Fights, homework, whatever.” We were
inseparable then. Walking to and from school, hitting up food trucks, sneaking extra study sessions at the library on weekends. Until a love letter appeared on my desk. I’d gotten plenty, so I reached for it, ready to toss it, but a sweet rose scent stopped me. I traced the strong, familiar handwriting. Ethan’s. After school, he came to my classroom as usual, his ears bright red. His voice, cracking with puberty, was a low murmur. “Bella… I want to be your boyfriend. Okay?” The setting sun streamed through the stairwell window. I walked down two steps, turned, and tossed my backpack at him. “Depends on how you behave.” From then on, every afternoon during study hall, a letter appeared on my desk. A rose–scented letter
filled with romantic words. It was a treasured
memory, hence ‘Rose Poetry,’ my debut
collection, the one that launched my
international career. Ethan seemed momentarily
speechless. “I thought… since you didn’t even
want me anymore, you wouldn’t care.” His voice
<
was soft, unreadable. I pounced. “So, I can
change my mind?” He looked up sharply, his
eyes intense. I suddenly felt flustered. Then, his
expression shifted, a cold smirk replacing the
vulnerability. “Dream on.” Fine. I took a deep
breath. “So, what about the gift?” He adjusted
his cuff, feigning indifference. “Whatever you
think is best.” He was leaving it to me. I
could’ve gone wild. But my professional
integrity compelled me to ask, “Would you mind
telling me about your relationship journey?” He
raised an eyebrow. “Curious?” “No, just…
gathering inspiration.” He glanced at his phone
and stood. “I need to go home for dinner.”
“Perfect, me too.” I plastered on a smile. “One
more set of chopsticks won’t hurt, right? We
can chat after dinner.”
My shamelessness secured me a seat in
Ethan’s car. The driver, already surprised to see
me, looked shocked when Ethan said we were
going to the Carter family home. I grinned,
turning to the driver. “Sir, are you thinking,
11/… cho’s the
fornt wird ha’n
<
‘Wow, she’s the first girl he’s ever brought
home‘?” The driver shook his head. “Ms.
Sanders has been here many times.” My smile
faltered. Ethan, overhearing, turned to me with
a mocking glint in his eyes. “Don’t flatter
yourself.” “Just kidding,” I retorted. “No sense
of humor.” He didn’t reply. We sat in the back,
as far apart as possible, like sworn enemies.
The AC hummed, and soon I started dozing. I
felt a light touch on my face. When the car
stopped, I rubbed my eyes, glaring at Ethan.
“Did you just pinch my cheek?” He was
perfectly composed. “No. You leaned over in
your sleep and brushed against my hand.” I was
skeptical. “Really?” We were miles apart. How
could I have accidentally brushed against him?
Inside the Carter mansion, we were greeted by
an elegant woman. Ah, Sugar Mama, radiating
class. Seeing her was like seeing dollar signs. I
put on my sweetest smile. “Hi, Auntie! Long
time no see.” “Bella!” Sugar Mama looked
startled, her eyes flicking between Ethan and
than nettling
with
lock of
<
me, then settling on me with a look of approval.
“I heard you were back. What brings you here?”
“Just some business with Ethan,” I said
demurely. “And thought I’d impose on you for
dinner.” “Nonsense, dear. You’re always
welcome.” During dinner, Sugar Mama beamed,
constantly piling food on my plate, a stark
contrast to her frosty demeanor when Ethan
and I were dating. It was almost overwhelming.
“Come with me.” Ethan finished his meal, stood,
and headed upstairs. Sugar Mama gave me an
encouraging nod. I followed. I expected him to
lead me to his study. Instead, we ended up in
his bedroom. He sat on the couch. “Ask away.”
“Here?” I hesitated. “Where else?” He glanced
at the bed, his expression unreadable. “Did you
have somewhere else in mind?” “No,” I said
quickly. “So, tell me about some memorable
moments in your relationship.” He launched into
a bland retelling of events I’d already read
online, his storytelling skills far inferior to those
of gossip bloggers. I stifled a yawn. “That’s
about it,” he finished, glancing at me. “Boring?”
<
“A little.” I stood up. “So, if there’s nothing
else…” He pointed at the door. The message
was clear. Get out. Jerk. Couldn’t even pretend
to be interested. I trudged to the door, then
turned back. He was looking at his phone,
completely ignoring me. I bit my lip and rushed back, stopping in front of him. “Ethan.” He
looked up. I leaned in and kissed him hard, then
bolted. In my haste, I missed the blank screen
of his phone and the amusement in his eyes.
Since Ethan wasn’t giving me much to work
with, I resorted to more online research. After
diligently studying their love story and Chloe’s
style, I designed a jade jewelry set. To my
surprise, Chloe rocked it on the red carpet, and
the internet exploded with
#BellaChloeDesign Dream Team. If I weren’t
involved, I’d ship it myself.
