Episode 3 FORBIDDEN GLANCES
863 Words
The dining room table was too long for four people.
Lena sat stiffly in her chair, picking at the roasted vegetables on her plate while Daniel recounted a story about his latest business trip. Across from her, Ethan was a silent, brooding presence, his fingers tapping restlessly against his water glass.
Then the doorbell rang.
Sophia brightened. “Oh! That must be Claire!”
Ethan’s glass slipped from his fingers, hitting the table with a sharp clink.
Lena’s stomach twisted.
Claire. Here.
Daniel frowned. “Claire?”
“She called earlier,” Sophia said, already pushing back her chair. She was in town and wanted to catch up. I told her to stop by for dessert.”
Lena shot Ethan a look. His jaw was clenched so tight she could see the muscles flickering beneath his skin.
Sophia returned moments later, Claire trailing behind her like a storm cloud in a red sundress.
“Look who’s here!” Sophia sang.
Claire’s smile was all teeth. “Hope I’m not interrupting.”
Her gaze landed on Ethan first—lingering, possessive—then slid to Lena. Something dark flickered in her eyes.
She remembers.
Lena forced herself to breathe.
Claire had been a year ahead of them in school, the kind of girl who collected hearts like trophies. She and Ethan had dated for two years before she dumped him for his best friend.
And now she was back.
“Pull up a chair,” Daniel said, ever the gracious host.
Claire didn’t hesitate. She grabbed a spare seat and wedged it between Ethan and Sophia, her knee brushing Ethan’s under the table.
Lena stabbed a carrot with her fork.
“So,” Claire said, leaning forward, “how’s my favorite almost-sister?”
The word almost hit Lena like a slap.
Ethan’s head snapped up.
Claire smirked, swirling her wine. “Oh, come on. You two were practically family even before the wedding.” Her tone dripped with false sweetness. “Weren’t you?”
The air in the room thickened.
Sophia laughed, oblivious. “Lena used to follow Ethan around like a puppy!”
Lena’s face burned.
Ethan set his napkin on the table with deliberate calm. “We’re done.”
Claire’s hand shot out, catching his wrist. “Don’t be rude, baby.”
Lena’s fork clattered against her plate.
Ethan wrenched his arm free. “Don’t.”
A tense silence fell.
Daniel cleared his throat. “Claire, how’s the gallery?”
Claire leaned back, her smile sharp. “Thriving. But I’m actually here on business.” She pulled a business card from her purse and slid it toward Ethan. “My new partner is looking for an architect. I told him you were the best.”
Ethan didn’t touch it. “I’m booked.”
Claire’s laugh was like shattered glass. “Funny. Your firm said you were available.”
Lena’s pulse spiked. She called his office?
Sophia clapped her hands. “This is perfect! Ethan, you should take the job.”
“No.”
Claire’s eyes glittered. “Why not? Afraid we’ll get… distracted again?”
Ethan stood so fast his chair screeched. “We’re done here.”
Lena couldn’t take it anymore. She pushed back from the table. “I’ll help with dessert.”
She fled to the kitchen, gripping the counter until her knuckles turned white. The muffled voices from the dining room grew louder—Claire’s teasing, Ethan’s sharp retort.
Then footsteps.
Ethan appeared in the doorway, his expression thunderous.
Lena didn’t look up. “You should go back.”
“I’m not playing her game.”
“What game?” Lena snapped. “The one where she pretends she didn’t destroy you? Or the one where she still thinks she owns you?”
Ethan went very still. “You think I’m still hung up on her?”
Lena met his gaze. “Aren’t you?”
He crossed the kitchen in three strides, caging her against the counter. His breath was warm against her lips.
“The only person I’ve ever been hung up on,” he growled, “is you.”
The confession hung between them, electric and terrifying.
Then—
“Am I interrupting?”
Claire stood in the doorway, her smile venomous.
Ethan didn’t move.
Claire’s gaze dropped to where his body pressed against Lena’s, and her expression hardened. “Well. This is… interesting.”
Lena shoved Ethan away, her heart hammering.
Claire tilted her head. “Daniel was asking for you, Ethan.”
He didn’t look at her. “Lena—”
“Go,” Lena whispered.
For a heartbeat, she thought he might refuse. Then he turned and walked out, brushing past Claire without a word.
Claire lingered, her eyes raking over Lena. “You always did want what was mine.”
Lena forced a laugh. “He was never yours.”
Claire’s smile faded. “Funny. He used to say the same thing about you.”
Then she was gone, leaving Lena alone with the echo of Ethan’s words—
The only person I’ve ever been hung up on is you.
And the terrifying thought:
What if he means it?
- Writer
