They Wrapped Me Like A Mummy To Make Her Smile Chapter 09

They Wrapped Me Like A Mummy To Make Her Smile Chapter 09

The following semester, I received early admission.

Physics major.

One of only two spots offered in the grade.

It was the best reward for everything I had worked for.

Ethan was even more excited than I was.

“That’s amazing!”

“I’ll work harder. I’ll try to get into a school in the same city.”

We had been together for months now.

He treated me with respect.

Protected me.

Never embarrassed me.

When I studied too late, he brought me milk.

When I was stressed, he walked with me.

He remembered my cycle and made sure I had what I needed.

Things Ryan had never once thought about—

Ethan did naturally.

Lily called us couple goals.

Maybe we were.

Love wasn’t supposed to feel desperate or unequal.

It wasn’t supposed to feel like waiting to be chosen.

It was supposed to be two people walking forward side by side.

Respecting each other.

Choosing each other.

News of my early admission reached Brookhaven.

Ryan completely lost control.

He skipped school and rushed to Silverwood.

Blocked my path after classes.

“Emma, I was wrong.”

His eyes were red.

He looked exhausted.

“I really was wrong. Please forgive me. Let’s start over.”

His voice was almost pleading.

Ethan stepped in front of me.

“Who are you?”

He stood tall, shielding me.

Ryan’s eyes darkened.

“I’ve known her my whole life.”

“And you are?”

“I’m her boyfriend.”

Ethan laced his fingers with mine.

Ryan froze.

Then snapped.

“That’s impossible!”

“Emma, tell him. We’re the ones who belong together. You’ve liked me forever.”

I met his gaze steadily.

“That was before.”

“Now I like Ethan.”

“Ryan, we’re done.”

Every word was clear.

Firm. No hesitation. No regret.

“Don’t come back into my life again.”

He staggered slightly.

“You… you really don’t want me anymore?”

His voice trembled, tears in his eyes.

“From the moment you turned me into a joke,” I said slowly, “it was over.”

“You destroyed it.”

“You crushed my trust.”

“Regret now doesn’t change that.”

I took Ethan’s hand and walked away.

Behind me, Ryan’s voice cracked.

“Emma!”

“Please!”

“I can’t lose you!”

But I didn’t turn around.

Some things, once broken, stayed broken.

He had made his choice.

Now he had to live with it.

And this time, it was truly over.