6

I didn’t know how long I sat on the edge of the bed, my eyes flicking to the clock every few minutes; midnight, one, two.

Ethan hadn’t come home.

He hadn’t replied my texts or returned my calls either. He was supposed to surprise me tonight, but here I was with nothing but an ache in my chest. I could guess why, of course. Work. It was always work.

By morning, I felt strong arms wrap around my waist, my back pressing into something hardly. I blinked slowly, as I turned to find Ethan curled beside me, his breathing even, hair a mess. He looked peaceful, as if he hadn’t left me waiting all night again.

As if feeling my gaze, his eyes fluttered open.

"Good morning, sunshine," he murmured, a sleepy smile tugging at his lips. And a dimple forming on his cheeks.

I didn’t smile back. "I waited up for you."

He sighed, rubbing weakly at his eyes. "I know, babe. I’m sorry. Work ran late... again. But once I close this next contract, I swear, you’ll have me all to yourself."

"That’s what you always say," I said, pulling away slightly. "But once you bag the next one, there’s always another. And another."

He shifted onto his elbow, voice gentler. "Come on, Elsa. You know I love you. Everything I’m doing is for us. For the future."

I looked away, biting back the words I wanted to say. Because this conversation wasn’t new... I knew too well how it always ends.

Just then, my phone vibrated.

I reached for it, and my heart skipped a beat. It was an acceptance email from West Modeling Agency. They wanted some of my designs for a red carpet collaboration tonight.

My breath caught. "Yes!"

Ethan raised a brow. "What’s going on?"

I turned to him, unable to hide my grin. "West Modeling is bringing me on board. Some of my designs are being featured tonight."

His eyes widened, and for a moment, he looked genuinely happy. "Elsa, that’s amazing. I’m so proud of you."

He pulled me into a hug, kissing the side of my head. "I promise, when you get back tonight... I’ll make it up to you."

I leaned into him, letting myself believe him. "You mean it? You’re not going to ditch me again?"

He chuckled softly. "No, I won’t. I know I've been a total ass lately, but I want to do better... for us."

I smiled, as Ethan trailed kisses from my collar bone to my neck, then to my jaw, my cheek, and finally, my lips. My stomach fluttered as his tongue rolled over my bottom lip, teasing and sucking. The feeling utterly incredible, my hands slowly slid to the back of his hair. But then... He pulled away, glancing at his phone.

I raised a brow. "What’s wrong?"

He doesn't say anything for a while, then his phone vibrated again. I held back the bitter laugh rising in my throat.

"Seriously, Ethan? Thought you said you were going to do better?"

He stared at the ceiling for a moment, then met my gaze. "After this last deal, I made that promise. Besides, this is for us. I remember you encouraged me to take this deal."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "I might have convinced you to take it, but how was I supposed to know this was how it would be." My voice cracked, as I held back the tears threatening to fall.

He pulled me closer, but then his phone vibrated again. He pulled away apologetically.

"I have to take this last call, babe," he said, rolling off the bed.

I stared at his back as he walked out, just hoping this time would be different, that Ethan would keep his promise.