Ethan tugged at his shirt for the hundredth time. 

“Why is it so bloody hot? This is England, for crying out loud—it doesn’t do hot,” Ethan said to his brother as they drove to the church for the rehearsal. 

“Get over it, you big baby. You’ve got bigger things to worry about.”

Ethan was really sick of his brother’s self-righteous crap. So he brought Gretchen as his date. The only time he’d heard from Rose was an email asking if he could send her stuff home. He’d tried calling, but every time, she wouldn’t pick up.

If she wanted nothing to do with him, then why should she care if he brought a date—why should anyone care, for that matter? And Gretchen had proven to be a very fun date at the premier. He had gotten over his stage fright from the first evening, and they had met up every few weeks for a bit of harmless fun. They were both single, consenting adults, so why not?

“If Rose has a problem with Gretchen, then tough shit. She left me, remember.”

“Oh, yeah, shame on her for not wanting to be with a workaholic douchebag,” Daniel said, raising an eyebrow. 

“I am not,” Ethan said, scowling at his brother. 

“How many times did you cancel on Rose because of work?”

“Only a few,” he said defensively. 

“I’m surprised she didn’t leave earlier, to be honest. Tilly would give me an earful about my no-good brother every time Rose rang her in tears.”

“Is that true?” Ethan looked at Daniel in surprise. 

“Yes. How could you not see how unhappy she was? Oh, that’s right, because you were too busy thinking only about yourself, like always.”

“That’s harsh. I was starting my business. You of all people know how hard that is.” Ethan grumbled. 

“I know Tilly and I are starting ours together, but did you even consider involving her? Ask her opinions? She was in a new country, too. She didn’t know anyone and was struggling to find a job. Did you even try to put yourself in her shoes?”

Why did his brother always have to make him feel guilty about everything he did? Did Daniel not realise he had thought of nothing else since she left? And he’d concluded she was better off without him.

She was back home amongst friends and family. Tilly had told him she got a new job. It was only a matter of time before she found someone new and moved on fully. He was doing her a favour, really. 

“We’re here. Do me a favour and don’t make Rose cry,” said Daniel. 

“Don’t be a dick,” Ethan replied. 

They were the first ones there. He didn’t know whether that was a good or bad thing. On the outside, he tried looking calm and collected, but on the inside, he was freaking out at the thought of seeing Rose. He just needed to get it over and done with so he could relax. 

Thankfully, the church was cool. It was an old Gothic one with high arches and stained-glass windows. Trust his brother to get married in a creepy place like this.

“We’re here,” said Tilly as she floated in with her bridesmaids and parents in tow.

Ethan sat up and watched as they made their way down the aisle, past the rows of pews. Rose was hiding in the back. He tried not to be obvious as they approached, but he couldn’t look away either. 

Tilly’s father sat down next to him and talked business, something he hated, but was also used to. It was the same at every function he used to attend with his parents. 

He could only catch glimpses of Rose. She sat farthest away, clutching her handbag to her stomach. She was wearing a pretty top that made her breasts look amazing, and he could’ve sworn they had gotten bigger.

Not that he was complaining. She had a glow about her. Sure, she looked like she’d put on a little weight, but she was still as beautiful as ever.

Ethan’s parents and the priest finally arrived, and the rehearsal was underway. It hadn’t gotten off to a good start, unfortunately. His father completely ignored Rose, his mother kept looking at her strangely, and the other bridesmaids were flirty, touchy nightmares. 

Rose wouldn’t look at him either. Every time he snuck a glimpse, she walked up the aisle, staring straight ahead. Tilly whispered in her ear as they stood at the altar and she smiled a genuine smile for about a second, then it was gone. The only emotion he saw that whole rehearsal. 

It went on for about an hour, then they all headed to his father’s favourite restaurant at the top of the Dashwood building. It was the one he had seen Rose at on a date with George. His father owned the building and his business was a few floors below, so they came here often.

“Where’s Gretchen?” His father asked loudly as they all sat down. 

“She’s working, she’ll be coming to the wedding tomorrow.” Ethan looked over at Rose to see her sitting rigid in her seat.

They were joined by Meg and a few other extended family members, then set about ordering. 

Ethan couldn’t stop looking over at Rose. Her emotionless facade annoying him. He wanted to see her laugh and have fun, instead she sat there, only moving to go to the ladies. She ordered a small dinner and only sipped water.

He, on the other hand, was downing gins like a professional drinker. His father kept going on about Gretchen, telling him how inappropriate it was to date a journalist, but at least it was a step up from a nurse.

Luckily, Rose was as far away from him as she could get. His mother kept watching her like some creepy stalker, and every time he went to piss or get another drink, Jemima would follow. She was really getting on his nerves, when out of the corner of his eye; he saw Rose gathering up her stuff to leave.

He grabbed his fresh drink off the bar and made his way back to the table, Jemima in tow. Then he watched as Rose kissed Meg on the cheek and said goodbye. She waved to everyone at the table, avoiding eye contact with him the entire time. 

Watching her walk to the foyer, he couldn’t let her leave without saying something. 

“Hey, wait up,” he called. 

Rose froze mid-stride. She turned slowly, hugging her handbag again. 

“Uh, how have you been?” Ethan asked, running a hand through his hair awkwardly. 

“Okay,” she replied. 

They both stood there, looking at the ground. It was fast becoming one of the most awkward experiences of his life. He took a deep breath. Oh man, she smelt so good. She wore the perfume he got her for her birthday last year.

“Cool,” was all he could think of to say.

“I better be off,” she mumbled.

“Why so early? The night is young,” he said, trying to keep her from leaving. He wasn’t sure why, but he didn’t want her to go.

“I’m jet-lagged and want a good night’s sleep for tomorrow,” she said, not taking her eyes off the ground. 

“Why won’t you look at me?” He asked. She had avoided him all evening. 

“Because I don’t want to cry.”

He wasn’t expecting that answer, and it left him feeling confused. 

“Are you upset that I’ve moved on?” It had to be about Gretchen, surely. 

She visibly flinched and still refused to look at him. But he could see the tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

“You’re the one who left, remember. If anyone has the right to be upset here, it’s me,” he continued when she didn’t reply. 

Rose still wouldn’t look at him, which infuriated him even more. Where did she get off playing the victim here? Sure, he’d worked a lot, but it was for their future. Everything he had done, he did for her—for them. And she just threw it all away!

Before he could yell at her in anger, the lift doors opened and four young women walked out laughing. One of them looked back and forth between Ethan and Rose. It took a second, but then she recognised Ethan.

In a drunken state, she yelled in surprise, “OMG, it’s Ethan Dashwood!”

The others turned back and surprised looks spread across their faces one by one.

“Can we get a photo? Pretty please,” another asked.

He sighed and then smiled, “sure.”

He turned his back to Rose as he took a couple of photos. One of the women pinched his butt during one of them, the cheeky minx.

They all giggled and thanked him. One even told him how much she enjoyed Pride and Prejudice, then they headed into the restaurant. 

He turned back to Rose to finish their conversation, but she was gone. It was probably for the best. He’d had too many gins and he might’ve said something he would regret. 

He would see her tomorrow. Maybe they could have a civil conversation then. But right now, all he wanted to do was drown his sorrows. And drown his sorrows, he did.