***Chapter 5***
***Ethan's POV***

The idea of Sophia's impending arrival should have filled me with anticipation, a chance to get answers. Instead, anger and sadness gripped me, my palms moist with sweat. In the distance, I noticed Julia and Emily returning, their laughter a contrast to the turmoil inside me.,and I tried to calm my nerves. I took slow breaths to relax.

"We got some food for you all," Keilen's voice broke through my thoughts, his gesture pulling out a chair for Emily while I mechanically did the same for Julia.

"That's sweet of you," they replied in unison, but my eyes remained fixed on the entrance, nervously awaiting her.

"What's got you so jumpy?" Emily stated, nudging my foot, which elicited an unexpected yelp from me.

"Just eager for you two to get back," I lied with a fake smile, though Keilen shot me a knowing glance. At the same time, Emily glared at me as if she knew I was being deceptive.

"Would you like some champagne?" I offered, standing to fetch a bottle before Emily could voice her concern.

"Wait for me," Keilen interjected, joining me swiftly, "It's going to be alright, Ethan. You're with Julia now, and she makes you happy. Try not to think about her."

His reminder grounded me, focusing on making this evening special for Julia, who had graciously accepted my invitation. She deserved treatment befitting of a queen.

As we headed to the table, some former classmates intercepted us and greeted us warmly. Most of them didn't recognize me with my change of appearance and style since I don't update my socials.

"Amazingly, you guys are still tight," one of them remarked, whose name I couldn't quite recall.

"Of course," Keilen smoothly replied, slapping me on the back. "Ethan's the funny one, and I'm the hot one. Why wouldn't we be?"

"Exactly,  we made two peas in a pod," I agreed with a smile. It's always nice talking with Keilen because he proves why our friendship bond is strong.

As we returned to the table,  I  engaged in lively conversation with Julia as we enjoyed our meal. When I extended my hand for a dance, Julia eagerly accepted, her smile lighting up the room. It was fulfilling to see me create happiness for her. She was a great distraction from my stress.

We danced to the slow song played by the band. I began to hear my classmates whispering on the dancefloor.

"I'm surprised Ethan didn't end up with Sophia," I overheard someone whisper nearby.

"Can you blame Sophia? Ethan was never good to her. Probably broke her heart," another voice gossiped across the floor.

If only they knew how wrong they were. I was the one left with my heart broken and no answer.

***Flashback***

I woke up from my great night's sleep. I searched the bed for the warmth of Sophia's presence. Shock that she was up already.

"Hey Sophia, where are you," I yelled from the bed. To let her know I wanted to cuddle with her some more.

I received silence back, which was surprising, so I checked my phone. No text or call at all on my phone. I decided to get out of bed and check for Sophia. It was unlike her to go missing with no response.

As I checked the bathroom, I noticed her toothbrush and belongings were gone. It was as if she had never been there.

Every bit of her stuff disappeared as I rushed to the closet. It almost seemed a thief had come in the middle of the night. As I tried to call her phone, it automatically declined. I was confused and scared.

I started calling everyone's number until I saw the ring I gave her yesterday shining on the table. It was mesmerizing, but it told me so much. It felt so cold as I touched it.

I saw a letter addressed to me and my phone dropped out of my hand. My heart was cracking because I knew what had happened. Although I wanted ignorance to be my bliss, I didn't. I read the letter very fast and started again slowly. My eyes watered with the tears as my breath held.

Dear Ethan,

I have wrestled with this decision for a long time, and tonight, I finally found the courage to write these words. Ethan, you are an incredible person. My love for you has always been genuine. But I realized that I can't continue this journey with you.

Your proposal was everything I had dreamed of, and saying yes was a moment of pure happiness. But deep down, I knew it wasn't right. I've been struggling silently, carrying a burden that has grown too heavy for me to bear.

Tonight, I am saying goodbye even though I knew it was a cowardly way as I looked at your sleeping body. I have to do it since I know it's the only way forward for both of us.

It isn't something I decided overnight; it's been weighing on my heart for a while now. Leaving like this pains me more than you'll ever know, but it's what I must do.

Please don't try to contact me. I need the chance to find my path and heal from the decisions that led me here. I can't no longer be codependent on you. It only would lead to heartbreak in the end. There are regrets and mistakes that I can't burden you with.

Know that our time together has meant everything to me. You've been my anchor and my greatest love. But this is goodbye, and I will always love you.

Take care of yourself, Ethan. You deserve someone who can give you the love and happiness you deserve.

Sophia

I could hear someone calling my name on the phone, but I ignored it. I see her dry tears over the letter. My tears began to fall as well.

***Flashback End***

I still have the letter up to do today of what she said. It might seem weird, but I am carrying it with me. To ask her what she meant.

"You went to high school with some weird people, "Julia sneered at the comments.

"Listen to me! Ethan, these people don't know the great guy you have become, which I am learning about, " Julia happily said as we held hands to return to the table.

"Thanks, it doesn't matter to me because I didn't care for them when I was here, nor do I care now that I left," I lied to make her assume I didn't care.

It wouldn't be fair to either of us if we were both stressed by their words. Julia stared at me with that skeptical look as her eyes searched my soul for the truth.

"You don't have to explain yourself to me, Ethan. But I don't think it's fear everyone holds you hostage for a high school relationship. It's the real world now," she declared.

I wished Julia was right, but memories of Sophia consumed me. It wasn't just a high school relationship to me. Time slowed as the announcer's voice echoed, my heart raced, and my breath caught as I turned around.

As the announcer loudly said, "Sophia Grace Luxe-Realeza."