Three
1001 Words
CHAPTER THREE
ETHAN
Dinner was supposed to be my sanctuary—a quiet evening with my mom,a chance to shake off the absurdity of the day. Instead, it turned into yet another episode of chaos, starring none other than Samantha, the blind date I had already written off as a bad memory.
As fate would have it, Samantha was my mom’s friend’s daughter, and apparently, dinner tonight was some pre-arranged “get to know each other better” event orchestrated by the two moms.
I sat at the dining table, silently chewing my food while Samantha perched herself like royalty, sipping her wine delicately and casting condescending glances my way. Every movement of hers screamed entitlement—from the tilt of her chin to the smug smile tugging at her lips.
“You’re not much of a talker, are you?” Samantha finally said, breaking the awkward silence.
“I’m more of a listener,” I replied evenly, cutting into my food.
She snorted. “Well, that’s probably for the best. A man like you should be seen and not heard.”
I froze for a moment, my fork hovering mid-air. Before I could respond, she continued, turning to my mom with an exaggerated smile.
““Aunt Linda,” she began, her tone laced with mock innocence, “you really didn’t tell me Ethan was so… simple. I mean, he’s cute in a rugged, small-town kind of way, but you might have mentioned his, uh, profession.”
Mom frowned, her fork pausing on its way to her mouth. “What’s wrong with his profession? Ethan helps people.”
“Oh, I’m sure he does,” Samantha said with a laugh that didn’t reach her eyes. “But let’s be honest—being a gynecology nurse isn’t exactly… impressive, is it? I mean, it’s fine for people with no other options, but I just don’t see how he could keep up with someone like me.”
My grip on my fork tightened, But before I could say anything, Mom’s voice rang out, calm yet firm.
“Samantha,”She said. “Ethan works hard and has built a career that he’s proud of. I don’t see how that’s a problem.”
Samantha laughed. “Oh, Aunt Linda, you’re sweet, but come on. I mean, look at where we come from and then look at… this. You can’t seriously believe someone like me would settle for… this life.” She gestured around the modest dining room with a dismissive wave of her hand.
I saw my mom stiffen at the jab. “And what exactly is wrong with ‘this life’?” she asked, her voice hardening.
“Well, for starters, it’s painfully basic,” Samantha replied with a shrug. “Don’t get me wrong, Aunt Linda. You’re lovely, but you should have pushed Ethan to aim higher. Maybe if you’d focused more on that and less on…” Her eyes flitted over my mom’s clothes and the modest decor, a sneer forming on her lips. “…well, less on being comfortable, he wouldn’t be stuck where he is now.”
I set my fork down, my patience wearing thin. “Samantha, if you have something to say, you can say it directly to me.”
She smirked, leaning forward. “Fine. Since you insist—Ethan, you’re lucky someone like me is even sitting here. I’m beautiful, educated, and come from a family that’s well-connected. If you want this to go anywhere, you’re going to have to step it up. Luxury cars, designer gifts, and a little humility on your part would be a good start. After all, men like you don’t get women like me without trying very hard.”
The arrogance in her tone was like nails on a chalkboard. “Samantha,” I said, my voice calm but firm, “if you think relationships are built on money and shallow gestures, then you’re right—this isn’t going anywhere.”
Her eyes widened in mock surprise. “Oh, so you’re just going to give up? No fight? I suppose that’s fitting for someone so… average.”
“Enough!” Mom snapped, glaring at her. “Samantha, I invited you here as a favor to your mother, but I won’t stand for you insulting my son.”
Samantha waved a dismissive hand. “Relax, Aunt Linda. I’m just being honest. Maybe if Ethan had a little ambition, he’d be worth my time.”
Before I could respond, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the house. Mom shot me a curious look as I pushed back my chair and headed to the door.
When I opened it, my breath caught. Standing there was Celia Laurent, the woman I had met earlier today, looking poised and elegant as ever. She was dressed in...Beside her stood a young guy with a sharp suit, holding a tray of exquisitely wrapped gifts.
“Ms. Laurent,” I said, startled. “What are you doing here?”
Celia smiled. “Good evening, Mr. Hale. I’m here for you”
Her words hung in the air as Samantha and my mom appeared behind me, both of them staring in stunned silence.
“For me?” I repeated, still trying to process the moment.
“Yes,” Celia said, stepping inside uninvited, her assistant following closely with the gifts. “After today, I realized you’re someone I can’t ignore. And I never let good opportunities slip away.”
Her gaze swept the room, pausing briefly on Samantha, whose jaw had all but dropped to the floor.
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Celia said with a polite smile, though there was a sharpness in her tone that suggested she knew exactly what she was doing.
“No… not at all,” I managed, glancing at Samantha, whose face was quickly morphing into a mask of disbelief and fury.
“Well then,” Celia said, her voice smooth and unwavering. “Shall we talk business, Ethan?
- Writer
