The Day Ethan Got Married Chapter 4

My freshman year, he returned to campus as an outstanding alumnus to give a speech.

As a freshman representative, I attended the banquet afterward.

During dinner, another distinguished alumnus somehow ended up sitting next to me.

He passed me a drink. With the whole table watching, I couldn't refuse.

Glass after glass, I was forced to drink while dodging his wandering hands.

Just as I was about to push him away and leave, Ethan appeared out of nowhere.

He called my name, then said, "These mochi cakes are perfect for you. Want to try?"

I took the dessert from him in a daze.

With Ethan there, the man slunk away in embarrassment.

Because of Ethan's familiar manner toward me, the university administrators and students assumed I was from his social class. It earned me a few years without harassment.

I understood perfectly the gulf between us.

But he was so wonderful.

And this wonderful man was holding flowers, confessing to me.

I couldn't refuse.

Whatever his real reasons for wanting to be with me, I couldn't refuse.

After their shower, they lounged in bed together. Claire read while Ethan held her, lost in thought.

When it was time for Claire's medication, Ethan fetched water and pills, watching carefully until she'd swallowed everything.

Ethan had always been so casual around me. Never this attentive.

His eyes were full of heartache for her.

I remembered once when I was cooking and he was teasing me from behind. I accidentally cut my finger.

It bled a lot. I still remembered his indifferent expression.

"Just a scratch. Put a band-aid on it."

I'd found the band-aid myself. And still finished cooking dinner.

I'd been so afraid of dampening his mood that I hadn't thought much of it then.

Now, with this comparison, it was painfully clear.

They embraced, and Ethan's face took on that familiar look of desire.

The difference was, when he looked at Claire, his eyes held love and tenderness.

So gentle.

With me, there was only raw animal lust.

He'd never cared about my state of mind—only about his own release.

Suddenly I understood. I was probably just a tool for his physical needs.

I couldn't deny he'd helped me before.

I'd certainly benefited from his help. So let this be payment for those favors.

I couldn't repay his kindness in any other way. All I had to offer was my body.