3 Chapter 3 On the way to the gift shop , the atmosphere in the car was beyond awkward . I put in my carbuds and closed my eyes . Ethan tapped his fingers on the steering wheel , restless and anxious . " This weather is perfect for the beach … " He kept glancing my way . When I didn't respond , he cleared his throat and spoke louder . " I heard Crescent Bay in California is really popular right now . A lot of famous people are having their bonding ceremonies there ." I still didn't open my eyes . I just hummed lightly . Ethan frowned , his voice tinged with irritation . " Sarah , are you even listening to me ? " I opened my eyes slightly . " I'm listening . So what ? " Ethan was caught off guard . " … Nothing . Just making conversation ." A light breeze drifted in from the window , and I felt a bit more clear - headed . " Ethan , about the bonding ceremony … is there anything you need to tell me ? " I turned to look at him . This was the only time I would ask him , and it would be the last . He avoided my gaze , giving an awkward laugh . " Everything is in your hands . I trust you ." I lowered my eyes , my expression sinking . He was still pretending . Even now , if he would just be honest , maybe I could still … no . I couldn't . I clenched my fists . So this is what trust was for . To be trampled on . Ethan gave a dry laugh , his eyes shifting nervously . She must know . She's just pouting . I'll smooth things over later . Inside the gift shop , I saw the sample for the custom gifts I had ordered . The Aurora Peak design looked exquisite . Just as I was about to confirm the order , a familiar laugh came from behind me . " Ethan ? Are you here to buy me that crystal wolf ? " 20.09 tra 3 Chapter 3 1 frowned . Her again ? When Kira saw me , she covered her mouth in surprise . " Oh , Sarah ? I'm so sorry , I didn't see you … " " Oh , are you two picking out gifts ? The crystal wolves at this shop are gorgeous . Ethan brings me here all the time ! " My fingers tightened slightly . He had brought her here many times , while I only found out about this place from a friend . Kira picked up a seashell decoration . " Sarah , how about this one ? It's perfect for a beach ceremony . It would go perfectly with champagne ! " I took a small step back . " No , thanks . I've already made my choice . You two can take your time . " Kira froze for a second , her expression turning hurt and innocent . " Are you … upset because I'm here ? Then I - I'll just go. " Ethan grabbed Kira's wrist . " Sarah doesn't mean that . You don't have to go ." He turned to me , staring into my eyes . " Sarah , Kira is going to be your bridesmaid . Don't be so harsh , you'll scare her ." I was stunned . When was that decided ? Shouldn't I be the one to choose my bridesmaid ? But then I thought , he changed the ceremony location on his own . What else would he need my permission for ? I replied without emotion , " This is who I am . Take it or leave it . " They both stared at me , clearly not expecting such a serious response . Kira's eyes turned red . " Fine , I'll just go . I don't want to be in the way " But Ethan held onto her hand , lacing his fingers with hers . " Sarah Carter , you're about to become my mate . Why are you still so childish ? " " Ever since we set the date , you've been moody all the time . Is this fun for you ? " Kira quietly tried to calm him down , but leaned even closer . " Ethan , don't … " Ethan seemed agitated. " Don't try to stop me . I've had enough ! " 20 240 3 Chapter 3 " Go on , Sarah Carter , keep acting out ! But don't blame me for not coddling you when you secretly tear open your old wounds out of jealousy ! " The shop fell silent . The staff awkwardly looked down . My heart felt like it had been plunged into ice . So , in his eyes , my serious injury … was just me " self - harming " out of jealousy . And here I was , still hoping he would remember the meaning of Aurora Peak . How many times had this happened ? Kira would use " not feeling well " or a " headache " as an excuse for Ethan to be with her , and he would drop our plans to go take care of her every time . When my old injury flared up and I was shaking from the pain , Ethan was supposed to be with me , but he left to go shopping with Kira , only sending a text : " I'll come see you later . " He never came . Whenever I complained , he would say, " Why can't you be more understanding ? Kira really needs me ! " For our anniversary , Ethan promised to take me to see the Northern Lights . I carefully prepared a gift , but he forgot again . " It's just a date . Do you have to be so serious about it ? " But for Kira's birthday , Ethan booked a restaurant and bought gifts a month in advance . He even posted on Instagram . " Happy birthday to the most important person in my life . " Thinking about the past and looking at the present … I was tired . I should have given up on him and left a long time ago . As I turned to leave , Ethan tossed a final remark at my back , " She's probably just got pre - wedding jitters . Don't pay any attention to a sick person … " How kind of him to make excuses for me . Through the glass window , I saw him holding Kira's hand , feeding her a pastry . They were the ones who looked like a couple . That night , I received a voice message from Ethan . " Sarah , don't be mad ." " I'm managing the whole pack and the company , and I have to take care of both of you . Can't you be more considerate ? " " We'll be mates soon . I need you to be more mature ." He sounded a little drunk , rambling on and on . 120 10 3/4 J 3 Chapter 3 I had no desire to listen anymore . He had it the hardest , of course . So I decided I would do him a favor and lighten his burden for good .