Chapter 2

Anyone can talk a big game.

I wanted to see if Tyler would actually tell everyone the truth just because I said so.

The moment the words left my mouth, Tyler froze in awkward silence.

"Ethan, I..."

He stammered, but before he could finish, Tyler's Aunt Brenda walked over.

"Tyler, Chloe, what are you two doing out here? And who is this?"

The hallway fell quiet, and several guests turned to look at us.

Chloe spoke first. "Just a friend. He heard about Evelyn's passing and came to pay his respects."

A friend?

I almost laughed.

It turned out I truly held no place in Chloe’s heart.

Aunt Brenda nodded, completely oblivious, and even invited me to stay for lunch.

Before I could speak, Chloe quickly declined on my behalf.

"He's super busy. He has a ton of work back at the office, so I don't think he can stay."

I nodded, playing along.

"That's right, I'm very busy. But I can always make time for important events. Like your wedding, for instance. Make sure to send me an invite so I can prepare a nice, fat check."

Chloe’s face instantly fell.

She looked like she wanted to scream at me, but with her relatives watching, she bit her lip and kept quiet.

Aunt Brenda, totally clueless, smiled warmly.

"Tyler and Chloe make such a beautiful couple. We all support them. It's just a shame about his mother. Out of respect, Tyler really should wait at least a year before they marry."

Ignoring her chatter, I turned and walked away.

Seeing me leave, Chloe panicked.

"Ethan..."

But before she could take a step, Tyler grabbed her arm.

"Chloe, please stay and help me light another candle for my mom. I need you by my side."

As I turned the corner, I saw Chloe stop. Without another glance my way, she followed Tyler back into the memorial hall.

In that moment, my heart turned completely numb.

Maybe I had lost the moment I chose to hope.