He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 32

A chill settled over Rose’s heart. Ethan’s cold disregard made one thing painfully clear—everything she’d given him, all those years of love and loyalty, had meant nothing.

She quietly picked the fish off her plate, piece by piece. Spare me your guilt. You don’t get to play the good guy now. She had no intention of accepting Ethan’s gesture like it meant anything.

Ethan noticed and grew irritated. "What’s that supposed to mean? I’m trying to be nice, and you won’t even touch it. Trying to embarrass me?"

Rose picked up a napkin and calmly wiped off her fork. "Don’t serve me with utensils you’ve already used. Have some manners."

His face turned red. "You never used to be this picky."

Her voice was ice. "You didn’t use to be this disgusting."

The room went dead silent. Everyone stared at the two of them, wide-eyed. The tension was no longer subtle—it was explosive.

A flicker of panic crossed Ethan’s face. With Rose calling him out like this, their classmates could easily piece together the truth—that things between him and Rose had fallen apart.

The air grew heavier with tension.

Meliora finally stepped in, unable to take the awkward silence any longer. "Rose, what’s really going on between you, Ethan, and Vivian? You were with Ethan for ten years. How is he suddenly dating her?"

Rose stayed silent.

Ethan glanced at her as if he’d made up his mind. If he had to face the backlash to protect Vivian, so be it. "Okay, everyone," he said, stiff but composed. "Since you’re all curious—I’m with Vivian now. We’re in love. She’s pregnant with my child. We’re getting married next month, and we’d love for all of you to be there."

The room went still.

Meliora stared at him, stunned. "Ethan, you say you love Vivian. But what about the ten years you had with Rose?"

Ethan gave Rose a quick look, trying to mask his unease. "Rose and I cared for each other, sure. But we were young. Back then, I thought love was just admiration and chemistry. As I matured, I realized we weren’t right for each other. Rose believes in no living together before marriage and no physical intimacy. That kind of relationship didn’t work for me. Vivian understands me—emotionally and physically. What we have is real."

Everyone at the table was an adult. Ethan’s speech had the kind of brutal honesty that made some nod in agreement.

Meliora leaned over to comfort Rose. "Rose, since you and Ethan chose to part ways peacefully, and you both have someone new in your life now... why not let it go? When Ethan and Vivian get married, come be a bridesmaid with me. Do it for me. Let’s just move on. Let’s put the past behind us."

Ethan quickly agreed. "Exactly. We’re all grown-ups. There’s no reason we can’t be civil after a breakup."