Ethan’s Game

It had been a few weeks since Ethan's call, and Isabella had almost forgotten about it. New York had consumed her attention, the city's vibrant energy pulling her into a new rhythm of life. She had carved out a small but satisfying existence in her cozy apartment, her days filled with work at the bakery and evenings spent discovering new corners of the city.

Then one weekend, Ethan showed up in New York.

She was surprised, but not entirely shocked. He had always been persistent, and despite everything, he had been a friend before things got complicated. When he knocked on her door, a wide smile on his face, she hesitated for a moment before letting him in.

"New York suits you," Ethan said, looking around her apartment. "You seem... different. Happier."

"I needed a change," Isabella replied, offering him a drink. "I didn't expect you to come all this way."

Ethan smiled, that charming grin she had once found so reassuring. "I wanted to check on you. Make sure you were really okay."

They spent the afternoon chatting, reminiscing about old times, avoiding any mention of Alex or the complicated mess they had left behind. Ethan was charming and attentive, and for a while, Isabella let herself relax. She had missed having someone familiar around, and Ethan had always been easy to talk to.

They explored the city together that weekend, visiting Central Park, walking through the bustling streets of Manhattan, and even grabbing dinner at a small Italian restaurant in Little Italy. To an outsider, they might have looked like a couple—laughing, talking, enjoying each other's company. But in the back of Isabella's mind, something felt off.

Ethan was different now. More intense, more eager to please, as if he was trying too hard to win her over. And while she appreciated his company, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more behind his friendly demeanor.

---

Over dinner one evening, Ethan brought up Alex.

"I know you've been trying to move on," he said carefully, watching her reaction. "But I can't help but wonder... do you really think he's capable of making you happy?"

Isabella tensed at the mention of Alex. "I don't know, Ethan. Things between us were always... complicated."

Ethan nodded, leaning forward slightly. "You deserve better, Isabella. Someone who sees you for who you really are, who doesn't treat you like some pawn in a game."

His words were smooth, but there was an underlying edge to them. Isabella shifted uncomfortably.

"Alex and I had our problems," she admitted. "But it's not that simple."

Ethan's smile faltered for a moment before he quickly recovered. "I just hate seeing you hurt, Isabella. You've been through enough. I want to help you move forward, to be happy."

There was a sincerity in his voice, but something about the way he said it felt... possessive. It wasn't the same lighthearted friendship they once shared. This was different. There was a hunger in Ethan's eyes, one that made her uneasy.

---

The next day, as they walked along the High Line, Isabella found herself reflecting on her feelings. Ethan had been a constant presence in her life for so long, always supportive, always by her side. But now, as they walked together, she felt a distance growing between them. It wasn't that she didn't appreciate his friendship—it was more that something felt off about his sudden visit, the way he was pushing her to forget Alex.

She couldn't deny that she had loved Alex deeply, even if it had hurt. And despite everything, a part of her still did. No amount of running or hiding could change that.

As they sat down on a bench overlooking the city, Ethan turned to her, his gaze serious. "Isabella, I know you're still hurting, but I believe in time you'll realize that Alex was never the right man for you."

Isabella looked at him, searching his face for the sincerity she had once trusted. But instead of feeling comforted, she felt manipulated. She knew Ethan had always had feelings for her, but she had never considered that he might use her vulnerability against her.

"You're a good friend, Ethan," she said carefully, choosing her words. "But I think I need some space to figure things out on my own."

Ethan's expression tightened, but he forced a smile. "Of course. I just want what's best for you, Isabella."

But as they parted ways that evening, Isabella couldn't shake the feeling that Ethan's intentions weren't as pure as he made them seem. Something had changed between them, and she wasn't sure she liked it.

---

Later that night, as she sat on her couch, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and saw a message from Ethan.

Ethan: "I hope you know I'm always here for you, Isabella. No matter what."

She stared at the message, her heart heavy. For the first time, she began to question everything. Ethan had always been her friend, but now, she wasn't sure if that was all he wanted. And if he had ulterior motives, what did that mean for their friendship?

Isabella closed her eyes, letting out a deep breath. She had left one complicated situation behind in Tokyo, only to find herself in another here in New York. She needed time to think, to figure out who she could trust—and whether Ethan was truly the friend she thought he was, or if he had been playing his own game all along.

One thing was clear: she couldn't let herself get swept up in someone else's agenda again. This time, she had to protect herself.