw and bloody.
She finally shoved past the employee and limped over to Ethan.]
“Look, I don’t need you to buy me stuff to apologize-“]
“Pack up everything except the burgundy dress and have it delivered to Miss Sophia Grant at Silverlake Estate.”
The rest of Avery’s sentence died in her throat. She watched him casually swipe his credit card.]
“You made me try on all this stuff… for your girlfriend?” Her voice came out raspy.[]
Ethan nodded carelessly with a slight smirk.[]
“Yeah. Wanted to get my girl some presents but wasn’t sure what she’d like. Since you two are about the same size, figured you’d make a perfect model.“[]
“Next we’re hitting the dessert shop, jewelry store, and makeup counter upstairs. You can test everything for me. Gotta make sure Sophia gets only the best.“]
Hearing him plan her whole day without even asking, Avery couldn’t hold back her fury anymore.]
“Ethan! I’m not your fucking girlfriend–pleasing tool!“]
Ethan had never seen her this angry. He looked up in shock to see her eyes red with unshed tears.]
“You know what? I never saw us as just fuck buddy! Every hug, every kiss, every time we slept together–I meant it! You don’t have to love me back, but you don’t get to treat me like I’m nothing!“]]
Her voice broke with emotion. Ethan froze as complicated feelings washed over him.[]
He tried to explain but Avery had already turned and stormed out.]
He watched her small figure disappear into the crowd. Something flickered in his eyes.[]
Then has expression returned to normal]
Back home, Avery pulled on her suitcase and started packing
At diner, she kept overbearing her parents talk about Ethan
“Did you hear he rented out Universal Studios for three whole days for Sophia’s birthday? The roses were flown in from Europe. Ethan is really going all out.“]
“He took her to meet his grandfather too. Bought antiques to pretend they were gifts from Sophia. His grandfather was thrilled, couldn’t stop praising her.
Whenever Ethan’s name came up, Avery stayed silent
Sometimes her heart still rippled with emotion, but the pain had faded.
The shut herself off from the world, turning down every invitation where she might run into Ethan
Chapter 5
A few nights, he pretended like nothing was wrong and messaged her when he was drunk, asking her to come pick him up. She ignored those too.
Their mutual friends sometimes brought it up when they were wasted.
“Yo Ethan, what’s up with your sex buddy? Why isn’t she hanging around anymore?“]
Ethan would shrug it off like it was nothing. “She’s just pissed off, don’t worry about it, it’ll get over soon.“[]
But time passed and Avery remained slient. Eventually she stopped responding to any messages.
The day before his birthday, Ethan couldn’t take it anymore and sent her an electronic invitation.]
This time, Avery finally replied.]
Just one word:]
“NO“]
