Chapter 2

My mom looked at me and sighed with heartache.

"Breaking up is for the best."

"Our family isn't afraid of embarrassment. It's better than you living in constant anxiety for the rest of your life."

I held back tears and nodded.

"Mom, you and Dad should head home. Don't worry about me."

"I just need to take care of a few things."

After seeing my parents off, I sat alone in the empty private room.

My phone screen lit up. It was a video from Mara, just over ten seconds long.

In the footage, Ethan lay in a hospital bed, face bruised and swollen, looking pathetic and weak.

He forced the corner of his mouth into a smile.

"Why are you crying?"

"I told you I'd get you what I promised, didn't I? When have I ever broken my word?"

The video cut off abruptly.

Right after, Mara sent a text message.

[Ethan's awake now, and he got me the bag too. Don't be mad at him, and don't worry, okay?]

I didn't reply. I just locked my screen.

Half an hour later, I returned to the apartment Ethan and I rented together.

I pulled my suitcase out from under the bed and started packing.

When I opened the bottom drawer of the closet, my hand froze.

There sat a cheap trophy Ethan had won from his underground fights.

Looking at it, I suddenly felt dizzy with memories.

I thought back to two years ago.

The first time he snuck off to that underground fight club without telling me, I found out and completely broke down. I told him we were done.

That night, it rained hard.

Ethan, his body covered in injuries, blocked the entrance to my rental apartment and refused to leave no matter how much I tried to make him go.

I told him coldly I'd never forgive him. He panicked so badly his eyes turned red, and then he actually passed out at my feet.

I was terrified, shaking all over, holding his unconscious body and crying so hard I couldn't breathe.

I thought I was really going to lose him.

That fear of losing the person I loved most made me surrender completely.

Later came the second time, the third time...

"Bzz bzz bzz—"

My phone's vibration pulled me out of the memory.

It was Ethan calling.

"Gianna, I bet I scared you. I'm fine, just some superficial wounds."

"Marcus is such a drama queen. The doctor said I just need to stay for observation for a couple days and I'll be good."

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it today. Your parents must be really upset, right?"

I made a neutral sound of acknowledgment.

Hearing that I wasn't crying and making a scene like usual, he sounded relieved.

"But hey, I want to discuss something with you."

"About our wedding—could we maybe push it back a couple years?"

He paused, seeming to choose his words carefully.

"Mara was just in my hospital room telling me all her old friends recently bought cars, and she wants one too."

"So I transferred her the money we'd been saving for the wedding."

When I didn't respond, his tone became coaxing.

"You know Mara's family did so much for me. I've always treated her like a real sister."

"Her family went bankrupt. If I can help her, of course I have to..."

He kept rambling on the other end about how deeply loyal and righteous he was.

If this had been before, hearing those words would have made me scream myself hoarse demanding answers.

What am I to you then?

What about my youth and my dignity?

But now, I didn't even have the desire to argue.

I spoke flatly.

"You can do whatever you want."

On the other end, Ethan's voice couldn't hide his joy.

"Gianna, I knew you were the best."

"You were so quiet just now, I thought you were going to break up with me again. You scared me to death."

I smiled slightly.

"I won't. I'll never fight with you again."

Suddenly his tone turned serious.

"Gianna, trust me, this is the last time I'll ever fight."

"I'll never let you suffer even the slightest grievance again. Even though we're postponing the wedding, I swear I'll give you the most spectacular wedding in the entire city and marry you with all the honor you deserve..."