Key To My Heart

28. "Leave."

(1849 words)

"Ethan, I—" I started but he abruptly cut me off.

"I know." He said, shocking both me and Adeline.

"W-What? H-how?" Adeline asked bewilderedly.

"I know because Anastasia told me." Ethan stated calmly. What?! No, I didn't!

"Huh?!" Adeline managed to say, unable to recover from the shock. I was also dumbfounded.

"What are you trying to do, Adeline? Anastasia's past is none of your business." Ethan said to her in an upbraiding tone. My fast beating heart had still not calmed down. I was so confused and worried. Why was Ethan saying that? I didn't tell him anything.

"I-I-" Adeline was at a loss for words.

"Leave." Ethan commanded in a tone that made me shake with fear. I dared to glance at his face. It was of pure anger, causing terror to consume me. Without another word, Adeline scurried out of our room, clearly scared of Ethan as well. I straightened up in bed as I realised that Ethan and I were alone now.

"Ethan, I—" I started but he cut me off again.

"What would have I done if you had told me? Would I have killed you for once being in a relationship? Everyone has relationships. You could have told me." He stated firmly, his eyes still angry, but his tone rather calm.

"I— I thought you wouldn't want me if I told you..." I trailed off, both embarrassed and scared.

"Anastasia, it's okay. I have no problem with it. Your past relationship has nothing to do with our present and future." He said, his voice firm as he made his way around the bed towards his side.

"How did you know?" I managed to ask him.

"I didn't." He answered, confusing me.

"Then why did you say that in front of Adeline?" I asked him and he gave me a look that helped me understand it all. He didn't have to say anything. He just didn't want me to appear as a liar in front of his cousin.

"Ethan." I croaked out as tears welled in my eyes.

"Hey, don't cry." He said to me, his voice softening. He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me into an embrace. I cried a little into his chest.

"I'm sorry for not telling you." I said amidst my sobs.

"Anastasia, like I said, it doesn't matter to me. It's alright. I may not be your first, but I'll be your last. And that's all that matters." He said, continuing to rub my back in a comforting manner.

"I love you, Ethan." I spoke honestly. I felt like the luckiest girl alive in that moment.

"I love you too, Anastasia." He said, kissing the top of my head.

———

Exams had officially started. But I was actually sure for the very first time in my life, that I was going to ace them. Wanna know why? Because Ethan had tutored me. He was an excellent teacher, like I've mentioned before. When it was time to study, according to him there was no room for any distractions. He would become a serious and professional person. But when our study sessions would be over, he would become the sweet and playful Ethan. I loved that about him. He helped me have a thorough understanding of each and every thing. I had no doubts and I felt confident.

I could feel positive vibes coming from me as Ethan drove me to the examination centre. It was the day of the very first exam. I have to admit, I was also a bit nervous but compared to every other time that I'd given exams, that was the first time I was the least nervous.