My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 55

After the call ended, Ethan still didn't let go of my hand.

"Got any plans for tomorrow?"

I looked down at the floor and softly said, "No."

"Then I'll come pick you up tomorrow. It's getting cold tonight, so you should go back upstairs."

I nodded.

When he finally let go of my hand, I hurried upstairs like I was running away.

Ethan called after me,

"Autumn, you're not going to change your mind, are you?"

I stopped but didn't dare turn around.

"No."

"Good, because if you do, I'll just keep pestering you."

My face heated up, and I walked straight into the elevator without looking back.

When I got home, I found several missed calls from Philip.

There were a lot of messages too.

"Happy birthday, Autumn."

"I am busy, so I asked Ethan to drop off the gift for me."

"Are you with him?"

"When did this happen?"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I never saw you and him talking much, how did you end up dating?"

"Did he chase you and you couldn't say no? Don't worry, I'll talk to him."

I stared at the messages.

My chest felt tight.

I couldn't quite place the feeling—was it sweet revenge?

Was it guilt towards Ethan?

Or was it just frustration and a sense of injustice?

After a long pause, I replied with a simple "Mm."

Philip quickly sent a voice message.

But I didn't want to answer, so I rejected it.

Philip sent more messages.

"Autumn, have you really thought this through?"

I've thought it through.

I don't want to like you anymore.

Philip's message popped up again.

"Do you like him?"

I wasn't sure.

The Ethan I knew had always kept a slight distance at parties.

But his superior looks and cool demeanor often drew people to approach him.

Tonight, he confessed to me.

I was surprised, and a little afraid.

Now that I thought about it, I felt like agreeing to him was impulsive.

But Ethan might not be a bad choice.

Before I could respond, Philip called again.

I accidentally answered.

"Autumn, are you really with Ethan?"

Philip's voice sounded frantic.

So he could panic too?

I quietly answered, "Mm."

Then I heard him curse under his breath.

"It's Ethan forcing you, right? Damn, he knows you're my sister and still made a move!"

"Don't worry about him, I'll go talk to him—"

I interrupted him, asking,

"I'm not worried about him. He told me he liked me, so I agreed."

And you've never told me you liked me.

When I hung up, my heart was pounding in my chest, my face burning with regret.

Normally, when I met Ethan, Philip was always around.

Oh, and speaking of Philip... he said he'd be back today to see me.

The more I thought about it, the more my mind scrambled. Why was he so worked up about me being with Ethan? He didn't even like me—so why should he care?

I'd even heard a woman's voice in the background when I spoke to him last night.

I sighed, trying to focus and turned on "Do Not Disturb" for Philip on WeChat. No more distractions.

Since I'd already agreed to be with Ethan, I should just focus on that.

I slipped into my clothes, and when I went downstairs, I spotted Ethan's car parked outside.

His tall figure was leaning casually against the car door, looking every bit the picture of effortless elegance.

In a cashmere coat, he stood there with a relaxed yet confident air, his face cold but softening into a smile as he saw me.

He stepped toward me, his gaze unwavering.

"Mr. Thomas, sorry, I overslept."

He simply gave a low "Hmm."

"So, how do you plan on making it up to me?" His voice was smooth, almost playful.

I blinked in surprise, caught off guard. "Uh... well, I'll treat you to a meal?" I stammered.

He grinned, stepping closer to take my hand. "Sounds good. But there's one more thing I'd like you to do."

I had no idea what he was going to ask for, but I was already nervous. I had been late for our first date, which definitely wasn't ideal.

I could only brace myself and agree. "Sure, tell me what it is, as long as I can do it."

He smiled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Stop calling me Mr. Thomas."

"Ah? Then... what should I call you?"

"Ethan."

The words hung in the air, and he lowered his gaze, his expression faintly expectant.

My heart skipped a beat. I repeated his name in my mind, unsure of how it would feel.

When I finally tried to say it out loud, it felt so unfamiliar, almost like I was burning my tongue.

"Ah—Ethan."

My voice was barely a whisper, but I could tell he'd heard it.

His smile deepened, and his response was warm, almost intimate. "Mm, I'm here."