Chapter 31
Chapter 31:
Ethan chuckled softly. “You used to call me Ethan in the sweetest voice when we were kids. You think I’d let someone who called me that suffer p>
Noelle nearly groaned. Yeah, back then she had called him that with stars in her eyes—but they were kids. That didn’t count. Why was he bringing it up now?
Her eyes drifted around the room. “You’ve still got a lot of your stuff in here. Want me to move it to your room? That way you don’t have to keep coming back and forth p>
“No need. I’ll come get things when I need them p>
“Huh? You’ll be coming in and out of here often? Isn’t that kind of inconvenient p>
“Not at all p>
There was something in Ethan’s tone—something subtle, deeper. Almost like he meant more than he was saying.
He held her gaze with those steady, deep eyes before asking, “The finals for the dance competition are in a week, right p>
𝗧𝘩o𝗎𝘴a𝗻𝘥ѕ о𝖿 𝗋eа𝖽𝘦𝗋𝘴 о𝘯 𝘨𝖺𝗹ո𝗼v𝘦𝗹ѕ.𝗰𝗼𝗆
Noelle nodded. “Yeah. Why p>
“There’s an auction tomorrow night. Want to come with me p>
She thought for a moment. She had been training hard—missing one night wouldn’t hurt. Besides, it had been ages since she’d gone to an event like that. She gave a small nod. “Okay. I’d like that p>
Ethan picked up the folder he had come for and turned to leave, his voice calm and velvety. “I’ll take you tomorrow. Goodnight p>
Noelle blinked. “Uh… goodnight p>
He walked out and closed the door gently behind him, as he always did—no noise, no rush.
Noelle stood there for a second, staring at the closed door. Then she flopped back onto the bed, arms spread out across the soft sheets.
They had spent so many years apart. When she first saw him again, she had felt distant—awkward. But now… it was like the past was quietly creeping back in. That familiar feeling she hadn’t noticed in a long time was starting to return.
The next evening, Noelle joined Ethan for the auction.
Ruben drove them, and the two sat together in the back seat.
In less than thirty minutes, they arrived at the grand venue.
Noelle noticed the staff stationed at the entrance. Everyone had to present an invitation and go through a brief verification process before being allowed inside.
She waited for Ethan to hand over his. But before he could reach for anything, several managers came rushing out, smiles wide, voices warm as they welcomed him personally. They didn’t even ask for identification. Instead, they escorted Ethan and Noelle to a private suite on the second floor.
Inside, the lighting was soft, and the setup was elegant. Drinks and snacks were already arranged on a side table. Noelle took a seat.
From where she sat, she could see the entire auction hall below. Their view was perfect.
Ethan picked up the coffee pot and poured her a cup. His hand paused slightly as he tested the edge. “It’s still hot,” he said.
She raised an eyebrow. “I’m not a kid p>
“I clearly remember you crying over hot milk once. Burned your tongue and bawled,” he said casually, amusement glinting in his eyes.
Noelle froze.