The call came just after dusk, when the sky outside Ethan’s apartment was turning the color of bruised peaches and smoke.He almost didn’t answer it.The name on the screen Mom felt heavier than usual, weighted with something he could already sense. He stood by the window for a long moment, phone buzzing in his hand, before finally lifting it to his ear.“Hi.”Ethan, his mother said, voice tight. We need to talk.His stomach sank. “Okay.”Your aunt called me this morning. She sent me something. An article. A pause. Is there something you want to tell me?Ethan closed his eyes. The words from the headlines, the speculation, the half accusations, all of it came rushing back. About Dante?Another pause, longer this time. So it’s true.What’s true? Ethan asked, though he already knew.That you’re… involved with him. His mother’s voice dropped. Ethan, he’s your boss. He’s old enough to be…..Please don’t, Ethan said quietly. Don’t turn this into something ugly.“Ugly?” she repeated. I’m tr
Last Updated : 2026-01-20 Read more