Chapter 32: Feelings That Spoke Without Words
Ethan stood between Katrina and Jessica, introducing them with a soft smile.
Ethan: "Katrina, this is Jessica… and Jessica, this is Katrina."
Both girls looked at each other.
They smiled.
But the feelings behind those smiles were completely different.
Katrina felt something tighten inside her chest. Standing there, watching Jessica next to Ethan… it made her uncomfortable in a way she couldn't explain.
On the other hand, Jessica's eyes carefully scanned Katrina—from her elegant outfit to her confident presence.
Everything about Katrina spoke of a life Jessica had always wanted.
And deep inside her—
A quiet jealousy began to grow.
But Ethan…
He noticed none of it.
He stood there, completely at ease.
Happy.
To him, this moment felt special.
I finally introduced Jessica… to the girl I like, he thought, smiling softly.
They talked for a few moments, the conversation light and casual.
Then, from behind—
Mr. Harry: "Miss Katrina, it's time to go home."
Katrina turned.
Katrina: "I'm coming, Mr. Harry."
Jessica's eyes shifted toward the luxurious car waiting for Katrina.
Her grip tightened slightly.
That quiet envy inside her… grew stronger.
Katrina turned back.
Katrina: "Bye… I have to go."
Ethan: "Bye, Katrina."
Katrina walked away, her steps calm—but her mind wasn't.
Ethan watched her leave.
His eyes followed her until she disappeared.
Jessica noticed.
And that was enough.
She turned toward Ethan, her expression changing slightly.
Jessica: "Who is she, Ethan?"
Ethan looked at her, a little surprised.
Then, with a shy smile—
Ethan: "She's… just my friend."
Jessica raised an eyebrow.
Jessica: "Don't lie to me."
She stepped a little closer.
Jessica: "You like her… right?"
Ethan looked away for a second, smiling softly.
He couldn't hide it.
Ethan: "I guess… I can't hide anything from you."
He nodded slightly.
Ethan: "Yes… I like her."
Jessica's smile returned.
But this time, it felt different.
Jessica: "Oh… that's great."
Her voice was light.
But her eyes didn't match.
They both walked toward the bus stop.
After a few minutes, Jessica's bus arrived.
Jessica: "Bye, Ethan. Take care."
Ethan: "Bye, Jess. You too."
She got on the bus.
Ethan watched it leave… then soon his own bus arrived.
He headed home, unaware of the storm quietly beginning somewhere else.
At Jessica's uncle's house…
She walked in quickly and found her mother.
Jessica: "Mom… I was thinking… can I study here?"
Her mother looked at her, confused.
Jessica: "I mean… I'll graduate soon. I want to go to university here."
She hesitated for a moment… then added—
Jessica: "I want to live here too. Our town is too small…"
Her mother frowned slightly.
Jessica's mother: "What are you talking about? This city is very expensive."
Jessica stepped closer, almost pleading.
Jessica: "My friends are enrolling here too…"
Her mother shook her head.
Jessica's mother: "Stop it, Jessica. We don't have that kind of money. Your father is still sick."
Jessica's voice softened… but her determination didn't.
Jessica: "Mom… please. I also want to live a good life… like others."
Her mother sighed, clearly frustrated.
Jessica's mother: "You're being stubborn. I have other things to do."
She turned to leave.
But Jessica spoke again—
Jessica: "Mom… do you know Ethan is in love with someone?"
Her mother stopped.
Slowly, she turned back.
Jessica's mother: "What do you mean… in love?"
Jessica crossed her arms slightly.
Jessica: "Today, he introduced me to a girl. Her name is Katrina… she's very rich."
There was a pause.
Something changed in her mother's expression.
She thought for a moment… then said—
Jessica's mother: "Alright. I'll talk to your father about your admission here."
Jessica's face lit up.
Jessica: "Really? Thank you, Mom! I love you."
But her mother's eyes held something else.
Something calculating.
At Ethan's house…
Ethan: "Mom, I'm home."
His mother didn't respond immediately.
Ethan walked toward her.
Ethan: "I'm sorry… for being rude yesterday."
His mother looked at him… then smiled softly.
Ethan's mother: "It's okay."
Ethan felt relieved.
Then he added—
Ethan: "And… you calling them for breakfast today… that was really nice."
His mother simply nodded.
Ethan's mother: "Alright, I have some work."
She walked away.
Ethan smiled faintly and headed to his room.
Once inside, he sat on his bed and took out his phone.
He called Jessica first.
No answer.
He frowned slightly… then tried calling Katrina.
After a few rings—
Katrina: "Hii…"
Her voice was low.
Quieter than usual.
Ethan: "Hey, Katrina… I wanted to tell you something."
Katrina's heart skipped a beat.
Katrina: "Okay…"
Ethan hesitated for a moment.
Then said softly—
Ethan: "Can we talk this evening?"
Katrina paused.
Her thoughts tangled again.
But she replied—
Katrina: "Okay…"
The call ended.
Katrina looked at her phone.
Her chest felt heavy again.
Something was changing.
And this time—
She couldn't ignore it anymore.