I lowered my gaze and met Ethan's eyes.
They were steady, completely serious.
But before I could say anything, Adrian's voice echoed in my head. "He already has a fiancée, and they're getting married soon."
"I can't." My voice came out softer than I expected.
For a split second, Ethan froze. Something flickered across his eyes, disappointment and maybe even hurt, but he didn't push.
"If you're not ready, that's okay," he said quietly. "I can wait—"
"Ethan."
I lifted a hand, stopping him.
Then I looked up at him properly, at that cold, composed face that never seemed to lose control.
"I hate people who cheat," I said, my voice steady now. "And I hate being the other woman even more."
I paused briefly before continuing.
"So I won't be one. And I won't accept someone who isn't comp
