Scarlett's POV
Ethan kissed me deeply, and I kissed him back. A soft moan escaped both of us, like we were trying to breathe through the same moment. My fingers tightened on his shirt as I leaned into him, needing something—anything—to hold on to. Then suddenly, he pulled away. His breathing was heavy, his eyes squeezed shut like he was fighting a war inside himself. I froze. For a second, I thought he was going to leave completely.
I swallowed hard and forced myself to nod. "Thank you… for tonight," I whispered, my voice sounding distant even to my own ears. "I'll see you tomorrow." I didn't wait for him to respond. I couldn't. If I stayed any longer, I would break. I turned and walked away, almost running back toward the mansion. I slipped through a side door, avoiding the noise of the party. The hallway felt too quiet. Too empty. Too cold.
