Chapter 2
Downstairs, Ethan got out of the driver’s seat as he locked his car, still on the phone.
Beneath the streetlight, his profile looked gentle and focused.
I knew exactly who was on the other end.
I let the curtain fall and walked into the study.
There were several unread emails in my inbox.
The most recent was from the alumni association of the university where Ethan taught—an invitation for me, as a distinguished alumna, to attend the upcoming homecoming celebration.
Footsteps approached, and the study door opened.
I closed the invitation the moment his voice reached me.
Ethan looked at me, with regret in his eyes.
“Still up? I told you not to wait—staying up late isn’t good for the baby p>
He stepped behind me and rested a hand on my shoulder, as he always did.
“About today… I’m sorry. But in that situation, I couldn’t just abandon her p>
My fingers paused over the keyboard. He rested his chin lightly on top of my head.
“Working this late? Maybe you should take a break from the office and rest at home. You don’t have to work so hard—I can take care of you p>
For a moment, I was stunned.
From our college days through five years of dating, I’d almost never heard him say anything this close to a real promise—except the day he proposed.
I tilted my head up.
“Why the sweet talk all of a sudden p>
He leaned down to kiss me, but I turned away.
Ethan smiled gently.
“I’m just telling the truth p>
With that, he went to take a shower.
His phone buzzed twice.
I saw the message pop up on the screen: [Did you calm her down? Did the trick I taught you work p>
So that was it.
I closed my eyes quietly and pretended I hadn’t seen a thing.
The day of the homecoming celebration arrived. I went alone—without telling Ethan.
The auditorium was packed.
Through the rows of seats, I could make out Ethan’s profile.
Lila Carter’s performance was third on the program.
Amid applause, she stepped onto the stage and spoke playfully.
“Everyone, I’m so sorry—small technical issue, my backing track is missing p>
She turned her gaze toward the audience.
“Would I have the honor of inviting my professor, Dr. Ethan Montgomery, to join me on stage to perform this song with me p>
The hall went quiet for a beat, then warm, encouraging applause broke out.
The spotlight operator smoothly shifted the beam onto Ethan.
He froze, then looked up toward the stage.
Lila stood in the light, her eyes wide and pleading as she looked at him.
“Dr. Montgomery! Come on up p>
Some students began to cheer.
Ethan stood, smiled helplessly, and walked toward the stage.
As he passed my row, his steps faltered. He glanced at me, surprise flickering in his eyes.
On stage, she sang the lead. He played the piano and sang softly along.
The lights cast their shadows close together on the backdrop.
When they reached the line I want you by my side, Lila turned her face toward him, soft and deeply suggestive.
I sat in the dark, my hand resting lightly on my stomach.
After the performance ended, I didn’t see Ethan again.
At the dinner reception, I stood by the window holding a glass of juice. My college roommate, Sarah Cooper, came over and gave me a quick hug.
“That little show on stage… pretty dramatic. Aren’t you even upset p>
She leaned closer and lowered her voice.
“The way that girl looks at your Ethan? That look was not innocent at all p>
“You two are newlyweds. You know exactly what’s going on here, don’t you p>
I managed a small smile.
“It’s kind of a tradition in their art department p>
Sarah let out a scoff.
“I’ve seen group choirs. But a professor singing a love song with his student? That’s a first. And with lyrics like I want you by my side p>
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