I smacked my forehead. How could I forget?
Ethan’s number and WeChat had been banished
to my block list for three years. Time for a little
fresh air. I unblocked him and looked up to see
Jessica’s expectant gaze. “Was that Mr.
Carter? I was wondering… what’s your history?”
I sighed. “Ex–boyfriend. Ancient history.”
Jessica’s jaw dropped. That evening, while
walking Money, I got a WeChat transfer
notification. An unlabeled contact, just the letter
1711
TL
<
“E“. The profile picture was familiar, sparking a
distant memory. That scorching summer, I was
obsessed with the song “Coral Sea“. I hummed
it constantly, even while walking down the
street, and filled sketchbooks with ocean
scenes. Ethan would always find a way to
interrupt my drawing sessions. Back then, my
cheeks were still chubby, and he loved poking
them. “You really like the ocean, huh? I’ll buy
you an island someday so you can stare at it all
day.” “I told you a million times, stop poking my
face!” The boyish Ethan grinned like a goofball.
“Your face is so squishy, like a groundhog.” I
scowled and drew a picture of a lonely figure
on a deserted island. “If you call me a
groundhog one more time, I’ll maroon you on
that island!” Snapping back to the present, I
stared at the familiar profile picture. Ethan had
kept that drawing all these years. But he was
terrified of water… Money tugged at the leash,
barking excitedly towards a pet store. The one
where I bought his food and treats. “You little
rascal, you have a good memory.” I scratched
く
his head as he licked my hand. “And good
timing. Mommy just got paid. Let’s go
shopping!” Money strained forward, and I
swiped to accept the transfer, sending Ethan a
meme in return: [Boss is generous.jpg.].
Thanks to my new project, Mr. Henderson gave
me paid leave to focus on Chloe’s gift,
instructing me to communicate directly with
Ethan. I slept in, lounging on the couch with
Money, when a text alerted me to a five-
million–dollar deposit. I counted the zeros,
stunned. Had Sugar Mama become even more
generous? Was this a gentle nudge, seeing as
the project hadn’t really started? Money talks,
and I was suddenly motivated. I propped my
chin on my hand and opened WeChat. [Mr.
Carter, any specific details for the anniversary
gift?] Five minutes later: [Too complicated for
text. Come to Carter Corp. Let’s discuss.]
Perfect! I jumped up, picked out a killer outfit,
and applied my “no–makeup” makeup look.
Ethan tried to appear nonchalant when I walked
into his office, but I saw the flicker of interest in his eyes. Easy peasy. His assistant showed me
in and discreetly closed the door. Just Ethan
and me, alone in his vast office. He wore a black shirt, buttoned all the way up, exuding an aura of restrained… something. He looked good. Very respectable. He caught me staring. “What?” “Just admiring your… handsomeness. And general aura of awesomeness.” He scoffed. “Flippant.” “…” If he wasn’t feeling flippant, he could try turning that smirk upside down. I
rolled my eyes, pulled out my tablet, and showed him some templates. “What kind of gift
are you thinking of? Bracelets and rings are simple. We can incorporate some element that’s meaningful to you two. Necklaces can be more
elaborate.” “A whole set, then.” I smiled
professionally. “Certainly.” He glanced at me, tapping his fingers on the desk. “Something along the lines of ‘Rose Poetry‘.” “Absolutely
not.” His nonchalant expression infuriated me.
“Rose Poetry‘ is a reminder of my past
relationship. I doubt your girlfriend wants her
<
anniversary gift tainted by someone else’s
memories.” “Is that so?” His voice dropped, his
eyes intense. “You seem awfully invested, Ms.
Carter. Still hung up on your ex?” “Of course,” I
said sweetly. “He’s gone, you know. This is all I
have left to remember him by.” The smirk
vanished. He stood, his aura darkening. “I
wasn’t aware I was dead.”
“Weren’t you the one pretending not to know
me?” Perhaps it was familiarity, but even when
he was scowling, I wasn’t intimidated. “Are you
trying to annoy me, or her, by suggesting I copy
‘Rose Poetry‘?” ‘Rose Poetry‘ was my proudest
creation. Inspired by the man standing before
- me. Back when my family was wealthy, I
attended a prestigious private school. I was a
sophomore, and Ethan, a year older, was a
campus legend – the brilliant Carter kid who
got sent to the principal’s office in the morning
and gave award–winning speeches in the
afternoon. On my first day, he slung an arm
around me, grinning. “I’ve got your back, kid.
