I Uncovered My Boyfriend's Double Life and Started to Fight Back novel Chapter 4

"Ethan, I know you love her."

"To you, she's the most important. I respect your choice. I wish you both happiness." 

Ethan's face softened with pity.

He pulled Chloe into a tight embrace.

"Don't talk nonsense."

"Someone like her—a scheming, poor girl—could never deserve me." 

Even though Ethan was the one who'd done wrong, he was the one who got angry first. 

Before I could say anything, he kicked over his wheelchair and carried Chloe away, right past me. 

Once, in that small, dim apartment with its peeling walls, flickering yellow light, and creaky furniture, we'd made plans. 

In the sweltering summers, with only a rickety fan to cool us, and the freezing winters, where even layers of blankets couldn't keep out the cold, we'd promised each other we'd work hard together, save money for his treatment, and build a better life. 

I thought that even if the road ahead was thorny, as long as we had hope, we could weather any storm.

I truly believed we could turn our bitter days into sweet ones. 

But reality mocked my naivety. 

Ethan hadn't just lied to me—he was a complete jerk. 

He moved out of the apartment, taking everything with him. 

Maybe it was for the best.

At least I wouldn't have to deal with him when I sublet the place. 

When I got home, I listed the apartment online and started packing my things. 

After a long night, my phone buzzed with a message from Ethan. 

He'd sent a photo of my Italian language study notes. 

[I accidentally took your book. Why are you learning Italian?] 

[I'll give it back when we meet.] 

I replied calmly: [No need. We're over. Just throw it away. I'll buy a new one.] 

A year ago, I'd come home late from work, and Ethan was massaging my shoulders in bed.

But she'd loved him since they were kids, and nothing could shake her feelings. 

With his parents pressuring him, he'd had no choice but to pretend to care for Chloe, even proposing to her, while secretly figuring out how to marry me instead. 

I couldn't help but laugh.

"And faking a disability, making me work myself to the bone to take care of you—was that part of your plan too?"

"Did you think it was fun?" 

Ethan's voice broke, and he started sobbing. 

"I'm sorry, Lila. When I first met you, I just wanted to play a joke."

"I never thought it would go this far. I never got the chance to explain."

"It's my fault. Please forgive me." 

"You love me too, don't you?"

"Otherwise, why would you remember our promise and learn Italian for our trip to Italy?" 

What he didn't know was that I'd already decided to move to Italy with my parents.