Emily's POVI nodded at the lady, unable to muster up the energy to speak. I had a tired look on my face, and I was starting to feel exhausted. The hairstylist worked on my hair for what felt like an eternity. Finally, she was done, and I was ready to face the night ahead.I took a deep breath and stood up from the chair. I went out to where Ethan was standing, feeling nervous about his reaction. I looked at him, and I was surprised to see a look of amazement on his face. I couldn't help but blush at his reaction. It was the first time I had seen him look at me with anything other than contempt."Y-you look good." he stammered, looking a bit flustered. I couldn't help but smile at his reaction. I was feeling flattered and a bit giddy at the same time. "Thank you." I felt a little shy. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, feeling a bit flustered.We went to the counter, and he paid for the services. I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty at the cost. I knew he must have spent a f

Emily's POVI was now sitting at the table with Liam's date, and I was uncomfortable. She kept staring at me, and it was making me feel self-conscious and awkward. I didn't know what to say to her, and I just wanted to get out of there.The silence was broken by her words, "I didn't expect Ethan to settle down for someone like you." I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment, and I didn't know how to respond. I just sat there, feeling humiliated and small."What do you mean by 'someone like me?'" I asked her, trying to sound brave and confident. But inside, I was feeling completely insecure. I felt like I was being judged and found wanting."You know." She looked at me up and down with a disgusted look on her face. I felt like I was being appraised and found lacking. She was being so rude, and I couldn't understand why. I hadn't done anything to offend her, so why was she acting this way?Before I knew it, Liam's speech was over, and I hadn't even registered what he had said. My mind

Emily's POVThe doctor stood up and said, "I'll leave you two to get some rest. I'll check back in on you in a little while." She smiled at us and left the room, closing the door behind her. Ethan sat down next to the bed and took my hand in mine. "Are you okay?" His voice was soft and gentle."I'm so sorry." His voice was full of emotion. "I didn't mean to lash out like that. I was just so upset and heartbroken. I know it's no excuse, but I hope you can understand." He kept my head down."It's not a problem."My voice was kind and understanding. "I think I understand." I looked into his eyes, and I felt something stirring inside me. A strange mix of emotions washed over me, and I couldn't quite identify what it was."I don't think I will be discharged tonight, the doctor said she is going to keep me here overnight and start me on some IV fluids. Just to make sure I'm hydrated and my body has the fluids it needs to heal." "Okay. I'll be right back. I will head to the front desk to

I lay in bed, my phone in my hand. I reread the texts between me and Liam, and my mind kept wandering to the memory of the girl he brought to dinner. The kiss we shared also kept playing in my head, confusing me even more.I had the urge to dial his number, to talk to him and make sense of everything. But I didn't want to come across as too desperate or needy. I didn't want to seem like I was forcing myself on him, or trying to make him like me. I just wanted to understand what was going on.As I lay there in bed, I thought about all the times Liam had made me smile, even when I was feeling down. But now I felt confused, and I didn't know what to make of him. My mind was a jumble of thoughts, and I was exhausted. Before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep.I woke up to the sound of my phone's alarm, and when I looked at the time, I was shocked to see it was already 10 am. I hadn't intended to sleep that long, but it felt like I needed it. I stretched, feeling a bit refreshed, and go

"I came here to ask a favor," I managed to blurt out, taking a deep breath to steady my nerves. "I need to send my friend the address of this house so he can come and pick me up."Ethan looked at me with a curious expression, as if he could sense that there was more to my request than I was letting on. "Of course," he said. "Do you need me to help you with anything?"My heart fluttered at the sound of his voice, and I found myself struggling to maintain my composure. "No, thank you." I tried to keep my voice steady. I knew that if I stayed any longer, I would risk giving in to the magnetic pull of his presence. With a quick, "Thank you," I turned on my heel and hurried out of the room, my heart racing.As I retreated, I could feel his eyes on me, watching me leave. I rushed from the room, avoiding his gaze and any lingering temptation to give in to my feelings for him. As I left, I felt the weight of his gaze following me, but I refused to turn back, knowing that doing so would only