Chapter 11

Ethan's demeanor shifted, and the air around him thickened as unwelcome memories came back, memories he had fought hard to forget.

His gaze, blurred and distant, rested on Melinda as he contemplated whether to answer her question or not. After a brief moment, he stood up and sat next to her, his movements slow and intentional.

He let out a deep sigh as he stared into the open space. His voice low and rough, broke the silence.

"I was once married."

Melinda's eyes widened in surprise but she remained quiet, sensing the weight of his voice.

"She died ten years ago in a horrific accident. When I lost her… I lost myself as well. She was the love of my life and went she left me, I couldn't handle it. I started drinking, smoking, and chasing women. Anything to numb the pain I was feeling."

He paused, his fingers tightening into fists as if trying to hold back a flood of emotions.

"One night, I came back drunk. As I sat down in my parlor, I tried to light a cigarette but it didn't budge so out of frustration I threw it away not knowing it had already lit."

Ethan's voice grew quieter, almost a whisper as if he was experiencing the moment all over again.

"I headed into the kitchen for another beer and by the time I was back to the parlor, the curtains were on fire, the smoke so thick as the fire spread. I was too drunk to even think, I just stood there coughing, stumbling, and trying to find my way out."

He gulped, his eyes blinking with unshed tears.

"Amelia… she showed up that night. She always came from time to time to check up on me, you know. As she saw me through the window and without a moment of hesitation, she ran into the house and dragged me out."

"Unfortunately, before we go get out, her legs and arms were caught up in the fire. She got burned trying to save me. She eventually did plastic surgery, if you'd notice there are still little scars on her legs and arms. She got that because of me."

The lobby became silent, the only sound being Ethan's coarse breaths. Melinda's expression was calm, with a glimmer of understanding in her eyes. Ethan's voice dropped a bit lower,

"I know she did it because she cares for me, but I don't feel the same way. I've tried Melinda, but she's just not my kind of woman." The silence between them deepened then Melinda uttered, her voice soft and calm,

"What she did was courageous and heroic. Now I understand your sister. You do owe her."

"I owe her my life, not my love," Ethan responded, his tone firm and cold.

He ran his hand through his hair, frustration bubbling to the surface. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for Amelia. But this…this is different. I can't force myself to feel emotions that aren't there. I honestly thought she was gone for good when she left for China but now she's back. It's just fucked up." 

The two sat in silence as Melinda tried to suppress tears from flowing. After a while, Ethan turned to her, his tone deep and steady,

"I love you and that's all that matters to me. Come on, let's go join the others." He said as he stretched out his hands to her.

Melinda sniffed, her expression filled with uncertainty as she held his hands and they walked out of the lobby together. The morning warm sun shone on them as they strolled to the beach.

——

The beach was bustling with the sound of music coming from the wooden bar. The bartender hummed cheerfully as he polished glasses, the air filled with a sense of tranquility and joy. 

Amelia was immersed in the music, dancing, and singing along with a carefree grin. Lila and Robert sat on their beach chairs, soaking in the warm breeze as they discussed.

"Come dance with me, love!" Amelia called out, her voice bright and playful. She ran towards Ethan with childish excitement, her laughing ringing out.

"I'm fine, you go ahead," he said, his voice polite but detached as he shook his head and sat on one of the beach chairs. Melinda sat on the next chair, her eyes fixated on her phone as she tried to ignore what was going on.

"What?!" Melinda's voice sliced through the air, sharp and filled with panic.

The cheerful atmosphere shattered instantly and was replaced by a thick, uneasy silence. Everyone froze as they all looked at her.

"What is it, what's wrong?" Ethan asked, his words hurried and filled with concern.

All eyes were on Melinda now, the tension thick enough to suffocate.

Melinda just sat there, her eyes fixed on her phone, a distant voice from the phone disrupting the tension as others held their breath, waiting for her to reveal what just shattered the chill atmosphere.