The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie Chapter 06

The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie Chapter 06

Vera let out a little whoops.

“Oh my god, sorry, that slipped out. Hazel, don’t be mad. It’s Ethan’s fault, he’s the one who…”

“It’s fine.” My voice came out ice cold, and I hung up.

Liam’s expression turned uneasy. Before he could get a word out, I tossed the grilled cheese sandwich in the trash and slammed the door in his face.

…

That night, after studying and showering, I stuffed everything related to Ethan into a big cardboard box.

I hauled it downstairs and dumped it straight into the bin.

Even though I knew it was the right move, it still hurt. That dull, heavy ache sat in my chest.

I slept badly.

The next morning, the moment I stepped outside, I saw someone standing by the trash cans.

Ethan.

His white shirt billowed slightly in the wind. He was frowning at the bin, lost in thought.

I didn’t know what he was looking for, but I wasn’t stupid enough to think he was here for me.

I pretended I didn’t see him and walked right past.

“Hazel.”

Ethan’s voice was crisp and low.

It was the first time he’d ever said my name.

I stopped.

He spoke evenly. “I had breakfast from you once. It wasn’t bad. Let me treat you today.”

He glanced at his watch, took a breath, and looked at me. “We’ve got time. Let’s go.”

For a second, I felt dizzy, like I’d been hit with some kind of happiness I didn’t understand.

I moved slow and stiff.

Ethan didn’t notice. He just walked ahead, talking.

“Vera’s innocent. She sees the world in a really simple way. She’s not like you—you wear every emotion on your face, and you’re not afraid to cuss someone out.”

“So I hope you’ll stop icing her out because of me. If you can do that, I’ll tutor you every day from now on.”

I watched his back.

And I snapped out of it.

I sped up, walked past him like he was a stranger, and got on the bus first.

I glanced back through the window. He looked confused.

And I thought to myself, My first crush is officially dead. Tuesday, 6:44 a.m. End of story.