Ethan froze mid-step, his smile stiffening at the corners of his lips.
"Mila… I know you hate me," he said, his voice softening. "But believe me, I missed you. I never believed you were dead. I searched for you everywhere."
He took a step toward her.
Mila stepped back instantly.
"I realized my mistakes," he continued, stopping himself. "I broke up with Bianca. After losing you, I understood you were the one I truly loved."
Mila almost laughed. "What? You loved me?" she scoffed. "How dare you say that?"
Her eyes burned with anger.
"I heard everything you said to your friends," she continued sharply. "You said I disgusted you. Remember? You were only with me to please Bianca, to satisfy her whims."
Ethan shook his head and opened his mouth to speak, but Mila didn't give him the time.
