Chapter 3 – Ethan Learns the Cost of Silence
Chapter 3 – Ethan Learns the Cost of Silence
News spread across the city within hours.
The mysterious poor girl from the Ashford gala was actually Lily Ashford—the missing daughter of one of the wealthiest families in the country.
Television crews gathered outside the mansion.
Social media exploded.
But Lily cared about only one conversation.
She found Ethan standing alone in the garden.
"I owe you an apology," he said quietly.
"You owe me much more than that."
He lowered his head.
"I was afraid."
"Of what?"
"Losing everything Vanessa's family could give me."
Lily nodded sadly.
"So you let me lose everything instead."
He couldn't answer.
"I loved you," Lily continued.
"I wasn't asking you to choose money."
"I was asking you to choose me."
Silence.
She smiled through tears.
"You failed."
Ethan reached for her hand.
She stepped back.
"You didn't betray me when Vanessa pushed me."
"You betrayed me when you stayed silent."
May you like
She walked away without looking back.
Some doors never reopen.
