(GILBERT'S POV)
I could tell Ethan was fighting back tears. His fists were clenched so hard that his knuckles had gone white. And when he spoke again, his voice was barely audible.
"I didn't know."
"Ethan—"
"I need to be alone."
He turned and walked away, his stride long and quick, his shoulders rigid with tension. Vera hesitated for a moment, glancing between me and Ethan's retreating form. Then she rose and followed him.
I took a step after them. "Ethan, wait—"
"Leave him."
Blue's voice was gentle but firm. I turned to look at him, and he met my gaze steadily.
"Let him process this," he said. "He needs time. Talk to him later, once he's calmer."
Helplessness washed over me—cold and heavy and suffocating. I wanted to chase after Ethan. I wanted to make him understand. But Blue was right. Pushing him now would only make things worse.
I bowed my head.
And then the room began to move. Everyone was crying now.
Blue stepped forward, his expression serious but kind.
