"Who's Lena Marks?"
"I am," I answered, confused. It was odd—I'd never received a delivery at school before.
I stepped outside to find a beautifully packaged gift box with a single rose tucked on top. That was... weirdly sweet. And a little creepy. But then again—rose was my favorite flower.
Curious, I tore open the package, heart racing. Inside was a perfectly arranged box of chocolates. My stomach grumbled right on cue. Also my favorite.
At the bottom, tucked beneath the ribbon, was a tiny note:
Thinking about you.
—E.O.
Ethan.
I blushed so hard my ears felt warm. Just then, my phone buzzed.
Do you like it? he texted.
Yep, all my favorites. Thanks so much, I replied.
He sent a smiley emoji, then followed up with, Lunch plans?
And that's where it got complicated. We were both adjusting, trying to blend two very different schedules. I stared at the screen before replying, Sorry. Heavy school runs.
No problem. Simple. No fuss.
My thumb hovered over the screen, my heart skipping a beat. Love you... Was it too soon to say that?
The rest of the afternoon flew by in a daze. Every time Ethan crossed my mind, I smiled like an idiot. I kept sniffing the rose, holding it like a secret. Something special.
Classes grew heavier lately—final year stress. Charles had transferred to another institute out of nowhere, and my new project mentor made sure I felt every ounce of pressure. I got home sore, dragging my body into the house. I had insisted on doing everything myself today.
As soon as Ethan saw me, he kissed me. Just like that.
"You look worn," he said, grabbing a glass of water for me.
"Yeah... school runs."
"You know you can suspend everything now," he said gently.
"Not at the final stage," I replied, shaking my head. "I'd rather finish strong."
"That makes sense." He collected the glass from me, adding, "If you'd texted me earlier, I would've booked you a massage."
He leaned closer. "Or... I'll do it myself."
"That's cool," I said, already melting into the idea.
Minutes later, I was on the massage chair, his warm hands kneading my shoulders. I groaned softly—it felt heavenly.
"Thanks for the gift," I murmured.
"I should be thanking you too," he said, rubbing slower. "My day was beautiful just thinking about you."
The room fell quiet. A tension—gentle but thick—hung between us.
"I've been thinking," I began slowly. "This… it all happened so suddenly. What about Vivian?"
"Vivian?" he repeated. "As I told you, Vivian and I had an understanding. In fact, I paid her for every... service."
"Every service?" I echoed, raising a brow. "How?"
"No strings attached," he explained. "I had to buy her things—Hermès bags, gifts—as a kind of… thank you."
I blinked. "So the chocolates?"
"No, no," he said quickly, "that was for you. Lena, that came from the heart."
He walked over to me, stopping just inches away. His eyes searched mine.
"I have real feelings for you," he said, voice trembling slightly. "I know it's hard for you to believe—especially with how the media paints me—but I'd spend my whole life proving it if I had to. God help me."
I stared at him, unsure what to say.
"If I wanted something casual, I would've said so," he continued. "But with you, it's different."
I looked down. "Prove it."
"What do you even love about me?" I asked, half-teasing, half-seeking reassurance.
"Your eyes," he said without pause. "They could calm a storm. Your laugh. Your stubbornness. Everything, Lena."
He stepped even closer.
"Your touch… I've never met a woman who moves me like you do."
His voice was raw—so different from the polished Ethan the world knew.
"Can we not talk about Vivian anymore?" he asked gently.
I nodded.
"How long have you known how you felt about me?" I asked.
He hesitated, then smiled faintly. "Too long. I noticed it when I stared at your photo for too long. When you giggled over nothing. When you left for your brother—it felt… empty. And yes," he added with a smirk, "I was jealous of Charles."
I extended my arms for a hug. His vulnerability—so exposed, so unguarded—reminded me of the first time I truly saw him. The practiced smile. The cold exterior. All melting now in my arms.
And I melted too. Because I loved him just as much. Maybe even more.