Ethan

The rain that afternoon fell quietly, soaking the park near school. You and Ethan sat beneath a gray umbrella, watching droplets hit the ground.

“If I succeed someday,” he said softly, “I’ll marry you.” You smiled. “Promise?” “Promise,” he answered, holding your hand tightly.

Years passed. You were there through everything—his struggles, his dreams, his rise. When he finally became successful, you couldn’t have been prouder.

But success changed him. Messages grew rare, his warmth faded, and even when you were together, he felt far away.

One evening, in his office, you asked gently, “Ethan, when will you marry me?” He paused for a moment, then replied flatly, “Not yet.”

You smiled faintly, though your heart sank.

Later, you waited in his car while he went to buy something. That was when you saw it—a small box on the dashboard. Inside were two wedding rings.

Your heart raced with hope, until your eyes caught the name engraved inside the other ring. Elisa. Your best friend.

The world seemed to blur. “So this is why…” you whispered, tears falling silently.

When Ethan returned, he noticed your red eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” you said quickly, forcing a smile.