Chapter Two: Shattered Dreams
The ocean air felt heavier than before.I sat on the deck alone, staring at the dark waves crashing against the boat, my hands gripping the edge so tightly that my knuckles turned white. Inside the cabin, I could hear faint laughter—his laughter. Ethan was with Claire now, doing whatever couples did.I swallowed against the lump in my throat.I had spent years pretending, convincing myself that the way Ethan held my hand, the way he leaned on me, and the way he always pulled me into his world meant something more. But today, reality hit me with a force I couldn't ignore.He had never looked at me the way he looked at her.And he never would.I took a shaky breath and pulled out my phone, my fingers hovering over his contact. My heart clenched as I stared at his name—Ethan Carter.For years, I had been his constant. His best friend. The person he came to when he needed advice, support, or a shoulder to lean on. But what about me? Had he ever once been there for me when I needed him?No.Ethan was the kind of guy who would do anything for anyone—his girlfriend, a stranger, even someone he hated. But when it came to me… it was different. I wasn't just anyone. I was Jessica. The best friend. The girl who was always there but never the one.I squeezed my eyes shut.Maybe I had been fooling myself all along.Maybe I had never been a part of his world in the way I wanted to be.And maybe… it was time to leave him behind.The Next Morning
I woke up early, hoping to avoid him. The yacht was still docked at the private island, the final day of our trip stretching before us. Everyone else was still asleep, but I had spent the entire night awake, making a decision I should have made a long time ago.I was done.Done pretending. Done hoping. Done loving him.I grabbed my bag and quietly made my way off the boat. The sand was warm under my feet as I walked toward the shoreline, letting the waves wash over my ankles.But just as I was about to disappear into the peaceful solitude, I heard his voice behind me."Jess!"I froze.His footsteps were quick, and before I could react, he was in front of me, breathing hard. His hair was messy from sleep, his t-shirt wrinkled. He looked… concerned."What the hell?" he demanded. "Where were you last night? You didn't come inside."I forced a small smile. "I wasn't in the mood."His brows furrowed. "That's not like you. You always—" He stopped, his eyes scanning my face. "Are you okay?"No, Ethan. I'm in love with you, and it's killing me.But I couldn't say that. So, instead, I shrugged. "I just needed some space."He frowned. "Did something happen?"Yes. I finally realized that loving you is a dead end.I shook my head. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."Ethan studied me for a long moment, his dark eyes searching for something. I held my breath, hoping—stupidly hoping—that maybe, just maybe, he would finally see it.But then, as always, he let it go."Alright," he said, running a hand through his hair. "Just… don't disappear on me, okay?"I already have.I nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Sure."He grinned, completely unaware of the storm raging inside me. "Good. Now, come on. Let's grab breakfast before Claire wakes up."The mention of her name was like a dagger to my heart.I took a deep breath and gave him one last look. This is the last time, Jessica. The last time you let him hurt you.And with that, I turned around and walked back toward the boat, pretending—like I had always done—that nothing was wrong.Later That Night – The Moment That Changed Everything
The yacht party was in full swing, the music loud, the alcohol flowing. I stood on the deck, pretending to enjoy myself as couples danced under the stars. Claire was pressed against Ethan's side, whispering something into his ear, and he smiled down at her, his arm wrapped around her waist.That was supposed to be me.I clenched my jaw and turned away.I needed to leave.Slipping away from the crowd, I made my way toward the railing, breathing in the salty night air. The stars above were beautiful, but they felt distant, just like everything else.I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear him come up behind me."Jess?"I stiffened.Ethan leaned against the railing beside me, his gaze soft. "You've been acting weird all day."I forced a laugh. "I think I just drank too much."He frowned. "No. It's something else."I sighed, gripping the railing tighter. This is it. The last conversation. The last moment."I think we should stop this," I said quietly.He blinked. "Stop what?""This." I gestured between us. "The way we are."His face twisted in confusion. "Jess, what are you talking about?"I took a deep breath, my heart hammering. "I'm saying… I don't think we should be friends anymore."The words hung in the air like a bomb waiting to explode.Ethan straightened, his expression darkening. "That's not funny.""I'm not joking."His jaw clenched. "Is this because of Claire? Because if she—""It's not about Claire!" I snapped, finally losing my patience. "It's about me!"He fell silent, his eyes locked onto mine.I took another breath, my hands trembling. "I've spent years being there for you. Years waiting. Hoping. And for what? You've never seen me the way I see you." My voice cracked. "And I can't do it anymore, Ethan. I can't be your second choice. I can't be your almost."His expression shifted, something unreadable flashing in his eyes. "Jess…"I shook my head. "It's over. We're done."And before he could say anything else, before he could break me further, I turned and walked away.For the first time in my life… I was finally choosing me.