Ethan pulled me into his arms, his hands trembling slightly. His voice cracked as he stammered, “I didn’t, Claire. I swear I didn’t. Please, believe me.”
He clung to me like a drowning man grasping for air. “It’s because I love you so much. I’m terrified of losing you. If there ever comes a day when you’re not by my side… I’d go crazy.”
I raised my hand and pushed him away, my voice cold. “Then don’t ever lie to me, Ethan.”
He forced a shaky smile and raised his hand as if taking an oath. “I swear—if I, Ethan, ever betray you, Claire, I’ll die!”
In the past, hearing him make promises like that would've made me smile. I’d even cover his mouth and tell him not to say such dramatic things. But now? Now, I wanted to see if he’d be willing to put his money where his mouth was.
I opened the car door, but the stench inside hit me so hard I had to squat down and gag.
“Claire!” Ethan exclaimed, his eyes wide with concern. “Why have you been feeling nauseous so much lately?”
There was a flicker of excitement in his expression. “Are you… pregnant?”
I shook my head. “No, my stomach’s just been off lately.”