The First Lie — Episode 6

So, it wasn't that he didn't like kissing, he just didn't like kissing me. Ava rushed over and grabbed my arm. Cynthia, I'm so sorry. I didn't want you to see it like this. I turned around and walked out of the venue without a word.

Back in my room, I sat silently in front of my laptop for a long time. It's all over, Ethan. I took a deep breath, my voice steady and final. From today on, I'm no longer your warm-up girl.

I opened the application portal, withdrew my Caltech application, and submitted a new one to MIT instead. I curled up on my bed, hugging my knees to my chest. I only managed to fall into a fitful sleep as dawn broke. I shoved him off with all the strength I had, my heart pounding with a confusing mix of anger and

betrayal. Ethan's expression darkened, clearly irritated. What's with the attitude? Is this about me not taking you to prom? About not being your date? I'm exhausted, Ethan. I don't well and I really don't want to be touched right now. Ethan smirked, still assuming he had upper hand. Let me guess, Ava told you, right? You're mad because I took Sylvia to the dance.

Seriously, she didn't have a date, and I was just helping her out. What's there to be jealous about? His casual tone made my chest tighten. I pulled the blanket tighter around myself and stood up.

I'm not jealous. I'm just done.