Spring Breeze
When Ethan Thamson was broke and struggling, his first love left him for a richer man who could give her the designer lifestyle she wanted.
He spiraled until I found him unconscious on the side of the road and took him in.
On my 18th birthday, our friendship became something more, and before long, we were inseparable.
For the next eight years, I stayed by Ethan's side as he fought his way from a nobody on the streets to one of the most powerful men in the city.
And through it all, Ethan treated me like I was the center of his world. Even after all these years, he still remembers the smallest things, like bringing me a heating pad and a warm drink whenever I have cramps.
I never doubt his love—until I'm eight months pregnant and find an almost-empty box of condoms in his car.
Ethan laughs it off. "I lent the car to Mason. I'll tell him to clean up after himself next time."
After eight years together, I believe him.
One month later, Vanessa Coleman, Ethan's first love, shows up at our door.
She's pregnant.
Vanessa pulls down her collar just enough to reveal the marks scattered across her skin and smiles.
"Has Ethan ever wanted you this badly? In the past year alone, we've been together 108 times in hotels, 15 times in his car, and 18 times in the bed you share with him.
"You were never the love of his life, Natalie. You were just the woman he used to get over me.
"And now that I'm back, he doesn't need you anymore. So why are you still holding on?"