He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 31

Ethan suddenly remembered how every year on September ninth, Rose would look at him with hopeful eyes and a sweet smile, teasing him.

"Do you have time this year? If you do, why don't we go get married?"

"No time," he always answered flatly.

"No time to get married? That’s okay. How about we at least take some wedding photos?" she’d say with a playful grin, trying to bargain.

"I... don’t... have... time." He would stare into her eyes, a little annoyed by her stubbornness. "I’m busy with my thesis."

"I’d look so beautiful in a wedding dress," she said with a smile. "You’d regret not seeing me."

He smirked. "I’d look pretty good in a tux too. Wouldn’t want to make it too easy for you."

Rose’s smile faded. "Ethan, I’m serious. I’m only asking once. If you don’t come this time, I won’t give you another chance. Even if you show up in a tux one day, I won’t be there."

Normally so easygoing, Rose finally snapped at his indifference.

...

Ethan never imagined their playful teasing would turn real. But now, it was clear she wanted nothing to do with him.

Why did that leave him feeling a little regretful?

Vivian’s chatter snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Rose thinks just because she won’t be my bridesmaid, I can’t find someone better? Well, guess what? Now I’ve got Meliora on my side. Her family owns one of the biggest real estate companies around—worth over a hundred million. Not only is she going to be my bridesmaid, but she’s also paying for everyone's custom designer dresses. Our wedding’s going to be absolutely stunning."

Ethan glanced at Vivian. She chased status and attention, always working her social network for every advantage she could get. In that way, they weren’t so different.

Maybe that was why, at first, being with her had felt like finding someone who truly understood him.

But Ethan still had some concerns. "Vivian, all my friends and family are aware of what happened between me and Rose. If she doesn’t show up at the wedding, what do you think people will say? If she comes, at least they’ll think we ended things on good terms."

Vivian hesitated. "But Rose is so stubborn. I can’t convince her."

"She’s actually pretty soft-hearted," Ethan said.

But she caught herself. I’m already here. If I leave now, it’ll look like I’m the one in the wrong. Ethan and Vivian are the ones who should feel guilty—not me.

Chin held high, Rose strode inside. She took the seat closest to Meliora, leaving the one by Ethan empty on purpose.

The room, loud just a moment ago, fell into an uncomfortable silence. Eyes flicked between Rose, Vivian, and Ethan, thick with curiosity.

Clearly, Ethan hadn’t had time to tell his friends the full story about dumping me for someone new, Rose thought bitterly.

When the food came, Ethan kept serving dish after dish onto Vivian’s plate. Even the grilled salmon—Rose’s favorite—that Meliora had placed right in front of her was taken by Ethan and handed to Vivian.

A bitter feeling rose in Rose’s chest. She remembered Ethan once promising her so earnestly, "Rose, don’t worry. After we’re married, I’ll cook your favorite grilled salmon myself. I’ll make sure you have as much as you want."

He’d never once made that grilled salmon for her. And now, he was giving away the one meant for her to another woman.

Meliora noticed Rose hadn’t gotten any of her favorite dish. She couldn’t help but speak up. "Ethan, save some grilled salmon for Rose. I ordered that especially for her. Vivian doesn’t even like grilled salmon."

Ethan’s hand froze midair. Maybe the reminder brought back the promises he’d made. Looking embarrassed, he placed the grilled salmon on Rose’s plate. "Rose, sorry. I forgot you love grilled salmon."