VIVIAN
Ethan's apartment smells like coffee and old books. I've been here a hundred times. It used to feel safe. Now it just feels like the place where I'm about to destroy something good.
He's making breakfast. Eggs and toast. Acting normal even though we both know nothing is normal.
The gala photos leaked three days ago. Me and Chase in that coatroom. Grainy but unmistakable.
Ethan hasn't said anything. Hasn't asked. Just went quiet in a way that's worse than yelling.
"We need to talk," I say.
He sets down the spatula. Doesn't turn around. "Yeah. We do."
"Ethan—"
"Were you going to tell me? Or were you just going to let me find out from Twitter like everyone else?"
"I wanted to tell you. I tried to tell you. But I didn't know how."
"How about 'Ethan, I slept with my ex-boyfriend at the gala while you were waiting for me at our table'? That would've been a start." He finally turns around. His eyes are red. He's been crying. "How long has this been going on?"
