He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 41

Meliora stared at Ethan, deadpan. "Where do you get the idea that Rose would forgive you?"

Ethan grinned shamelessly. "Well, you never know unless you try."

Meliora called toward the bedroom. "Rose, Ethan and Vivian are here."

Rose, dressed in long pajamas, heard Ethan’s name and instinctively reached for a jacket to throw over her shoulders.

But even that simple act made her pause.

She realized that her aversion to Ethan felt almost instinctive. They’d known each other for ten years, yet she still felt stiff and awkward around him.

It wasn’t like that with Houston. Sure, she’d been shy at first, but after a few times... now when Houston kissed her, all she felt was warmth and sweetness.

"Rose," Meliora called again.

Rose hurried out.

Ethan’s eyes flickered with something sharp when he saw her bundled up.

"What are you two doing here?" Rose asked coldly.

Vivian nudged Ethan.

Ethan said, "Rose, New Year’s Day is almost here, and so is our wedding. I truly hope you’ll come."

Rose remained unmoved.

Ethan pressed on. "Rose, this is one of the biggest days of my life. Are you really not going to be there?"

Rose looked at him flatly. "Skipping a wedding that doesn’t matter to me? Not a big deal. Missing my own—now that would be."

Ethan’s eyes widened. "What do you mean? Are you getting married on New Year’s Day too?"

A quick idea popped into Rose’s mind. Actually... that’s not a bad excuse. "That’s right. I’m engaged. My engagement is on New Year’s Day, so I won’t be free to attend your wedding."

Ethan was immediately agitated. "You’re lying! You don’t even have a boyfriend. Who would you be getting engaged to?"

Meliora jumped in. "Ethan, I can back her up. Rose isn’t lying. She’s seeing someone."