When Friends Turn Foes

lumber. It was still early on Sunday morning, and the last thing I wanted was to ente

ken up, was engrossed in her phone, her eyes scanning the screen with interest. I rushed to the bathr

ked, feigning ignorance of

he replied, hi

e door. I took a deep breath, composed myself, and opened the door to f

-eat meals, carefully arranged on disposable plates. It was clear that Ethan

ne of the grocery bags from him. He stepped inside, and I offere

via chimed in, looking up

n replied, his eyes crinklin

" Ethan asked, his eyes

ntain the facade. "Just waking up? I've been awake for

curling into a subtle smile. She was wel

early; it's barely 8 am. I wanted to get you something for breakfast, so I had to

g in my humble abode, bearing breakfast, was a surreal experience. At that moment, I couldn't deny the roman

d to Ethan, trying to sound casual des

you," he replied, his eyes locking onto mine. My h

lease stop bringing up Ava anytime we're together? Let'

er what he meant by "us." Was Ethan hinting at somethin

he screen as she typed away. After a while, she received a cal

gaze on me. He broke the silence, his voice low and husky. "Chloe,

expression. "What do you mean by closer?" I asked, pretending

e the sincerity in his gaze. "I mean, just cl

ip from me. And, if I was honest with myself, I wouldn't mind

r than this," I replied, trying to so

hip with Ethan. His charming smile, his kind gestures, and hi

"Can I ask you a favor as your friend?" h

s wealthy and influential as Ethan could possibly want fro

hard." His words were laced with amusement, but I couldn't shake o

e favor?" I asked,

ment?" Ethan inquired,

and I don't want that," he added, his

I pointed out, unsure why Eth

lain before you'll know," he said, implying that Olivia's

an apartment. It was a tangible manifestation of his wealt

couldn't possibly say no," I said, trying to

he replied, a resolute glint in his eye. "And I'll g

asm. "Is it that quick?" I as

to do anything for you. I'm not stopping at getting you an apart

pth of his kindness and generosity. I couldn't resp

savor the delicious food he had brought. I had alr

asked, curiosity get

utside to meet him," Olivia replied. "I didn

venience," I apologized,

nconveniencing me," she said, carrying her portion of food to the

o our space, partly out of consideration for Olivia and partly due to my own reservations. Furthermore, I felt deeply

oment before broaching the subject.

ingly nonchalant. "It's fine,

ion. "Aren't you happy for me?

ving, just let me know, and I'll tell Ethan I'm fine staying h

r you, and you shouldn't miss this opportunity,

t my finger on what was bothering me. It was as if a subtle sh

ached, as she discarded the disposable plate in the bin. She lay down behin

her for answers, aware that Olivia had a short fuse and could get angry easily. I

ng to leave for church. As I departed, I informe

he would still show me affection and kindness, traits that were quintessentially Olivia. This