Chapter 50

Ethan closed his laptop.

His phone screen lit up.

Charlie's name flashed.

"Ethan, wanna grab a drink at the usual spot?"

"Sure."

He picked up his jacket.

He was halfway down the stairs.

A noise came from the foyer.

Isabella was bending over to change her shoes.

Their eyes met.

They both froze.

Ethan frowned. "What are you doing here?"

Isabella gripped her backpack strap. "Are you going out?"

"Yeah."

She bit her lip until it turned white. "Did I... disturb you?"

The man didn't answer.

"I just got out of class... I didn't skip... Last night you were too rough... I'm a little inflamed... It hurts..."

Her voice grew softer.

Her face grew redder.

"There are some ointments in the first aid kit... I wanted to use one..."

She stared down at her toes.

Her fingers twisted together.

"I'll leave right now!"

She turned to pull the door open—

"Come back."

Her eyes lit up instantly.

Then she quickly lowered her lashes. "Ba—"

Ethan pulled out the first aid kit.

He read the instructions carefully.

"These won't work."

Isabella's eyes welled up. "Then what... The people at the pharmacy will laugh at me..."

He rubbed his temples.

He grabbed his car keys.

"To the hospital."

"Will it delay your plans..."

"Charlie can wait."

"Then... after the doctor, can I go with you?"

"Suit yourself."

...

The hospital hallway lights were harsh.

Isabella's ears were bright red.

Ethan handed her the medicine bag. "Sorry."

"I like being with you," she said, lifting her face. "Any way is fine."

Her eyes were startlingly bright.

So pure it made him feel guilty.

Ethan looked away.

Misplaced guilt gnawed at his heart.

Breaking up now would be too cruel.

"Get in the car."

"Where are we going?"

"Didn't you want to come along?"

"Oh." She obediently fastened her seatbelt.

...

The music in the private room was deafening.

Charlie swayed his hips, holding a glass. "Feel the rhythm—hey!"

Julian kicked him. "Get away from me."

"No appreciation for art!" Charlie pouted. "Is Sebastian here?"

"What do you think?"

Everyone knew those two were at each other's throats now.

"I asked earlier. That's why I invited Ethan—"

The door suddenly swung open.

Charlie's smile froze on his face.