The entire atmosphere weighed heavily on me ever since Ethan chose to direct his attention towards Sarah. I could not shake the unsettling feeling that I was being betrayed. My heart raced as I prepared to chop carrots and other vegetables for the chicken sauce, my mind already overwhelmed with thoughts.
As I diced the vegetables, my thoughts drifted. What was it about Sarah that captivated Ethan? Did he harbor feelings for her?
Suddenly, the knife slipped, and I cut my finger. I winced, inhaling sharply.
Alessia hurried to my side. “Harper, are you alright?”
I nodded, quickly wrapping a towel around my injured finger.
“Allow me to assist,” Sarah offered, her tone gentle.
I hesitated momentarily, but Sarah took the knife from my hand, her touch sending an unexpected chill through me. I had not realized they were both standing at the kitchen entrance.
As she skillfully chopped the vegetables, I caught sight of Ethan in the doorway, his gaze fixed on her, filled with admiration.
My heart plummeted.
“Alessia, can we speak privately?” I whispered.
In the hallway, Alessia turned to me, her expression filled with concern. “What is troubling you?”
“I have a feeling that Ethan’s feelings for Sarah extend beyond mere friendship,” I admitted.
Alessia’s demeanor shifted to one of seriousness. “I had my suspicions as well. However, Ethan is loyal, Harper. He loves you.”
I acknowledged her words with a nod, yet uncertainty lingered in my mind.
As we made our way back to the kitchen, Sarah’s laughter resonated throughout the space.
Ethan’s gaze was fixed on me, searching for something unspoken.
However, I could not dispel the unsettling feeling that I was losing him.
“If you believe that Ethan loves me and would never abandon me, then perhaps I should ease my mind and focus on preparing the chicken, ” I remarked with a hint of sarcasm.
“Hey,” Alessia called out, prompting me to turn swiftly.
“Don’t let that woman disrupt your life; she excels at it, and I have no fondness for her.”
Alessia’s words provided a comforting warmth. “You are stronger than her manipulations, Harper. Ethan truly cares for you.”
I managed a weak smile, but a sense of determination ignited within me.
Upon rejoining the group, I noticed Sarah’s eyes narrowing in scrutiny.
“Ethan, I believe Harper is feeling jealous,” Sarah purred with a sly smile.
Ethan’s attention snapped to me, his eyes ablaze with intensity.
“Jealous?” he echoed, incredulous.
I shook my head in denial. “I am merely concerned.”
Sarah’s smile turned sharp. “Concerned about what, exactly?”
“Your motives,” I responded firmly.
An uneasy silence enveloped the room.
Ethan stepped closer, his voice low and serious. “Sarah, please clarify your intentions.”
Sarah’s eyes flickered with irritation, yet she regained her composure. “I am here for friendship.”
Alessia scoffed. “Spare us the act.”
Ethan’s gaze lingered on Sarah for a moment before shifting back to me.
“Harper, do not place your trust in her.”
My heart swelled with emotion.
“I trust Ethan; what are you implying?” I questioned, my voice rising as I approached her. Frustrated, Ethan exited the kitchen, though I would not characterize his departure as angry, as I felt I had done nothing to provoke such a response.
Alessia’s eyes bore into mine, her expression resolute. “You are being naive, Harper. Ethan is caught between you and Sarah.”
I shook my head defiantly, my voice steady. “Ethan loves me. He would never betray my trust.”
Alessia’s expression softened slightly. “I wish to believe that, but Sarah has a significant influence over him.”
Frustration bubbled within me as
“Harper, please listen,” he urged.
I interrupted him.
“Share your history with Sarah,” I insisted.
Ethan’s jaw tightened.
“Sarah supported me during my lowest moments,” he started.
A wave of despair washed over me.
“What moments are you referring to?” I pressed further.
Ethan’s gaze was intense as it met mine.
“Moments when I believed I had lost everything,” he murmured. “Sarah was instrumental in helping me regain my pack.”
Alessia interjected sharply.
“And now she believes she has ownership over him,” she retorted.
Ethan’s expression hardened.
“Alessia.”
The atmosphere was thick with tension.
From the living room, Sarah’s laughter rang out.
“It seems the drama is just beginning,” she remarked.
“I recognized your insanity,” I said with a biting tone, gesturing towards myself, still perplexed by her sudden intrusion that made the atmosphere unbearable.
Sarah’s laughter stopped abruptly, her eyes blazing with fury. “You fail to comprehend, Harper, because you are merely a fleeting distraction,” she shot back.
My hands shook with indignation. “How dare you speak to me like that!”
Ethan positioned himself between us, his voice steady. “Sarah, enough.”
Yet Sarah persisted, her tone laced with malice. “Do you really believe Ethan loves you? He only feels sorry for you, Harper. You are nothing but a delicate little thing.”
Alessia surged forward, fists clenched. “You are incredibly foolish!”
The room descended into chaos.
Sarah’s grin twisted maliciously. “Just clarifying Harper’s role.”
I lunged at Sarah, but Ethan restrained me.
“Harper, please,” he whispered.
My tears burned fiercely.
“Release me,” I demanded.
Ethan’s hold remained firm.
“Listen to me,” he implored.
But I refused to comply.
“You are just like her,” I retorted.
Ethan’s eyes widened in shock.
“Harper, don’t say that.”
Alessia pulled me back gently.
“Just walk away, Harper.”
As we exited the room, Sarah’s laughter echoed behind us.
“This is entertaining.”
In the hallway, Alessia embraced me.
“She is truly unhinged, Harper.”
I nodded in agreement.
“I will always be here for you, Harper.”