My Birthday, My Downfall novel Chapter 59

A sour feeling rose in my chest, and my eyes began to well up.

What's there to apologize for?

I've already forgiven the version of myself that loved you for seven years.

As for fairness, there's never been fairness in love.

I won't ask for you to give as much as I do,

and don't expect that just because you show me a little kindness, I'll turn back.

I didn't reply to Philip.

I opened Ethan's chat instead.

He had sent me a photo.

It was one of him on his sofa at home.

It looked like he had just showered, his hair still damp, wearing pajamas, his chest subtly visible.

I blushed, thinking he did this on purpose.

But as I took a closer look, I noticed a red swelling on his chin, standing out on his pale skin.

I quickly typed.

"Did you two get into a fight?"

The phone kept showing "typing…"

After waiting for a while with no reply, I grew anxious and called him via video.

He answered quite quickly.

"What happened to your face?"

"Did Philip hit you?"

Ethan leaned in closer, his handsome face filling the screen.

He rubbed his nose, trying to cover it up.

"It's just a little disagreement. I'm fine."

"A little disagreement? Your face is bruised, and you're fine?"

Ethan slightly turned his body, leaving only the side of his face without the injury facing the camera.

His voice dropped.

"Autumn, don't look at it. It's ruined, it's not pretty anymore."

I. "…" Is this about looking good or not?

Why didn't you think about your appearance when you were fighting?

I told him to properly apply medicine to the injury and was about to end the call.

Ethan hurriedly said.

"Autumn, are you going to check on him?"

I don't understand why he would think like that.

Ethan's gaze was melancholic, but he tried to act nonchalant.

"I know, you'll still be concerned about him."

"It's fine, as long as your first call is to me."

I couldn't stand his pitiful expression.

He looked like a wronged little wife who couldn't even fight back.

"Ethan!"

"I'm going to find Philip, but it's not to check on him."

"I want to ask him why he hurt my boyfriend."

Ethan lifted his face, his lips involuntarily curling up into a smile.

"Autumn, you're so good to me. I'll go apply the medicine right now."

I sighed helplessly.

If Ethan didn't have feelings for me, why would he pursue me?

I've never been in a relationship, but I'm not stupid.

When Ethan confessed to me, he told me that in this relationship, I could stop at any time.

He respects me, always prioritizing my feelings.

As he said, all I have to do is enjoy the happiness he brings me in this relationship.

Is the result important?

No, it's not.

I spent seven years secretly in love with Philip and didn't even get a "like" from him.

I've waited ten years for my mother to apologize and never got an explanation for why she left without a word.

So—

"Philip, I want to experience a good relationship, one where he loves me more.

"So please, don't disturb me.

"You don't need my love anymore."

After making myself clear, I hung up the phone without waiting for Philip's reply.

Since that night, Philip became much quieter.

My relationship with Ethan also grew increasingly intimate.

He was a considerate boyfriend, always mindful of my feelings.

Being with him, I didn't need to tread carefully.

The day before the winter break, Ethan kissed me in the car and wouldn't let go.

He buried his face in my shoulder, speaking in a muffled voice.

"Can't I come to see you during the winter break?

"Twenty days... how am I supposed to get through that?"