He Wished I’d Break Up With Him, So I Did—on My Way to the Airport chapter 04

He Wished I’d Break Up With Him, So I Did—on My Way to the Airport chapter 04

The next morning, I checked out of the hotel and headed to Ethan’s place to collect my luggage. Standing outside his door, I knocked lightly.

“Coming!” I recognized the soft, sugary voice instantly—Mia. She froze the moment she saw me, then smiled.

“I thought it was the pain medication Ethan ordered for me. Come on in.”

“The guest slippers are on the second shelf. Ethan doesn’t like the floors getting dirty.”

That word others quietly set me apart from him. It was as if I, his official girlfriend, had already become a stranger, expected to follow her lead.

“I’ll just grab my things and leave.”

I skipped putting on slippers, walked straight to the living room and pulled my suitcase over. Just as I was about to leave, Ethan stepped out of the bedroom.

“You’re leaving already?”

“Yeah.”

He looked faintly uneasy and stepped closer, his tone gentle.

“I didn’t act right yesterday. Don’t take it to heart. I bought two movie tickets, and we can go watch a film together later.”

Before I could turn him down, Mia spoke lazily.

“What’s so great about that movie? We watched it once before. You said the jokes were silly and the whole thing was boring.”

My grip tightened on the suitcase handle. Even this last-minute plan of his had never been sincere.

Ethan shot her a quick glare.

“Everyone feels differently about it. Chloe hasn’t seen it yet. She might like it.”

“No need. I’ve got things to take care of.”

My flight would depart in three hours. I had no time for this hollow date. I already knew he would sit beside me with his mind fixed on his phone, and soon make an excuse to head to the restroom to call Mia, only coming back when the movie ended.

Seeing I was calm and not throwing a fit, Ethan relaxed, seemingly relieved to avoid awkward trouble.

“When are you heading off? I’ll drive you.”

“I’m leaving now.”

“Wait for me a second.”

He hurried to the kitchen to heat a bowl of ginger drink, then pulled out a few heat patches from the cabinet and handed them to Mia.

“You’re on your period, don’t catch a chill. Drink this warm drink soon, and your painkillers will be here any minute.”

I watched him fuss over her, not a single gesture meant for me. During our long-distance years, when I’d fainted from severe menstrual cramps, all I ever got from him was a casual reminder to drink more warm water.

I finally understood his old comment. Having someone by your side every day truly made all the difference. Mia received devotion I had never once known in our eight years together. She made the indecisive Ethan take charge of every plan, and slipped so easily into his home, taking my place.

Ethan drove me to the airport. I looked straight at him and spoke up.

“Ethan, if we break up, would you feel sad… or relieved?”

Relieved that I stepped aside, so he could run to his new love without guilt.

He paused, then smiled and ruffled my hair.

“Why do you always overthink things? We’re not breaking up. I promised I’d marry you.”

I was about to say more when his phone rang. He answered it and frowned sharply.

“Is your stomach hurting badly? I’m on my way right now, I’ll take you to the hospital.”

The worry on his face told me I could never hold him back.

So I raised my hand in a wave, offering my own goodbye. “Goodbye, Ethan.”

“Alright. Text me once you land safely.”

With that, he turned and left without a backward glance.

A cold wind swept over me, and I pulled my coat tighter. As the plane took off, I gazed down at this city. I had arrived here full of hope, yet left with a broken heart.

I sent him the screenshot of his old comment, along with one final message.

Ethan, let’s end this. I’m setting you free.