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I...
The bar was packed, the dim lighting and pulsing music creating an electric atmosphere. Jalissa tried to relax as Gina ordered their drinks, but her mind kept wandering back to Ethan's promises.
As they found a spot near the corner, Gina's expression suddenly shifted. "Uh, J," she said, nudging Jalissa.
"What?" Jalissa asked, turning around. Her heart sank.
There, on the other side of the bar, was Ethan. He was standing with Kate and a small group of their friends, laughing and looking completely at ease.
Gina gave her a pointed look. "You're telling me he had no time to spend with you tonight, but he's here playing social butterfly with Kate?"
Jalissa's stomach churned. She wanted to turn around and leave, but before she could make a decision, Ethan spotted her. His eyes widened briefly before he waved her over.
"Jalissa! Gina!" he called out, his voice overly cheerful.
Jalissa hesitated, but Gina grabbed her hand. "Nope, we're doing this," Gina said firmly, pulling her toward the group.
"Hey, babe," Ethan said, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "I didn't know you'd be here."
"Clearly," Jalissa said, her tone clipped.
Ethan either didn't notice or chose to ignore the edge in her voice. "Guys, this is my girlfriend, Jalissa, and her friend Gina," he said, gesturing to the group.
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Kate
Kate stepped forward, her perfectly manicured hand outstretched. "It's so nice to finally meet you," she said, her tone overly pleasant. "Ethan talks about you all the time."
Jalissa forced a smile as they shook hands. "Nice to meet you too."
The introductions continued, but the awkwardness was palpable. The group's conversation flowed easily, but Jalissa felt like an outsider. Kate and Ethan exchanged inside jokes, their easy camaraderie only deepening Jalissa's discomfort.
Gina, ever the blunt one, leaned closer to Jalissa and whispered, "I don't like this."
"Neither do I," Jalissa muttered, her gaze fixed on the way Kate lightly touched Ethan's arm as she laughed.
After what felt like an eternity, Jalissa excused herself to the bathroom. Gina followed, her expression stormy.
"That girl is way too comfortable with your man," Gina said as soon as the door closed behind them.
"I know," Jalissa said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Are you seriously just going to let this slide?" Gina pressed.
"I don't know what to do, Gina," Jalissa admitted, her eyes brimming with tears. "I've tried talking to him, but he keeps saying it's all for us. What if he's right?"
"And what if he's not?" Gina countered. "You can't keep sacrificing your happiness for someone who doesn't even notice."
Later that night, Ethan and Jalissa sat in tense silence in their living room.
"So, you didn't think to tell me you'd be out at a bar tonight?" Jalissa asked, breaking the silence.
Ethan sighed, rubbing his temples. "I didn't think it was a big deal, J. We were just unwinding after a long week."
"With Kate and the team," she said, her voice laced with bitterness.
"Yes, with Kate and the team," Ethan snapped. "Why do you always make it about her?"
"Because it feels like it's always about her!" Jalissa shot back. "She gets your time, your attention, your energy—what do I get?"
Ethan groaned, running a hand through his hair. "We've had this conversation, Jalissa. I'm doing this for us. Why can't you just trust me?"
"Because I feel like I'm losing you," she said, her voice breaking.
Ethan's expression softened, but he didn't move to comfort her. "You're not losing me," he said quietly. "But you need to understand that this is a critical time for me. I can't afford distractions."
Jalissa stared at him, her heart sinking. "Distractions," she repeated. "Is that what I am to you now?"
"Of course not," Ethan said quickly. "That's not what I meant."
"It's what it feels like," Jalissa said, standing up. "I've been nothing but supportive, Ethan. I've put my life on hold for you, and all I'm asking for is a little effort. Is that really too much?"
Ethan looked away, his silence speaking volumes.
Jalissa felt the tears streaming down her face, but she refused to let him see her break. "Goodnight, Ethan," she said, walking toward the bedroom.
"Jalissa—" he began, but she closed the door before he could finish.
The weight of their argument lingered long after the lights were out. Jalissa stared at the ceiling, her mind racing with doubts. She wanted to believe Ethan's promises, but the small voice in the back of her head whispered otherwise.
