When He Asked Me to Stay for Her, I Chose Myself Chapter 04
A moment earlier…
I thought Ethan was getting it for me.
But the next moment…
My eyes filled with disappointment.
“What’s with that expression?”
“You’re only wearing it for one day.”
“Don’t be so petty. Consider it your apology for what you said about Madison.”
Ethan walked over and took the silver pendant necklace from the vanity.
“This goes perfectly with the dress.”
“Let Madison borrow it too.”
That pendant necklace was the one Ethan had given me.
I instinctively reached out to take it back.
But Ethan had already slipped it into his pocket.
My hand froze in midair as I watched him turn toward the door.
“Today is the day we’re getting married.”
Ethan paused.
After a moment, he replied,
“Yeah, I remember.”
“I’ll see you at three this afternoon outside City Hall.”
The moment he left, my phone received a text message.
[Ms. Hart, your flight is scheduled to depart at 7:30 tonight. Please plan accordingly.]
At the same time, Professor Williams sent me a reminder.
Three in the afternoon.
I arrived at City Hall on time and stared at my phone screen.
But there wasn’t a single message from Ethan.
Instead, Madison sent me a message.
[Vivian, thank you for letting me borrow your dress and pendant necklace. The photos turned out amazing!]
Right after that, she sent me a video from the photoshoot.
Madison was holding onto Ethan’s arm, smiling sweetly.
I heard voices in the background.
“These two look so in love. They’re always walking with their arms linked.”
“The guy is so thoughtful. He keeps wiping her forehead and even massages her shoulders whenever she gets tired.”
“Exactly. They even made plans to take wedding photos together next time.”
Every word cut deeper than the one before.
I closed the video and deleted Madison’s number.
Three in the afternoon.
Ethan didn’t show up. He didn’t send me a single message either.
Five in the afternoon. City Hall was about to close.
That was when I finally received Ethan’s message.
[Today was too rushed. Let’s do it another day.]
[We still have plenty of time. It won’t make a difference if we wait a few more days.]
I didn’t reply. I picked up my luggage and left.
On the way to the airport, Ethan sent me another message.
[Madison has never seen a meteor shower since she was little.]
[I’m taking her up the mountain tonight to watch one. I won’t be coming home.]
In the past, I had suggested watching meteor showers with Ethan many times.
He had always refused. He said it was boring and pointless.
But when Madison wanted to go, he went without hesitation.
It really was true.
It was never about what you did.
It was about who you did it with.
Professor Williams was already waiting at the airport. When he saw that I was alone, he sighed. “Ethan still isn’t coming?”
“Madison has completely blinded him.”
“Yeah.” I nodded.
“He had his choices, and I had mine. The same was true for my future. And the same was true for love.”
Professor Williams froze for a moment.
Then he nodded.
“That’s true.”
“After all, across the ocean, there’s someone who has been waiting for you for a long time. And Ethan could never measure up to him.”