Ella Rosales's POV:
My phone buzzed, pulling me away from my design work. It was Ethan calling.
I smiled.
"Hey, are you busy?" Ethan's warm, deep voice came through the line.
"Almost done," I replied, leaning back in my chair. "Honestly, I'm feeling a little tired."
"So, what's for dinner?" he asked. "What are you craving?"
"You choose," I said, a wave of comfort washing over me. "I trust your judgment."
"Mexican?" he suggested immediately. "I remember you used to love spicy food."
Mexican? For the past seven years, I rarely had the chance to eat it because Holden hated it.
A bittersweet feeling rose in my chest. He was right. Holden had always dictated our meals. Anything too spicy or exotic was strictly forbidden.
"Ethan, you don't have to sacrifice your taste buds for me," I said, frowning slightly. "I recall you preferring healthier food."
He chuckled softly. "It's fine, Ella. I really want Mexican tonight. Besides," he added, a hint of nostalgia in his tone, "it reminds me of our Stanford days. Remember? You always asked for extra jalapeños."
A nostalgic smile touched my lips. My mouth was practically watering. "Oh my god, I do remember that place," I said, my hunger suddenly spiking. "Alright, Mexican it is. You win."
"Great," he said, sounding satisfied. "I'll pick you up in an hour."
"Okay," I agreed, my chest feeling instantly lighter.
True to his word, Ethan arrived right on time.
After we sat down, Ethan was unexpectedly meticulous. He pulled some wet wipes from his pocket and wiped down the slightly sticky table and chairs. Then, he expertly navigated the menu, ordering a hearty spread of meats and vegetables.
I watched him, and a strange thought popped into my head.
"Your ex-girlfriend definitely trained you well, Ethan," I commented, remembering how Holden always expected me to cater to his every need.
I used to do everything for him, from picking out his clothes to managing his schedule, always hoping my efforts would earn his gratitude and love. I threw myself entirely into being the perfect girlfriend, and in the process, I lost myself.
Now, watching Ethan, I realized how much I had sacrificed. To please a man who took everything for granted, I had completely abandoned my own desires.
Yes, I had loved him, but the price was erasing myself.
Ethan was different. He was thoughtful and attentive, anticipating my needs without me having to say a word. It was such a stark contrast to my past, and it made me genuinely curious about his.
