Chapter 4

Chloe's POV

Ethan's face darkened.

"Regardless, I still need to remind you not to keep doing things you'll regret again and again."

"I don't want Vivian to be sad because of you anymore."

Every sentence he spoke couldn't be separated from Vivian. His eyes were full of adoration for her.

I pressed my lips together, feeling irritated.

"Liking you was because I was immature before. I won't have any feelings for you in the future, but you shouldn't slander my friends like this either."

Being contradicted displeased Ethan, and his attitude turned cold.

"Someone who could write such disgusting things I don't think you were that innocent back then. But I'll say it again. Give it up."

Having my most passionate feelings trampled on made me a bit angry too.

I said, "Since it's so disgusting, please return all my things to me."

The diary, the photos, and the things I had privately kept all needed to be dealt with.

Keeping them would only give people something to use against me.

Ethan looked at me twice, then turned and threw a paper box in front of me.

Photos scattered, revealing the backs covered with a young girl's innermost thoughts.

Just as he was about to reach down to pick them up, he saw me light the diary on fire.

"I wish you and Vivian happiness."

In the days that followed, I still left early and came home late, and avoided every opportunity to meet Ethan.

Instead, I started going to various gatherings with my classmates. I just didn't expect to run into Ethan and his friends at a restaurant.

"That's your fiancée's sister, right? Those two sisters are both so beautiful. Look at how all the men at their table are staring at her. Who knows how many people will chase after her once she starts graduate school."

His friend's teasing voice reached my ears.

I turned around and saw him suddenly down a drink, looking rather troubled.

I didn't understand, and I didn't want to think about it.

I got home very late. Only after I confirmed all the lights were out did I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Leaving early and coming home late just to hang around with a bunch of men. It doesn't matter if you degrade yourself, but don't make your sister worry and lose sleep every day."

Ethan's icy voice came from a corner.

It scared me so much I covered my mouth to barely stop myself from screaming.

After calming my emotions, I spoke.

"I'm an adult. I can take responsibility for any decision I make."

I didn't want to disturb the family. I turned to head inside.

Ethan seemed angered by my attitude and instinctively grabbed my wrist.

Frightened, I reflexively slapped him across the face.

The surroundings suddenly fell quiet. I quickly ran home, shut the door, and locked it in one smooth motion.

The next day, when I planned to go out as usual, I saw Ethan's familiar parents in the living room, along with countless gifts placed on the table.

"This must be Chloe. Vivian has always talked about her obedient sister in front of us. Come sit by me." Ethan's mother beckoned to me.

I stiffly walked over. The moment I sat down, another familiar voice rang in my ear.

"Oh, it's you. What a coincidence."

I looked up and met a pair of bright eyes.

"Adrian?"

My debate team nemesis.

I paid no attention to the rest of the conversation between the two families. My restless mood was gradually soothed by Adrian's series of cold jokes.

Throughout the morning, the elders chatted about their own topics while my anxious mood was gradually calmed by Adrian.

Vivian looked thoughtfully at us and casually remarked, "It's rare to see Chloe get along so well with someone her own age."

Her words made everyone look over.

Ethan's eyes darkened, his voice indifferent.

"Adrian rarely talks to girls."

"I heard Chloe also applied to graduate school in New York. Then these two kids can look after each other."

The topic suddenly shifted to us.