When Friends Turn Foes

lking toward my hostel door as Ethan followed closely b

er?" Ethan asked, curio

kindness," I replied, opening the door to reveal Olivia lying on h

th a charming smile. "I've hea

air facing the desk opposite t

han," Olivia said,

drifting to me with a romantic glint. I smiled, feeling a

Olivia said, extending

, appearing to be heading out. "Are yo

ir. I've been cooped up h

meeting Chloe at a nearby restaurant or somewhere quiet for c

and I felt a flu

ic, Ethan," I admitted, feeling a bit down.

d dare harass you when I'm around?" Ethan asked, his ton

What's there to understand ab

speak about Ethan's girlfriend like that, especially when

. "Chloe, Ava is not my fiancée. She's jus

e look? Are you buying Ethan's story?" I asked, skeptical. "Everyo

had our moments, but we're just having fun. That doesn't m

"Cut the act, Ethan.

at's your problem? Ethan says he's just frien

u mean, 'what he has to say'?" It was clear Olivia was tr

impressive social standing, and a heart-melting smile. However, I knew

," Olivia said, her gaze locked on Ethan. I couldn'

ere a relationship between Olivia and Ethan that I'm not aware of?" Olivia's persistence in pu

ed to Olivia. "Weren't you g

ptivated me. I'll let you two contin

ed uncertain about how to initiate conversation, seemingly aware of the uneasy expression on my face. H

is words were reassuring, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I had nothing to offer someone of his st

family?" I was eager to understand the origins of his wealth. "And what do yo

thy family, and I'm the only child of my parents." He paused, his

. With Ethan, I had no excuse, no clever deflection. All I

off when he was alive, and after he passed away, we struggled to make ends meet. My mother has been working tirelessly to supp

ng over you, Chloe," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. "I'm here for you now. Whateve

wash over me. Ethan's words were a balm to my soul,

sked, "Can I take you out?" H

" I replied

t ready. We can hang out together, just the

is busy at the moment, so we won't run into her. Is that o

y, slipping into a stunning pink dinner gown that Olivia had given me as a birthday gift a few months pri

a curious expression on her face. "He's already left?" she as

ants to take me out, and I couldn't say no," I replied, dustin

pair of heels and a bag to match," she said, moving to h

bye to her, I felt a sense of anticipation. It was already ev

my limited wardrobe. For dinner, he suggested a quaint roadside restaurant, and I agreed. Upon arrival, I was treated to exquisite cu

e smiles. However, my joy was short-lived. I noticed a familiar face watching us from across the room – Juliet, Ava's bes

n't find the words to explain. For a moment, I felt like I'd lost my senses. I urged Ethan to leave the restaurant, fabrica

nt. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, kno

saying he'd handle the situation, and I began to calm down. However, our tranquility was short-li

to return home and confide in Olivia, the only person who could offer me guidance and

bout the gifts Ethan had bought for me. I hastily thanked him and told him not to w