Chapter 14: Back to reality

Ethan and Charlotte locked eyes across the crowded food court. It had been weeks since they'd last spoken, and the tension between them was palpable.

Charlotte looked stunning in a yellow sundress, her hair tied up in a ponytail. Ethan's heart skipped a beat as he took in the sight of her.

He walked towards her, his feet moving of their own accord. Charlotte's eyes never left his, and Ethan could see the uncertainty in them.

As he approached, Charlotte stood up, her hands fidgeting with her purse. "Ethan," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan stopped in front of her, his heart pounding in his chest. "Charlotte," he replied, his voice equally soft.

They stood there for a moment, the air thick with unspoken words. Ethan could feel the weight of their unresolved issues bearing down on him.

Finally, Charlotte broke the silence. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her eyes searching his.

Ethan shrugged. "Just grabbing some lunch. I didn't expect to run into you."

Charlotte nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yeah, me neither."

The silence that followed was awkward, but Ethan didn't want to break it. He was happy just to be near Charlotte again.

As they stood there, Ryan appeared out of nowhere, a smirk on his face. "Hey, Charlotte," he said, his eyes flicking to Ethan. "Ready to grab that coffee?"

Charlotte hesitated, her eyes darting to Ethan. For a moment, Ethan thought he saw a glimmer of uncertainty in them.

But then she nodded, and Ryan wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Great," he said, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "Let's go."

As they walked away, Ethan felt a pang of jealousy. He realized he still had feelings for Charlotte, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to let her go.