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Immediately, I’m enveloped in the comforting embrace of home. The air is filled with the delicious aroma of my mom’s cooking, a tantalizing blend of spices and herbs that instantly makes my mouth water.
My mom is bustling in the dining room, setting the table with plates and silverware as she gives orders to her home staff.
“Could you at least help or get out of my way?” she says to Amy, who’s already seated at the table and busy on her phone.
“Hey, Mom,” I say, my voice full of affection as I wrap her in a hug. She squeezes me tightly, her arms warm and welcoming around me.
“Ethan, darling, happy birthday!” she exclaims, her eyes shining with pride. “I hope you’re hungry, because I’ve made all your favorite dishes.”
“Of course,” I say with a grin.
As we dig into the delicious spread she has prepared, conversation flows easily around the table.
But it doesn’t take long for the exchange to take a familiar turn as my mom leans in, her eyes fixed on me with a mixture of love and determination.
“So, Ethan,” she begins, her tone casual but her eyes betraying her true intent. “Have you met anyone special lately?”
I suppress a sigh, knowing exactly where this is headed. “Mom, we’ve been over this,” I say, trying to keep my tone light despite the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “I’m focused on my career right now. There’s plenty of time for all that other stuff later.”
My mom’s expression softens, her gaze filled with concern. “I know, sweetheart, but I just want to make sure you’re happy. You know how much I want to see you settle down and start your own family.”
I reach across the table, taking her hand in mine. “I appreciate that, Mom, I really do. And I promise you, when the time is right, I’ll find someone special. But for now, can’t we just enjoy this moment together?”
She nods, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Of course, darling. I just want what’s best for you, that’s all.”
Amy raises her head from her food, giving me a knowing look, and I know this is all about the conversation about Jessy. I glare at her, daring her to say anything about it. After a split second, she looks away.
I turn to Mom. “So, Mom, how was Miami?”
“It was great. I hung out with a few old friends, your aunt came around, and we were all planning to go shopping the next day when a certain someone decided to cut her trip short.” Mom eyes Amy as she speaks.
“Yeah, I asked why she came back earlier than planned,” I say, chewing on some steak with a smile because I know that Mom is going to spill the tea soon, and the look Amy gives her says that she doesn’t want her to do so.
“She found out from a friend that her ex, Paul, is engaged to be married, and they were both in Miami for a vacation as well.”
I turn to look at Amy, and she scoffs, “He’s a douchebag anyway. I’m missing out on nothing.”
Even though she’s trying to hide it, I can see that she’s hurt, and I immediately feel bad that I had not noticed sooner the reason for her sadness.
10
Jessica
I’m standing behind the reception desk, scrolling through emails on my computer, when the lady I presume to be Ethan’s girlfriend breezes into the hotel lobby, her presence commanding attention. She’s dressed impeccably, as always, and her confident demeanor exudes an air of sophistication.
She flashes me a friendly smile and is about to say something when Lysa walks in. “Amy, what are you doing here?” she asks, not looking too happy to see her.
So her name is Amy. I try to mind my business, but I can’t help but notice that she isn’t thrilled to see Lysa either.
From what I have gathered, Lysa and Ethan used to have a thing in the past, so it’s understandable why the w. If only they knew the things Ethan and I have done. I’m quite sure they will team up against me.
Well, in my defense, I had no idea that he was in a relationship or that my boss was his ex.
Oh God, I really feel terrible.
Does Lysa know about Ethan and me? Could that be the reason she has been hostile toward me? No, I doubt that. She is hostile to everyone. Her middle name is hostility.
I pretend to be typing on my computer as I listen in on their conversation, as they are only a few feet away from me.
