I encountered my neighbor’s older brother, who had gone missing a year ago, on my first visit to a nightclub after getting into college. He had his arms around two scantily-clad women, looking like a good-for-nothing. When he saw me, his gaze flashed across my chest before he clicked his tongue dismissively. Later, he pinned me against the wall in a corner, his finger pressed against my lips as he leaned in, demanding I call him by name. That’s when I realized. He wasn’t my Ethan Parker. I met Ethan Parker in the dim hallway of Nightshade. Nightshade was the biggest entertainment venue in the city, attracting all sorts of people. My roommate Lucy was celebrating her birthday and had reserved a private room at Nightshade. I arrived late and was about to call to ask for the room number when I heard the laughter of men and women echoing from the far end of the hallway. A group appeared at the end of the corridor. I was going to turn away to avoid them, but I froze when I recognized one of the men. That face I had dreamed of countless times, only to wake up startled. The one I had spent nearly every day with for over a decade. My childhood friend, Ethan Parker, who had been presumed dead in the river a year ago according to the police.
I blinked hard several times. I triple-checked to make sure I wasn’t mistaking someone who looked similar for him. But the more I blinked, the closer I came to tears. Because I knew without a doubt that I wasn’t mistaken. Ethan Parker had been part of 80% of my brief 18 years of life. He was the person I was closest to after my parents. He was also the person I had secretly loved for a very long time. He had disappeared without a trace a year ago. I never imagined I would encounter him again in a scene like this. Two scantily-clad women were nestled in his arms, one on each side. Perhaps I had been staring for too long, as a strange man beside him noticed me. He gestured to the others and teased: “Which of your old flames is this ” “Look, she’s about to cry just seeing you.” The man across from me turned his head, our eyes meeting for just an instant before his gaze fell to my chest. His eyes roamed shamelessly as he spoke dismissively: “A scrawny little girl like that As if I’d be interested.” Ethan Parker would never say such things. But this man was clearly him. I bit my lip and held out my phone to him: “Can I… add you on SnapChat ” He looked at me with a mocking smile. “No.” His gaze fell to my chest again, his tone tinged with regret: “Not worth my time.” The men around him burst into laughter.
The person before me and the Ethan Parker who had been by my side for over a decade were like polar opposites. Or rather, they were like two souls inhabiting the same body. Ethan Parker would never say such things. He was too good. Like a piece of pure, flawless jade. And I was too lucky. Using my status as his childhood friend to stay by his side. During that winter break in my sophomore year of high school. I asked Ethan Parker for a promise. I hoped he would come pick me up on the day of our final exams. My oversized scarf hid my slightly reddened ears, concealing my secret thoughts from him. At that time, Ethan Parker looked at me with a smile, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly, but he didn’t answer. He just raised his hand and gently ruffled my hair. The New Year’s bells were about to ring. Fireworks filled the sky and firecrackers exploded all around. I thought the surrounding noise was too loud, so I had to stand on tiptoe and lean close to his ear. “Ethan.” “On the day of our final exam,” “Will you come pick me up ” The firecrackers were really so loud, so loud. So loud that I couldn’t even hear my own voice. But I still heard him lean in close to my ear and say solemnly yet intimately: “Okay.” But he broke his promise. That day when I stood in the surging crowd, looking around in confusion. When all the noise and clamor rushed at me from all sides. He didn’t come. All my expectations had come to nothing. When I numbly knocked on his door that day, what I saw were his parents who looked like they had aged ten years. And the devastating news they told me with reddened eyes.
But I never believed it. I thought he had just gone missing. Perhaps one day, I would run into him at some street corner, or in some convenience store. Or maybe one day he would suddenly show up, saying he had just been in hiding. Ethan’s group had left. In the end, I still hadn’t managed to add him on SnapChat. Lucy found me still standing dazed in the hallway. She grabbed my shoulders and shook me: “Olivia ” “Olivia Carter! ” “What’s wrong You didn’t answer my calls, the room is right there.” “Why are you crying ” Her tone was urgent, then suddenly turned apologetic: “The music was too loud in the room, I didn’t hear your message…” “It’s nothing,” I lowered my eyes, “I’m fine, let’s go in. Don’t let me ruin your party.” The atmosphere in the private room was lively. I sat down in a corner and saw Lucy’s reply with the room number on my phone, along with her two missed calls. As well as a new SnapChat message from Ethan’s mom. — Olivia dear, how are you adjusting to college life Ever since learning of Ethan’s disappearance, I had stayed in touch with his parents, almost like their half-daughter. My fingers hesitated as I typed. I thought of that man’s laughter as he turned away, casual and unrestrained. In the end, I still couldn’t bring myself to say it. — I’m doing well, Auntie. — Please take care of yourselves, you and Uncle.
The people in the private room were having a blast. I tried to join in their fun for a while, but my mind was elsewhere the whole time. I excused myself to use the restroom midway through. The hallway was very quiet. I followed the signs towards the direction of the restroom. Suddenly I heard the sound of fabric rustling. The scene before my eyes appeared abruptly. The woman pinned against the wall by a man suddenly pushed him away, her voice still coy: “Someone’s coming.” The man chuckled lowly and turned around: “Since when did you become so shy…” His words trailed off, traces of the woman’s crimson lipstick still on the corner of his mouth. It was undoubtedly the same face that had just rejected me. I stared at that smear of red on his lips, my face turning pale. The man before me met my eyes and suddenly grinned, grabbing the woman’s hand as he spoke suggestively: “Let’s continue in the room.” The woman in his arms wore a tight dress that accentuated her curves. Hearing his words, she just glanced at me briefly before immediately giggling in agreement: “Okay~” My whole body went cold. I could only watch their retreating figures, moving further and further away. My feet felt like they were filled with lead. Until they finally disappeared at the end of the hallway.
It shouldn’t be like this. My Ethan Parker was as pure as a clear breeze and bright moon. When he saw me he would smile gently and call my name softly: “Olivia.” When I was little I called him “big brother”. Every time after school, he would wait for me at the school gates with his backpack. I would always shout excitedly: “Big brother!” Then I would proudly tell my teacher: “My big brother is here to pick me up!” “Goodbye, teacher.” Later when I grew up and entered my rebellious phase, I liked to call him by his full name. “Ethan Parker! Don’t tell my mom.” “Ethan Parker, I was wrong.” “Ethan Parker, what should I do ” He was never annoyed, always responding patiently, patting my head and helping me clean up all my messes. “Ethan Parker.” “Will you always protect me ” “I will.” The young man wore a white shirt, his posture tall and straight. The hem of his shirt fluttered in the wind as I secretly grasped it, unable to see his expression from the front seat of the bicycle. His voice was clear and frank: “I’m Olivia’s big brother.” “Of course I’ll protect Olivia for life.” No way. I didn’t want to just be your little sister. I pouted, not daring to speak, only able to hug his waist in frustration: “Then ride steadily!” Actually the road was smooth with no obstacles. He paused for a moment, laughter bubbling up from his chest, but he didn’t argue, just obediently agreeing: “Okay.” Later when I started to have romantic feelings, I grew out my hair and wore pretty dresses, calling him “Brother Ethan”. By that time Ethan Parker had gone to college in another city, rarely coming back. His shoulders had broadened and his legs had grown longer, cutting an imposing figure. There was a hint of coolness between his brows, but it would all melt away into a smile when he saw me. My heart had been fluttering for so many years. During those days in my senior year of high school, every time I looked up at the moon late at night, I thought about just hanging on a little longer. If I could just get through this period. I wanted to get the best grades possible, then stand before him and confess all the girlish feelings and bittersweet emotions I had harbored for decades. Tell him that I liked him, had liked him for a very long time. That thought gave me the motivation to face all those dry and tedious exam questions again. But this person I encountered today. He didn’t resemble his former self at all.
By the time I came back to my senses and wanted to chase after them, they had already disappeared. I didn’t want to give up. I wanted to see him one more time. Whether he had amnesia or was just pretending. At least confirm it was him, let his parents know that Ethan Parker was still alive in this world. I hadn’t managed to get his contact information. The only connection I had with him was “Nightshade”. So I resorted to the most foolish method. I went to stake out “Nightshade”. I saw him again. This time he was smoking with a group of men, surrounded by three or four tough-looking guys. I suddenly felt intimidated, not daring to approach. But I was spotted by that same man from last time. He suddenly grinned, gesturing towards me to Ethan Parker. Ethan Parker turned his head, giving me a cold glance. Immediately after, that woman from before appeared again. His expression changed in an instant, a hint of a smile curling his lips as he reached out to pull the woman into his arms by her waist. The woman nestled obediently against him. I stood in the corner, watching as the whole group walked into a private room, laughing and chatting. In that split second, I caught the woman’s backward glance filled with threatening intent. Like a rose laced with poison. Cold sweat soaked through my clothes as I leaned against the wall, gasping for breath. 7 It wasn’t until I splashed some water on my face in the restroom That I seemed to find a bit of reality in the chaos. He wasn’t Ethan Parker. Yet he was Ethan Parker. Ethan Parker was like the sun in the sky, always gentle, always passionate. But the year and more he had been missing was like an insurmountable chasm, so divisive. The restroom door suddenly opened. In the mirror, a young and alluring face appeared behind me. Her wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders. Her makeup was too heavy, like an elaborately painted mask. It was that woman from before. She raised an eyebrow. “It’s you ” A flash of surprise crossed her expression. I turned around, meeting her gaze directly. The woman walked towards me in her 5-inch heels, looking down at me condescendingly. “Stay away from him.” Her gaze fell to my chest, with the same disdain and contempt as Ethan Parker’s. “Did you really think someone like you would catch his eye ” She curled her lip in a scornful, haughty smile. As if mocking me for overestimating myself. But I only latched onto that name in her words, the illusory and the real seeming to intersect in that moment. I felt like I had found an outlet for my overwhelming emotions. “What did you call him ” My voice was a bit hoarse. She seemed not to have heard clearly. “What’s his name ” “You just called him Ethan—” I stared into her eyes, like a drowning person grasping at the last straw, my voice choked with tears as I demanded: “Tell me—” “Who is he ” Is he, is he Ethan Parker The familiar name got stuck in my throat. In the end I couldn’t say it out loud. The person before me was startled by my reaction. She reached out and shoved me hard. A dull, heavy thud echoed in the small space as I fell to the ground. The dirty water on the floor soaked through my once-clean clothes, but I paid it no mind. This woman called Sophia grabbed my collar, leaning in close. The sickening smell of her overly sweet perfume mixed with a nauseating odor. “You don’t even know who he is, little girl.” “Let me give you some advice – stay away from him.” “Otherwise—” “You might end up dead somewhere and no one would even know.” The last words floated lightly in the air, but felt like sharp ice piercing my heart. Before she finished speaking, the door was suddenly flung open. The subject of our conversation burst in, out of breath. When he saw me on the ground, I clearly saw his already irritated expression turn even colder. But it was only for an instant. He pulled Sophia by the waist, taking out a wad of cash and expertly tucking it into her bra with a suggestive smile: “I won’t be needing you tonight.” “I’m in the mood to try something new.” I saw Sophia’s face change instantly as she started to protest: “No…” But Ethan Parker cut her off with a fierce look: “Get lost.” Sophia was taken aback for a moment. She glanced back at me, but I couldn’t make out her expression against the light. She quickly turned back, taking off her high heels and hurrying out.
Only the two of us were left in the room. Ethan Parker bent down and roughly pulled me into his arms. I crashed against his chest, not having time to react before being pinned against the wall. The cold marble pressed against my back as his restless hands undid the buttons on my top. The dim bathroom lighting was hazy and suggestive. The chill crept in through my open collar, the cold wall steadily sapping the warmth from my back. The cold and fear gradually spread throughout my body. Tears of physiological response welled up in my eyes, driven by instinctual terror. That face so close to mine was both familiar and strange. Only a small scar below his eye was new. It was him. Yet not him. I was at a loss, only able to softly repeat that once most familiar name. “Brother Ethan…” The hands unbuttoning my clothes paused for a second. The man before me raised his hand to press against my lips, caressing them suggestively as his phoenix eyes looked up at me: “Such a sweet voice, but you’ve got the wrong person.” “Call me Ethan and let me hear it.” His words were like a knife cutting through illusion and reality. I suddenly snapped out of it, shoving him hard as I desperately fought back. But my hand accidentally tore open the buttons on his shirt. Large areas of scarring sprawled across his exposed skin, layers of overgrown scar tissue blooming like a flower below his heart. A flower that had blossomed by consuming life. I froze for a moment, my hand brushing against his arm, feeling tiny uneven needle marks under my fingertips. I jerked my hand back as if burned. It wasn’t him. “You’re not him.” “You’re not him.” “I don’t know you.” “Get away from me!” Tears suddenly fell. “Figured it out ” The man’s voice was lazy as he wiped away a tear from my face, the corner of his mouth curling in an amused smile. He leaned in, his hot breath fanning across my neck and shoulder as his hand slid under the hem of my shirt to my waist, sending chills through my body. “Too late.” The bathroom door was suddenly kicked open again. The man who burst in, face full of anger, pulled back his foot. That hand hovering at my waist froze. “Ethan, what the fuck are you doing in such a rush !” “Mr. Reed is looking for you guys, everyone’s been missing for ages.” “You’ll die if you don’t get your rocks off for a bit ” I heard the fury in the newcomer’s voice and instinctively shrank back. The man took a step closer, his expression changing to a teasing grin when he saw my face: “Not Sophia ” “I thought you said you weren’t interested in young girls ” Ethan let go of me without another glance, buttoning up his own shirt as he joked back with the newcomer: “Can’t let good meat go to waste when it’s delivered to your door.” The man cursed crudely and Ethan laughed as he picked up the thread of conversation. As the two were leaving, he suddenly turned back, pulling out a wad of cash and throwing it at me. The bright red bills scattered in the air, floating down all around. Like mockery. Like derision. The bathroom door slammed shut. I collapsed to the ground, the dirty water soaking through my once-clean clothes, but I paid it no mind. In that moment when hope was shattered, it felt like a tree being violently snapped in half, blood gushing from the broken stump. Brutal. And cruel. I knelt on the ground, pathetically gathering up the bills that had fallen into puddles with trembling hands. One by one. Mumbling to myself. He’s not Ethan Parker. He’s not Ethan Parker. As if trying to convince myself. In the end they all fell to the floor again. Scattered in a pile. I finally broke down. He wasn’t Ethan Parker. My Ethan Parker had gone missing a year ago. Maybe, He would never come back.
I didn’t go back to Nightshade. I returned to school and continued my freshman year. Occasionally I would stare blankly at the moon on the horizon. But I never expected to run into Sophia again. Lucy and a few other roommates were trying on clothes in a store at the mall. I was absentmindedly scrolling on my phone. The bubble tea I had ordered was ready. A notification popped up on the app, so I stepped out of the store first, intending to go pick up the drinks. The click of high heels on the mall floor wasn’t out of place, but I instinctively looked in the direction of the sound. I happened to see that familiar face, carrying several shopping bags, still haughty as ever. She met my eyes, curling her red lips in a provocative, challenging smile. “You don’t look so good, little girl.” “Finally learned your lesson, huh ” I didn’t answer. I just stared at her expressionlessly. She seemed annoyed that I hadn’t responded, her pride stung. Anger flashed in her eyes as she raised her hand to slap me. The wind from her hand brushed past my face. But it didn’t land. She seemed even more furious at missing. In her high heels, she suddenly grabbed my hair. My scalp stung sharply as tears welled up in my eyes from the pain. She leaned in close to my ear, snarling viciously: “Come with me.” I was forcefully dragged into the restroom. The curious gazes of passersby were cut off as the door closed. She yanked my hair hard, pulling my head back. My body stumbled, crashing into the wall. When I looked up, a slap was flying straight for my face. Getting hit. It’s going to hurt.
The phone on the counter kept ringing. Curious glances from strangers fell on me before quickly looking away. Sophia had already left. I looked at myself in the mirror, my whole body soaked as if I had been drenched in water. Wet strands of hair dripped down. My eyes were red to the point of bleeding. The phone rang again, finally breaking through my daze. Lucy’s anxious voice came through: “Olivia where are you We’ve been looking everywhere and can’t find you!” “I’m in…” My voice was hoarse to the point of being unrecognizable. “Second floor… bathroom.” Lucy and the others rushed over when they heard, all startled when they saw me. The three of them surrounded me, Lucy taking out tissues to wipe the water dripping down my face. “Olivia, what happened ” My roommate’s voice was gentle. I couldn’t say. Everything got stuck in my throat, tangling into a heavy ball of yarn, sealing my vocal cords and blocking my mouth. I could only bury myself in Lucy’s arms. The girl’s embrace was soft and warm. She hugged me back, gently patting my back. “It’s okay.” “Olivia.” “It’s okay.” When I was ten, I was stopped by some older kids and inexplicably pushed to the ground, taking a hard fall. The ringleader cursed at me with several vulgar words. When I saw Ethan Parker after school, the floodgates of my pent-up emotions burst open.
🌟 Continue the story here 👉🏻 📲 Download the “NovelMaster” app 🔍 search for “296058”, and watch the full series ✨! #NovelMaster #现实主义Realistic #浪漫Romance #励志Inspiring #校园School #重生Reborn
Leave a Reply