Why did they do that to you?" Bella asked, her voice shaking with emotion.
Ethan looked away. The words were stuck in his throat. After a few seconds, he sighed softly.
"I'm used to it," he said quietly.
Bella's heart ached at his response.
"Does Davis know?" she asked.
Ethan hesitated for a moment. He seemed to be weighing his answer carefully.
"He doesn't know the full story," he finally said. "He always gave me enough money, so they didn't have a reason to complain. But since his accident… my income hasn't been stable."
"I'm sorry. I was the one who pushed you into coming here," Bella said softly, guilt heavy in her voice.
But to her surprise, Ethan shook his head.
"I would have come anyway. Sooner or later… I always do."
~Back to Present~
After sharing her experience with Jessica, Bella's shoulders slumped.
She didn't want Ethan to go through that kind of pain. No one should. But he didn't want to be a burden to anyone either. So he chose to carry the pain on his own.
