Ch. The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie 6 The Dress Swap That Exposed Her Perfect Lie 6

Chapter 6 

Vera let out a little whoops. 

“Oh my god, sorry, that slipped out. Hazel, don’t be mad. It’s Ethan’s fault, he’s the one who…” 

“It’s fine.” My voice came out ice cold, and I hung up. 

Liam’s expression turned uneasy. Before he could get a word out, I tossed the grilled cheese sandwich in the 

trash and slammed the door in his face. 

That night, after studying and showering, I stuffed everything related to Ethan into a big cardboard box. 

I hauled it downstairs and dumped it straight into the bin. 

Even though I knew it was the right move, it still hurt. That dull, heavy ache sat in my chest. 

I slept badly. 

The next morning, the moment I stepped outside, I saw someone standing by the trash cans. 

Ethan. 

His white shirt billowed slightly in the wind. He was frowning at the bin, lost in thought. 

I didn’t know what he was looking for, but I wasn’t stupid enough to think he was here for me. 

I pretended I didn’t see him and walked right past. 

“Hazel.” 

Ethan’s voice was crisp and low. 

It was the first time he’d ever said my name. 

I stopped. 

He spoke evenly. “I had breakfast from you once. It wasn’t bad. Let me treat you today.” 

He glanced at his watch, took a breath, and looked at me. “We’ve got time. Let’s go.” 

For a second, I felt dizzy, like I’d been hit with some kind of happiness I didn’t understand. 

I moved slow and stiff. 

Chapter 6 

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Ethan didn’t notice. He just walked ahead, talking. 

“Vera’s innocent. She sees the world in a really simple way. She’s not like you-you wear every emotion on 

your face, and you’re not afraid to cuss someone out.” 

“So I hope you’ll stop icing her out because of me. If you can do that, I’ll tutor you every day from now on.” 

I watched his back. 

And I snapped out of it. 

I sped up, walked past him like he was a stranger, and got on the bus first. 

I glanced back through the window. He looked confused. 

And I thought to myself, My first crush is officially dead. Tuesday, 6:44 a.m. End of story. 

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