1 spent most of my time at the hospital with Mom. I even did all my lyric writing there.
Ethan, true to his word, often worked here in France.
And whenever he was in town, he’d come to the hospital to see Mom.
“Ella, your lyrics are really good.”
I’ve heard Noah’s songs. He’s actually a pretty good singer, very talented.”
“But your lyrics are the soul. You’re the one who gives the songs their soul.”
I smiled.
Mr. Wilson, are you always so good at compliments?”
His expression, though, was serious.
7 don’t just hand out compliments, Ella. I’ve actually wanted to work with you for a while now.”
“But I heard you only write for Noah.”
I got up and walked to the window, looking out at the view.
just thought things were simpler back then.”
“Good thing I finally see things for what they are.”
I heard he’s been looking for you.”
My hand paused.
“I know.”
“He’ll know where I am eventually.”
I wasn’t even trying to hide it from him.”
I only left because I knew how stubborn he could be.”
“If I’d told him beforehand, he’d have moved heaven and earth to stop me. That’s why I kept quiet.”
“Honestly, he’s always been the one obsessed in this relationship.”
“He just doesn’t know it.”
“I’m so glad I had the guts to leave.”
“This life I have now? It’s perfect.”
After Ethan left, I sat by the hospital room window, looking out at the Paris night.
My phone screen lit up. Another unknown number.
I knew it was Noah. He’d burned through countless numbers, calling me like crazy, but I hadn’t answered any of them.
I swiped open my phone, scrolled to Twitter, and instantly saw the number one trending topic.
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[Noah Breaks Down Live on Stream]
I tapped the video. His eyes were bloodshot, voice hoarse:
“Ella, I know I messed up… I took that song down.”
“I can explain about Lily. Please, just answer my call…”
The comments section was a total mess.
[WHERE WAS THIS ENERGY BEFORE? NOW HE’S ACTING ALL SINCERE?]
LMAO, the bride ditched him on his wedding day. Serves him right!]
[IS ELLA REALLY THAT COLD–HEARTED? EIGHT YEARS, JUST TOSSED IT AWAY LIKE THAT?]
I turned off my phone, a cold scoff escaping me.
He actually went with this tactic.
Did he think I was still the Ella who’d melt at his words?
“Ella.”
Mom’s faint voice came from the hospital bed.
I hurried over, grabbing her hand.
“Mom, you’re awake? How are you feeling?”
She gently shook her head, her pale lips parted:
…Don’t make yourself suffer.”
My eyes stung, but I nodded.
“I know.”
Mom’s hand softly stroked my cheek, her voice barely a whisper:
…Back then, I thought I couldn’t live without your dad either.”
“But then I realized, some people… they just make you hurt more.”
“You’re braver than I was. Do whatever you want.”
I’ll always have your back.”
I squeezed her hand tight. Tears splattered onto her skin.
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7

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.