Chapter 7
Halfway through the birthday party, Ethan and Sophia announced their wedding date.[]
Only then did Avery realize this wasn’t just a birthday celebration–it was their engagement party too.[]
The room erupted in thunderous applause as everyone offered congratulations.[]
Avery sat alone in the corner watching them kiss with blissful smiles. She felt nothing.[]
During the toast, Sophia walked over arm–in–arm with Ethan. She raised her glass with a radiant smile.[]
“Avery! You and Ethan are good friends. Would you be my bridesmaid at our wedding?“[]
“Sorry, I’ve got plans that day. Can’t make it.” Avery didn’t even try to sound apologetic.[]
Ethan’s face darkened at her blunt refusal.]
He shot her a cold look. “Ugh, whatever. Just make sure the gift shows up, even if you don’t.“[]
Avery nodded slightly. “Don’t worry. For a friend like you, I’ll make sure the check has plenty of zeros.” Her voice was soft but hollow.
She sounded so genuine, as if she truly wished them well.]
Ethan remembered what he’d overheard at the store, and complicated emotions flickered across his face.[]
Just then piano music filled the room. At a loss for words, he grabbed Sophia’s hand and led her to the dance floor.
Spotlights followed the couple as they floated across the floor like butterflies.]
Watching their affectionate display, guests whispered in admiration.]]
“They’re perfect together! But isn’t getting engaged after only a month kinda rushed?”
“You don’t get it. Ethan’s been crushing on Sophia forever. Now that he’s finally got her, of course he’s locking it down fast.“[]
Avery leaned back against the couch lost in memories.
Ethan had taught her how to dance.[]
Back then they had zero coordination. She kept stepping on his feet in her heels.[]
He never got mad. Just leaned in with that cocky grin and whispered: “One step on my foot, one kiss on my face.“[]
By the end of that night Avery had learned to dance.[]
Ethan’s feet were black and blue. And her lips were swollen from his kisses.]
She’d thought he liked her too–that in his world she occupied the girlfriend space.[]
But when Sophia returned and she witnessed how he fawned over her…]
Avery realized how laughable her assumptions had been.]]
Lost in thought she barely noticed the man bowing before her with an invitation to dance.[]
She wanted to refuse but he insisted. Seeing everyone else dancing, she didn’t want to be a buzzkill so she agreed.]
Strangers though they were, they moved together surprisingly well. They swayed to the smooth melody.]
The man’s warm hands seemed to work magic. He gradually helped her relax and lose herself in the moment.
It was the first time all night Ethan had seen Avery smile and his face immediately fell
His eyes clearly annoyed kept drifting to her causing hire to miss several beats.]
Sophia glanced over and noticed his diaraction Something flickered in her eyes.[]
When the musar changed tempo everyone switched partners
Avery fraze when she realized Ithan was now holding her hand. She lowered her gaze[]
They’d barely completed one turn when disaster struck]
The crystal chandelier overhead came loose and crashed down with a bang
Ethan instinctively dropped her hand and rushed to shield Sophia. He pulled her away from danger.]
Avery was left behind and barely kept her balance as the chandelier grazed her shoulder, slicing a deep gash across her hand
Blood soaked her white dress crimson.]
Pain shot through her body forcing a cry from her lips as her face turned ghostly white.[]
Just steps away Ethan held Sophia tenderly. He comforted her as they hurried out.[]
From start to finish he never once looked back at Avery.
