A woman discovers her boyfriend has given away her seat to another woman, a small betrayal that cracks open bigger questions about their relationship. As she confronts the slight and the people behind it, she must decide whether to fight for a love that has already started to shift or walk away with her dignity intact.
I was still out of it when Ethan unscrewed the bottle and handed the sparkling water back to me. Thanks. He'd probably just come off an overnight surgery.
He looked exhausted and distant. I sipped the water, trying to swallow the humiliation. Julian had planned this trip for Mia's birthday. I came as his girlfriend.
But right then, I felt like the unwanted third wheel. We'd fought about him crossing lines with Mia more times than I could count. Every time, Julian said it'd change.
Then he saw her and forgot every promise. Suddenly, it all just felt pointless. Even through his dress pants, the heat hit me the second my skin brushed his. I jumped, about to pull my leg away when I caught sight of the rearview mirror.
Anyone could see it. It was a hickey. Last night, Julian claimed he was working late and never came home. Who put it there was obvious? My eyes went cold.
Whatever softness I had left vanished. I stopped right there. Spiteful, self-destructive, I didn't move an inch. When Ethan felt me against him, he slowly opened his eyes.