[Having breakfast with my affectionate boss! He took the long way just for me because he knows I'm picky.]
Ethan commented, [You're already clumsy enough; if she can't handle your food choices too, you'll be hopeless.]
I bit my lip and liked the post but immediately received a call from Ethan.
His voice was icy, "You scared her."
"If you think it's taking too long, go do something meaningful instead of spying on others' lives."
"Spying?"
I paused for a moment before letting out a self-deprecating laugh.
"I'm sorry; who knew checking on my boyfriend's whereabouts was considered spying?"
"It won't happen again," I said before hanging up.
I returned to my room to pack my things.
After graduating from college, I had been by Ethan's side as he built his business from scratch.
Our lives were chaotic—work consumed us daily as we strategized our next steps together.
I had once been quite particular about my tastes but changed all my habits for him so he could progress faster.
Yet now he could take the time to indulge another person with breakfast detours.
A nagging voice in my heart questioned me.
"Why should someone new take precedence?"
"Why must it be me who struggles while they thrive?"
I thought for a moment and could only comfort myself with one phrase, "Maybe it's just not enough love."
I took a half-day off from work, planning to pack some things to send out.
Yet, not ten minutes later, I received a call asking me to come back.
"Emma, come back! We have a big client today, and Ethan is also taking leave. The company can't be without any management."
Reluctantly, I took a taxi back.
When I arrived, Ethan was already deep in conversation with the client.
Sophie was nearby, refilling water, occasionally exchanging flirtatious glances with him—there was an almost palpable chemistry between them.
My colleague Jane, who was closer to me, pulled me aside and expressed her outrage.
"Emma, how can Ethan do this? Isn't he just slapping you in the face?"
"Look at how brazen they are; it's disgusting to watch them flirt like that!"
I shook my head at Jane, urging her to stop speaking for fear of being overheard and causing her trouble.
But it was too late; Sophie emerged from the office, dropping the kettle she was holding and shattering it on the floor.