Chapter 38
Ethan raised his eyebrows. “Maybe this time she’ll call your parents again and tattle.“}
I finally snapped. “I’m not that idle.”
I forced down the fury rising in my chest. “I swear–I won’t interfere, I won’t call anyone. Okay? I just want to go home, rest, and take the exam properly tomorrow.“>>
I reached for my bag, but he yanked it from me.
“What are you doing?!” I shouted, panic crashing over me.”
In the next second, he pulled out my admission ticket and held it up high.
My face went pale. I lunged at him. “You’re insane! Give it back!“}
Ethan dangled the ticket just out of reach, like taunting a kitten. “I don’t trust you. Now that I’ve got this, you won’t try anything stupid. Don’t ruin Sophie’s birthday.“”
My eyes burned with tears as my voice cracked. “Ethan, you bastard!“}
The hatred in my eyes startled him. His expression faltered, and his voice softened:
“As long as you don’t rat us out, I’ll give it back. Didn’t we promise to go to the same university? Of course I’ll return it to you.“}
“Just don’t mess up Sophie’s 18th birthday.”
I stared at him, heart sinking like a stone.
Eighteen years of childhood memories.
But my future meant less to him than Sophie’s birthday party.
I trembled, silently watching him.”
He avoided my gaze, then gave a casual smile and turned to the others.
“Crisis averted. Everyone, enjoy the night.”}
Sophie immediately wrapped herself around him, her voice sweet and delicate.}
“Thank you, Ethan. This is the best birthday gift I’ve ever received.“}
His ears turned red, but he didn’t push her away. Instead, he gently played with a strand of her hair.
“As long as you’re happy,” he said.”
The class erupted in cheers, the noise nearly shaking the roof.}
“Best gift isn’t the party, it’s clearly our class monitor, right?“}
“Hey, we’re all officially adults tonight. A kiss wouldn’t hurt!”
Ethan chuckled. “Cut it out.”
But the flicker in his eyes was unmistakable.}
I stood in the corner, watching it all unfold, my nails digging so hard into my palms I nearly drew blood.
Laugh all you want.
Let’s see if you’re still laughing tomorrow during the exam.
I didn’t even bother to grab my schoolbag. I turned and walked out.
But they weren’t done with me.}
Ethan’s voice rang out coldly: “Lock her in the gym.“}
“Let her out after the party“}
I froze, eyes wide. “You’re insane! Let me go!“}
Several boys grabbed me, twisted my arms behind my back, and dragged me toward the old gymnasium.
They flung me onto the ground–pain shot through my arm as blood scraped across the concrete.
Ethan hesitated for a second, but then his face hardened with resolve.
He picked up my phone and stomped on it until the screen went black.
“Don’t be petty,” he said flatly. “Just stay put. I’m the class monitor–I’m just helping the class enjoy the night. If it were your birthday, I’d do the same.“{
“Just wait here. I’ll come get you later.”>
Then he closed the door.
The heavy iron slammed shut. Darkness swallowed me whole.
I lay there, calling for help until my throat went raw.
Time passed–minutes, maybe hours–before footsteps echoed outside.
I scrambled up, desperate. “Help me-!”
The door creaked open.
It was Dad.”
He rushed inside, eyes frantic, and pulled me into his arms.)
