- 21.
Ethan’s eyes were dark and intense, just like they were back then. It took me a moment to process his words. “You misunderstood.” “What?” “I was angry. Ethan, I never saw you as a plaything. I was serious about our
relationship.” “Why were you angry?” “Before graduation, you told your roommate you
wouldn’t marry me.” Ethan froze, then after a
moment, let out a disbelieving laugh. “I meant I couldn’t afford to get married right out of college! I was already looking at rings, Maya, even though I knew I couldn’t afford them.” We went over event after event, realizing how many misunderstandings had piled up between us.
How had this happened? The huge gap in our
circumstances was the root of it all. Ethan
thought I was helping him for amusement, a rich girl’s whim. I thought Ethan was only with me out of obligation, repaying a debt. Neither
of us believed the other truly loved them. Back
to the present. Ethan asked, “Maya, why would
you rather accept Alex’s help than mine?”
“Because I like you. I didn’t want our
relationship to become transactional
Suddenly, it clicked. Ethan nodded. “Exactly. That’s how I felt all those years ago.” “Wait. You…you liked me back then, when I first
confessed?” “Yes, Maya. I liked you…even before that.”
