**Chapter 7**

**Ethan's POV**

I knew Keilen wasn't enjoying his night; he was too busy stressing about me. He didn't deserve to be outside in the cold, trying to comfort me over a lost relationship. Keilen deserved better.

Unlike me, he was a student who showed promise and lived up to that expectation. He was always well-liked and successful and never allowed wealth to define him. I was amazed that, despite having many wealthy friends, he chose to become my best friend and still is. It's almost as if we're brothers.

As I watched him, I couldn't ignore the signs of stress etched across his face. Keilen furrowed his brows, and his usually bright green eyes were now dim and darting around anxiously everywhere I went. He kept shifting his weight from one foot to the other, his jaw clenched tight.

Seeing him like this made me realize to step up and be the bigger person, at least for his sake. He had always been there for me, supporting me through thick and thin. I do not need to go in that dark place or cause trouble.

The least I could do was alleviate his worries and not add to his burden. I took a deep breath, resolving to pull myself together as I reminded myself how much I accomplished at least to give Keilen a break from the weight he didn't deserve to carry.

We began to hear the door open. I put on a forced smile to not worry anyone who may be leaving the ballroom. Keilen began to stand at his full height as he looked at the entrance. It was only Emily and Julia coming out with a curious expression.

"Are you preparing for a fight?" Emily asked, pointing at our stance.

Keilen gave a small smile while I glanced at Julia's worried expression, then flashed her a fake bright smile and winked.

"Are we leaving?" Julia inquired as she approached me.

"I can't imagine enduring a few more hours with these snobs," Emily remarked with a mix of humor and concern glancing my way.

I wondered if Emily had told Julia about my past with Sophia, knowing Keilen had confided in her about my stress. It doesn't matter anyway.

"No, we're staying," I asserted firmly.

Then, with a strained attempt at humor, I chuckled, "If you don't mind blessing me with the honor of staying with Lakeside privilege and Chocolate ice cream will be in your future," I said as I held her hand. She smiled at my effort and nodded.

"Fine, let's enjoy the rest of the night. Maybe even kick someone's ass," Emily joked, raising her hand as a smirk formed.

"Nope, just enjoy," Keilen chuckled, and Julia laughed.

"No fun," Emily teased and relented, "Fine, I'll behave."

As we started walking back into the ballroom, Keilen looked at me and mouthed, "Are you sure?" without saying it.

I nodded and mouthed, "Yes, I'll be good."

As we reentered the ballroom, Julia and I strolled around. I shared stories about the photos with Keilen and how they came about. It didn't erase my unease about Sophia, but I was learning to coexist.

Julia paused beside a framed picture of me in a basketball jersey, mid-air, about to make a shot. "Is this you?" she asked with a smile.

"Yeah, that was the winning shot," I replied, chuckling at the memory. "I was quite the basketball player back then."

"Do you still play?" Julia inquired, her eyes curious.

"Yeah, occasionally," I admitted with a shrug. "But honestly, back then, basketball was more about trying to impress girls and having something to help tire me out to ease stress."

Julia nodded thoughtfully. "That's cool. I was never really into sports or anything like that. I was more of a bookworm," she confessed, a hint of vulnerability in her voice. "Being from a basketball-obsessed family, that wasn't exactly the popular choice when I didn't want to watch the games or play."

I sensed her discomfort and gently squeezed her hand. "Well, you missed out on being chased by fangirls and the thrill of buzzer-beaters," I teased playfully.

She laughed softly, her eyes meeting mine with warmth. "I guess I'll have to settle for being chased by bookworms instead."

I chuckled, feeling a connection grow stronger between us.

"Trust me, that can be just as intense." Julia smiled, her earlier vulnerability now masked by a playful glint in her eyes. "Well, I'll have you know, I can take down a literary debate faster than you can sink a three-pointer."

"Challenge accepted," I replied with a grin, enjoying the banter.

As we continued to explore the ballroom, the weight of Sophia's presence seemed to diminish. Julia's honesty and humor had a knack for easing tensions, and I started anticipating more moments like this with her. She may not be the person my younger self envisions, but she's mine. Her efforts aren't going unnoticed, and I'm determined to reciprocate with the same energy, if not more.

Her genuine smile buoyed my spirits as former teachers approached, proud of my turnaround. Julia snorted, "They only know how to say 'good job' after doubting you," and I couldn't help but laugh and agree.

As if by fate or unfortunate luck, I found myself reluctantly drawn into the charades game organized by my classmates. Despite my hesitation, I agreed to join in once I saw how much Julia begged me to play and win.

"Win it to shame all these snobs!" she declared as she encouraged me. I put on a forced smile as I stepped onto the stage.

Mr. Brown, the game host, asked for a volunteer to be my partner. Before anyone else could speak up, a British voice declared, "I'll do it ." The ballroom seemed to hush in response and whispered spurred as everyone cleared a path for the voice to come.

He had the classic look of wealth, his platinum blonde waves meticulously styled. His ocean-blue eyes gleamed with curiosity as he approached, effortlessly balancing a glass of champagne. Delicate, expensive-looking earrings adorned his ears, adding to his air of confidence and refinement that bespoke privilege.

I had masked my anger with a forced smile. Of all people, he had to be the one to be my partner, Sophia's husband. I noticed Keilen attempting to intercept him, but against my instincts, I forced another smile and called out a reluctant "Thanks." At the same time, I gave Keilen a subtle nod, signaling that it was okay.

"Hey, you're the guy in all the photos with Gracey," he greeted warmly, extending his hand.

His smile was friendly, his eyes curious and warm. I hesitated, my mind racing with conflicting emotions. All my instincts urged me to lash out and confront him about Sophia. But I held back, aware of Keilen's concerned gaze and the eyes of the room on us.

I clenched my jaw, forcing a polite smile and accepting his handshake, though every fiber of my being recoiled at his presence.

"Yeah, I'm Ethan," I replied tersely, trying to keep my tone neutral. I held his gaze, silently daring him to say something that would confirm my resentment.

"I'm Alex," he introduced himself, still smiling.

I sensed Sophia's apprehension in her gaze, her eyes betraying her worry. Was she afraid I might lose my cool? Suppressing the urge to make a cutting remark, I nodded curtly.

"Nice to meet you," I managed, the words ringing hollow to my ears.

Alex settled beside me as a tense silence hung between us, thick with unspoken tension. The ballroom seemed to hold its breath, waiting for an inevitable clash between us.