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“I’ll see you later?” I asked hopefully, already looking forward to our next encounter.
“Definitely,” Ethan replied with a tender smile, squeezing my hand before turning back to his work.
By the time I got to the school, the doubts were still there, lingering in the back of my mind like a dark cloud. But I tried to push them aside, wanting to believe in Ethan and trust that he was being honest with me. Yet, as the day went on and my thoughts continued to swirl, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story than what met the eye.
Later that afternoon, I made my way to the shop to pick up my car. Joe looked up from under the hood, his usual warm smile greeting me, but there was something different in his eyes—an emotion I couldn’t quite put my finger on.
“You’re just in time,” Joe said, handing me my keys. “Everything’s taken care of. I changed the oil and the brake pads.”
I took the keys, feeling a sense of relief that at least something was going right today. “Thanks, Joe. I appreciate it.”
He hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering with something unspoken. “Oh, and by the way, Ethan’s sister showed up earlier—kind of unexpected. She came to pick him up. He’s already gone.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. “Gone?” I echoed, trying to keep the surprise and disappointment from my voice. “He didn’t mention that he was leaving for Dallas so soon.”
Joe nodded, his expression serious. “Yeah, family stuff. You know how it is. He left in a bit of a rush.”
I swallowed hard, trying to process the news. “Did he say when he’d be back?”
Joe offered a small, comforting smile. “He’ll be back before you know it. But he did leave something for you.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, folded note, handing it to me.
I took the note, my heart pounding as I unfolded it. Ethan’s familiar handwriting scrawled across the paper, brief but with a tenderness that tugged at my heart.
Natalie,
I’m sorry I couldn’t say goodbye properly. I’ll explain everything when I get back. Please don’t worry. I love you, and you’ll be hearing from me soon.
Ethan
I stared at the note, a mix of emotions building in my chest—relief that he’d left a message, frustration that he hadn’t said more, and a gnawing sense of doubt that I couldn’t shake.
Joe watched me carefully as if waiting for my reaction. “He really cares about you, Natalie. He wouldn’t just take off if it wasn’t important.”
I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. “I know. It’s just… I wasn’t expecting it.”
Joe nodded in understanding; his gaze sympathetic. “Give him some time. I’m sure he’ll be back before you know it.”
As I drove home, the note clutched tightly in my hand, the doubts crept back in, stronger than before. I wanted to believe Joe, to believe Ethan’s words that everything would be okay and he’d return as promised. But a part of me couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this story—more than Ethan was willing to share.
As I pulled into my driveway, the note still heavy in my hand, I couldn’t help but wonder if this was the way he was ending things—if Ethan’s sudden departure was just the first crack in the foundation we were trying to build.
Twelve
Ethan
“Welcome home, Mr. Sterling!” Millie’s voice, warm and familiar, echoed through the grand foyer as I stepped inside. The scent of something delicious wafted from the kitchen, mingling with the polished wood and fresh flowers that filled the air.
I grinned, dropping my bag by the door. “Millie, how many times do I have to tell you? It’s just Ethan.”
“Oh, hush,” she replied with a wave of her hand, her eyes twinkling. “You will always be Mr. Sterling to me. Now, come on, I’ve fixed your favorite stew for dinner. You must be starving after your trip.”
As I stepped into the foyer, the marble floors and designer furnishings reminded me of the life I had built, but it was Millie’s cooking that truly made this place feel like home. The smell of her dishes filled the air and created an ambiance that the ornate decorations and elegant furniture never could. Millie had been more than just a housekeeper—she was like a second mother to me, and her kindness filled every corner of this house, making it feel less like a mansion and more like the home I needed.
The kitchen was always filled with mouth-watering aromas as Millie worked her magic, crafting delicious meals with ease. Through all of life’s ups and downs, Millie’s unwavering presence brought a sense of comfort and familiarity that made everything feel right in the world. This house wasn’t just a luxurious space; it was a sanctuary filled with love, thanks to Millie’s culinary talents and caring nature.
“Smells amazing, as always,” I said, leaning against the counter while she ladled out a generous portion into a bowl.
“I figured I’d spoil you a bit after cooking for yourself,” Millie teased, sliding the bowl in front of me. “How was Cedar Cove? Did it work its charm on you?”
