Shades of Desire

Ivy

Ivy:

"I should head back," I say, pulling away slightly.

"You can stay here, you know. With me," Jace murmurs, his eyes searching mine.

A part of me does want to stay forever, wrapped up in him. But Ethan's text keeps flashing in my mind:
"Ivy, I'm sorry I pushed things too soon."

I hadn't replied. I don't even know what to say. Ethan's a good guy, and the logical side of me tells me I should be with him. But my heart? It's confused, torn between what I should feel and what I do feel.

"Jace, I have to go," I say, giving him a quick kiss, more to reassure myself than him.

"I'll give you a ride," he offers, his voice soft but firm.

"No... I'll manage." The last thing I want is for Ethan to see me with Jace.

As I head out, my heart pounds in my chest. When I finally reach the dorm, my breath catches. Ethan is sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Ethan? What are you doing here?"

His eyes are dark, unreadable, like a storm waiting to break. I've never seen him like this—so... distant.

"I was worried," he says quietly, his voice devoid of the usual warmth. "I came to check on you."

Mia and Jess? Right, they're probably at their boyfriends' places. It's just him and me now.

"Where were you, Ivy?" His tone is low, controlled.

I hesitate, feeling the weight of the truth between us. But I can't lie anymore.

"I was with Jace."

He doesn't flinch, doesn't react. It's as if he already knew. The silence stretches until his voice cuts through it.

"Ivy... did you sleep with him?" His voice is calm, almost too calm.

"Ethan—"

"Just answer the damn question," he snaps, the first crack in his composure.

"Yes," I whisper, the word heavy in the air. "But Ethan, it wasn't about you. It's more complicated than that."

"Oh, really?" His voice is bitter now, and without another word, he storms out, slamming the door behind him.

I stand there, frozen, the silence deafening. What did I just do? How did I let this happen? I hurt Ethan.

The guilt hits me like a wave, and before I know it, I'm breaking down, the tears flowing uncontrollably.