Chapter 4 Ethan invited me to dinner on Saturday . MO He said some friends from abroad had returned , and they wanted to gather . I thought about it and agreed . When I arrived at the private room , their glances were laced with scrutiny . Ryan had once told me he grew up abroad and had many childhood friends there . These must be mutual friends of theirs , here to watch me make a fool of myself . I remained calm and smiled throughout this thinly veiled ambush . Their gazes carried faint hostility , and they mostly avoided speaking to me . Ethan , as always , was attentive serving me food , pouring soup , peeling shrimp . Afraid I might feel left out , he stayed close and chatted with me the entire time . After dinner , they suggested going to a bar . I went along . Three rounds of drinks later , they proposed a game of truth or dare . I wasnt lucky and lost . Josh swirled his glass , giving me a meaningful look as he asked , Whats your impression of your ex boyfriend ? I sneered inwardly . So they couldnt hold back any longer . He was a psychopath . I deeply regret ever knowing him , I said coldly . 106 Chapter The room fell silent . Their expressions betrayed restrained anger and dissatisfaction . Especially Ethan and Josh , whose hands tightened around their glasses , their knuckles white . Theres no need to speak ill of an ex after breaking up , Josh said , unable to hide his irritation . Ethan looked at me , as if he wanted to say something but hesitated . Possessiveness so twisted its nothing but psychopathy , I said in a frosty tone . He just loved you too much . If you loved him , youd understand , Josh argued stubbornly . Im not a psychopath , so I dont need to empathize with one . I suppressed the disgust rising in me . Someone who disregards others wishes and shows no respect thats not love . Its treating others as possessions to dominate , plunder , and exploit . Such a person has no idea what love truly is . Their expressions shifted , and an uneasy silence filled the air . Ethan gently grabbed my hand , signaling me with his eyes . Anna , lets not talk about the past anymore , he said . I didnt stay until the end of the gathering I didnt want to . Ethan brought me home . We didnt speak during the ride . Once home , he finally broke the silence , hesitating as he spoke . Chapter 4 Anna , was he … really that bad to you ? When we first started dating , he had also asked about my breakup with my ez I thought it was a normal conversation between couples . I gave a vague answer , saying I just didnt feel anything anymore . I hadnt wanted to bring up those painful memories . After all , every time I revisited them , it felt like being flayed alive . He had respected my boundaries and didnt press further . I stayed silent , then nodded . After a long pause , he gently pulled me into an embrace , saying tenderly , Youve suffered . From now on , you have me . He spoke with such heartfelt emotion , as if he truly intended to shield me from all harm . If I hadnt overheard that conversation , I might have believed him . In the latest episode of ReelTalk EP 37, titled "Confessions of a Casting Director" by CrushReel, dive into the behind-the-scenes world of bringing your favorite stars to the big screen. Casting Directors reveal the intricate process of selecting actors for roles and share insights into what they seek in fresh talent. Explore the nuanced themes and character elements that shape the casting decisions, shedding light on the unique aspects that influence the final choices. Discover the artistry and expertise involved in assembling the perfect ensemble to breathe life into each character on screen. What sets this episode apart is its candid exploration of the casting process, offering a rare glimpse into the meticulous craft of matching actors to roles. Uncover the passion and dedication that drive Casting Directors in their quest to create captivating performances. For an exclusive look into the world of casting and to learn more about this ongoing series, head over to CrushReel. Experience firsthand the magic of bringing characters from script to screen by delving into "Confessions of a Casting Director," available to read online at CrushReel.