She was taken aback by his unexpected resentment at this particular situation. She had never witnessed him exhibit such aggression before, and it surprised her. Confused and genuinely concerned, she addressed him by saying. "What are you talking about, Ethan? You know I would never want to do something like that to you. I was merely expressing my genuine concern for your well-being." She tried her best to explain her intentions, hoping he would understand.His words reverberated through the room, his tone echoing loudly, overflowing with a mix of raw sentiment and boiling anger. Every word dripped with disbelief and frustration as he shattered their connection with his merciless words. "I don't believe a single word you say," he uttered, his voice charged with bitterness. "I'm done with this. I'm getting out of here." Each word carried the weight of his decision, his resolve to sever ties evident in his resolute tone. The lingering venom in his voice pierced the air, leaving no do

"That can't be the truth," he declared, his voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and confusion. Uncertainty hung in the air, enveloping the room in a cloud of doubt. His mind raced, desperately searching for any flicker of recollection, but he drew a blank. He simply couldn't recall ever crossing paths with her before, beyond that fleeting encounter at the necklace store. The absence of recognition left him grappling with a sense of unease, questioning the veracity of her claim."Why would you know, when you haven't been paying attention to me?" she questioned, her voice filled with a hint of hurt. Every attempt she made to capture his attention seemed to have been in vain, leaving her feeling helpless and invisible. The weight of her worries manifested in her explanation, each word heavy with frustration and disappointment. It was as if all her efforts had been futile, like whispers lost in the wind, unheard and overlooked."So why are you only approaching now?" he demanded, his tone

"What if you never win," he demanded, his eyes scanning her intentions with intensity. "Trust the future to decide that," she responded calmly. "Both Claire and Adrianna will need to bring their absolute best to the table to defeat me in this.""Okay, let's see how you do that," he replied, his tone tinged with skepticism. However, despite his reservations, he felt it was important to express his true feelings. "But I think it will be better if we maintain this relationship as friends," he let out, his words carefully conveying his lack of interest in pursuing a romantic relationship with her."You don't know me well," she retorted, her voice laced with frustration. "I have been crushing on you for over 4 years now, and you think I'm content with just being your friend? I want to win a chance with you," she said dismissively, the words falling from her lips as if she had grown tired of waiting for something more"It's obvious your mind is made up," he said with a hint of skepticism,

She stood there in shock, her mouth agape, unable to comprehend why her mother had just slapped her cheek. Her hand instinctively went to the stinging sensation, as she struggled to understand the reason behind such an act. Confusion and hurt mingled in her eyes as she questioned her mother. "Mum, why did you slap me?" Her voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and pain. The seriousness in her gaze conveyed just how deeply this unexpected action had affected her. With every ounce of sincerity, she demanded an explanation, longing to understand what she had done to warrant such treatment from someone she trusted."That's to reset your brain. Next time you won't run your mouth at me," her tone was menacing, dripping with a harsh intensity that only intensified the already tense atmosphere. Summoning up every ounce of strength, she pushed back against her mother's aggression. "I am not going to tolerate this, mother," she declared, her voice a controlled mix of frustration and sadness.

She rushed to Ethan, her heart pounding in her chest as she saw him struggling, his hands gripping his head in sheer agony. Worry etched across her face, she knelt down beside him, her voice filled with genuine concern."Are you okay?" she asked, her words laced with compassion, her eyes searching his for any sign of relief."I am fine," he managed to whisper, his voice barely audible amidst the pain coursing through him.Confusion and concern mingled in her eyes as she looked at him, her concern growing with each passing moment. Her attention then shifted to the others, her expression incredulous."What are you all waiting for?" he snapped, his words dripping with frustration. "Did I bring you all here just to gawk at him? Do something! Help him!"His grip tightened around Claire, his fingers digging into her skin. She struggled against his hold, feeling the desperation in his touch."What is this, Johnson? Don't you dare touch him!" she shouted, her tone quivering with a mixture of