The Bet Behind My Five-Year Love Story Chapter 09

The Bet Behind My Five-Year Love Story Chapter 09

I didn’t know what Ethan was going through. After I sent that message, I pulled out my SIM card and tossed

After the plane landed, I got a new one.
I jumped into the new job-busy, but not draining. Finally, no one to answer to but myself. Just doing what I

wanted to do.

I figured he might show up someday. I didn’t expect it to be this fast. After work one day, I found him standing outside the company. Two months, and he’d lost a lot of weight. He was wearing a shirt I’d bought him-once fit perfectly, now hanging loose. Stubble on his chin. Not the polished man I remembered.

When he saw me, his eyes lit up. He crossed the distance in three quick strides, then just stood there,

stammering.

I smiled politely-distant. “Mr. Cole. It’s been a while.”

He flinched like I’d hit him. His voice shook. “Aria-don’t be like this. Can we please just talk?”

I knew he’d come. But by the time I left, I didn’t love him anymore. And now I loved him even less.

“I don’t think we have anything to talk about outside of work.”

He reached for me, unwilling to let go. I stepped back. “Please show some respect.”

He couldn’t take the coldness. “Aria, do you really have to go this far? It was just a stupid joke from years ago-and you didn’t even show up to the wedding. The planner said you’d planned to leave.”

He still thought it was about the joke.

I let out a long breath. “Fine. You want to talk? Let’s talk. That joke was infuriating. But what killed me was your attitude. Did you ever really love me?”

He was desperate. “I did. Since that night at the food stall-I thought you were something special. Scared, but you still stood your ground. You said you had to get that money for your sister. I was curious about you. I felt

for you.”

I stared at him, surprised. He remembered. But it didn’t matter anymore. Nobody waits forever. And I’d

already waited eight years.

“It doesn’t matter. Ethan, we can’t go back.”

He grabbed my wrist. “We can. I didn’t marry your sister. The wedding never happened. You’re the only one I

want”

I was tired of his desperation. I pulled away. “And you’re not the one I want.”

My eyes caught someone peeking from behind a pillar. “Come out!” I snapped. “How long are you going to

hide?”