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Chapter Sixteen

Author: Ij Gabriel
last update Huling Na-update: 2025-04-30 04:08:13

“I didn’t expect you to stay,” Ethan said, voice low as the faint morning light crept into the room.

“I didn’t expect you to ask me,” I replied, fingers drawing idle circles on his chest..

He made a soft noise, a tune that hovered halfway between a sigh and laughter. “You're making it sound like I don't have one.”

"I think so," I answered. "You've just stashed it away somewhere in here."

“Maybe I did.” His hand shifted slightly, brushing mine. “Last night… I didn’t plan it.”

Neither did I.

He was quiet for a while. I didn't pressure him to talk. I knew that silence from Ethan wasn't nothing; it was his defense.

"I keep thinking about Ryan every day," he eventually admitted.

I blinked. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard his name. But it was the first time Ethan had brought him up voluntarily.

"What's been on your mind?" I asked quietly.

"That I should be the one to die," he went on, his tone unshakeable. "He had such a promising future ahead. I was responsible for all of the unrest."

“
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