***Chapter 4***
***Ethan POV***

As I walked into the Lakeside Ballroom for my reunion, it struck me by its magnificence. An announcer elegantly stood at the grand staircase and called out each student's name as they arrived.

The party planner neatly arranged the tables with black and white decorations and placed bouquets of roses at the center. In the background, a classical music band played softly, and an ice sculpture featuring the 2018 grads stood prominently. This level of sophistication was what I expected from Lakeside Prep.

I was grateful to have Julia as my plus-one. Our dates had been going well, and I was thrilled when she agreed to join me tonight. I couldn't help but admire how stunning she looked in her grey mermaid-styled dress.

I had given her chocolates and sunflowers, which she left at home, but her presence was all I needed.

"Thank you so much for coming with me, "I whispered.

I kissed her forehead and wrapped my hand around her waist." As we descended the ballroom stairs, I felt a surge of gratitude.

We paused to look at photos from my high school days as they were flashing through the projectors.

"Who's that in the photo with you?" Julia asked, pointing at a prom picture of me with Sophia. She must have noticed how closely I held Sophia and the beaming smile on my face.

"My ex-girlfriend," I dryly stated.

"You seemed happy," Julia said seriously, her admiration evident.

She was curious, but I didn't want to delve into that part of my life. It amazed me how much happiness I once felt for Sophia. If things had worked out, I might have been here with her. That was my goal back then.

***Flashback***

Keilen and I wandered through the high-class jewelry store as the sales clerk followed us.

"I can't believe you're doing this," Keilen said, shocked, "Who would have ever guessed you would be the first one proposing to someone."

I scanned the rings, knowing it was time. I wanted Sophia to have a promise and an engagement ring to show my commitment.

"Are you sure this one doesn't scream, Soph?" Keilen suggested, pointing to a luxurious oval diamond ring.

The sales clerk discussed how fancy and well-liked it was. Considering Sophia's wealthy background, it's perfect, but I knew she was more than that.

"No, that's not it," I said firmly.

Then I saw something meaningful —a ring with a turquoise diamond, Sophia's birthstone, shaped like a heart. It was perfect, only missing one thing.

"I'll take this one. Can you engrave it with 'Sophia and Ethan forever'?"

"Yes, it will be ready in two weeks," the sales clerk assured me, praising my choice with Keilen. But I knew from the start it was the right one.

Flashback Ended

"Well, I could tell you loved her," Julia said, unaware of how much. But I wasn't going to dwell on the past.

"I did, but it was only a teenager's dream," I declared, looking at the photo of Sophia and I.

Sophia will always be part of my past, shaping who I am, but I wasn't going to focus on her tonight. That wouldn't be fair to Julia. I haven't fallen in love with her yet, but I care for her deeply. Therefore, I want to avoid burdening her with my emotional baggage. I could sense her curiosity as she looked at my old photos.

"It amazes me that you've grown your hair so long compared to these photos," she said happily.

"Back then, I thought short hair helped prove my point that I was better than this school with my wild bedside dyed grey hair," I explained my teenage logic.

"Were you trying to be some type of 'bad boy,' "she teased, "and if you were, I would have been sneaking out to be with you. Forbidden love," she joked as she winked at me.

"That was ten years ago! Stop teasing me! I was only eighteen. Besides, doesn't it look better long?" I joked, making her smile.

"I can't help but agree," she teased as she touched my man bun.

It's a relief to have someone to share laughter with again, especially someone who understands my sense of humor. It made me realize how much I missed it. We decided to dance for a while. As we returned to our table, Emily approached with a bright smile.

"Well, I am beyond grateful you two are going strong," Emily cheerfully said as she and Keilen discussed how successful their matchmaking skills were.

"You can always see the relaxed, calm side of him with Emily, "Julia observed, "They complement each other nicely."

"Agrees he's more chill with her," I whispered.

"Exactly! If Ethan had heeded our advice years ago, that grin would have been plastered on his face ages ago," Keilen teased, giving me a pat on the back.

"Thank God he didn't take your advice, or I wouldn't have him now," Julia quipped, and we all laughed.

"True. But, am I only a constellation prized," I joked.

"Us ladies are going to the restroom to freshen up," Emily suggested. "Don't move because we might lose you in this fancy maze," she added as she got up.

"It's not that fancy," Keilen joked as he pecked her.

"This way fancier than our wedding," Emily joked and left with Julia.

I couldn't help but laugh. It was extravagant but had nothing on Keilen and Emily's three-day wedding in Barcelona, Spain.

Keilen turned to me with his observant eyes and stated, "I'm glad you're having a good time."

"Yeah, Julia's pretty good company," I said, watching her walk away, "Thanks for introducing us."

"That's good. Also, I wanted to let you know that Charly told me Sophia did RSVP, so she'll be coming," Keilen declared with a stern face as he watched my movement.

The smile on my face disappeared, and I clenched my fist.

"That's cool," I said, trying to sound indifferent.

Inside, I was a mix of anxiety and curiosity. How would it be to see Sophia again? Will she look the same?

The girl I once revolved my life around. I wondered if we would cross paths tonight. I could tell she hadn't arrived yet as I looked around, but I knew the announcer hadn't called her name yet.

Flashback

Planning the surprise party and engagement was a whirlwind. Maria, a close female friend, and Keilen agreed to help, but Sophia didn't appreciate our closeness.

I was hiding in the living room as I spoke to Maria on the phone, "Come on, dinner is too ordinary. We could do that anytime," I whispered.

"Who are you talking to?" Sophia whispered behind me, making me jump and the hair on my back rising.

"You scared me," I said, quickly ending the call and trying to redirect her mind elsewhere.

The past three weeks were tough, hiding the proposal from Sophia. We usually didn't keep secrets, but I knew I needed to. She would understand once she saw.

"That's what you've been saying for the last few weeks," she said, annoyed.

"It's okay, I don't care anyway," she huffed as she left the room.

I was beyond grateful that tomorrow was the night. Persuading Sophia to dress up for a fun date had been challenging.

"Why don't you go out with Maria? She seems to be the only person you want to hang out with," she said sarcastically, looking at her nails.

"She's not my girlfriend. I want to go out with you, "I declared. It took a lot of pleading on my behalf for her to agree.

I got the keys to the Jeep I rented and got her to put on the blindfold. Once I found a parking spot at the private beach, I walked her to the back of the Jeep and took the blindfold off. I decorated the back of the Jeep with LED lights and photos of us across it.

It had plush pillows and a blanket with our faces on it. The projector was on with the Notebook ready to play on the roof. All of her favorite snacks were there for her to eat. Sophia was confused but appreciated the movie.

After the movie, I put the blindfold back on her. I grabbed the picnic basket and blanket and set up a beautiful candlelit dinner on the beach. I made spaghetti and meatballs, her favorite dish, with a bottle of wine and a slice of cheesecake for dessert. She inquired about my efforts.

I played it off as just wanting a special evening between us. Sophia still looked confused by my grand gesture as she raised her eyebrows. She decided not to question it so much. As the sun began setting, I put the blindfold on her for the final time.

I walked her to the center of the heart-shaped flower arrangement, where our family and friends waited quietly at a distance, recording.

I went on one knee, took out the ring, and told her to remove the blindfold.

"Sophia, will you do me the honor of being my wife?" I asked, smiling as tears filled my eyes.

She said yes, "Is that why you were being secretive?" she quietly questioned, and I nodded.

Her face shifted to guilt as she opened her mouth.

Before she could speak, our family and friends emerged, cheering. We celebrated engagement with a beach party, and that night marked the first time we were intimate.

Flashback Ended

It amazed me that was the last time I saw her. The weight of that moment settled heavily on my shoulders, and I could feel Keilen's concerned gaze on me. Without a word, he understood the turmoil brewing within me.

"Let's grab something to eat for us and the ladies before the crowd gathers," I suggested, trying to divert my mind from the memories resurfacing.

Keilen nodded in agreement, his supportive presence a reassuring anchor amidst my emotional storm.

As we sat down for a meal, Keilen's usual jovial demeanor softened, his concern evident as he glanced at me now and then.

"I know it's not easy, Ethan," Keilen said quietly, his words carrying a weight of understanding.

"But you're stronger than you think, and whatever happens, I've got your back."

His simple yet heartfelt words touched something deep within me, offering a glimmer of comfort amid my turmoil. We waited for the ladies to return from the bathroom.