Part 3She Promised Next Year, but We're Done Now

I came across a post from Forrest on my feed while I was lying in bed. "I'm really grateful that after everything we've been through, you're still right here by my side."

There was a comment from one of Lily's best friends. "You two are so sweet! I'm just glad to see Lily happy!"

I looked through the likes and found that all of Lily's best friends had liked Forrest's post. They had always looked down on me, believing that I was the one who came between Lily and Forrest. They were convinced that Lily would be happier if I weren't around.

I couldn't help but think that they were right after seeing Lily's comment. "It all worked out for the best."

As I watched their sentimental interaction expressionlessly, I noticed a comment left by one of Lily's best friends. "You guys had better stop posting before Ethan catches wind of this. He'll definitely throw a massive fit, especially considering how he usually is."

I used to remind Lily nicely to keep her distance from Forrest. I only thought that, since Lily was already in a relationship with me, they should avoid anything that might cause misunderstandings.

Lily's friends, however, mocked me for being too controlling and accused me of taking away Lily's basic freedom to have friends. Lily sided with them and told me that I should be more understanding and open-minded.

I didn't react the way Lily's best friends expected. I simply exited the feed, scrolled through short videos for a bit, and fell asleep in bed.

Lily came home to find me fast asleep. She woke me up in frustration and yelled, "You didn't even bother to check on me, your girlfriend, who was out all night? Do you know that my best friends' boyfriends actually call them constantly? What about you? You didn't even call once! What's that supposed to mean, Ethan?"

I looked at her in confusion, unable to figure out why she was flying off the handle. I used to do the same thing back then, only for her to tell me off. "I'm not here to satisfy your need for control, so please give me some space and stop suffocating me!"

I gave her the space that she wanted, only for her to lash out at me for not caring enough. I was completely lost as to what she actually wanted.

I didn't bother bringing up the past, though. I merely responded calmly. "You were out with friends, so it wouldn't make sense for me to keep blowing up your phone. You're close friends with Forrest, so there's no reason for me to worry about anything."

Lily looked completely taken aback, probably shocked that I mentioned Forrest without causing a scene. She seemed to realize something for a moment and explained, "That post was just to commemorate the past. There was nothing more to it, so don't read too much into it, Ethan."

I shook my head, intending to speak, but Lily preempted me. "What's the problem? Do you think I shouldn't have gone to Forrest's birthday? He and I have known each other for a decade, and we've only dated for a short time. We're just friends now. It's perfectly reasonable for me to celebrate his birthday with him, Ethan."

I looked calmly at Lily and said, "I hear you. It's getting pretty late, so head back to your room and get some sleep, Lily."

Lily remained silent as she watched me closely, seemingly trying to confirm that I really wasn't upset. After a while, she couldn't tell what I was thinking, so she reached out to grab my arm, only for me to silently move out of her reach.

I asked flatly, "Do you want to sleep in the master bedroom or the guest room tonight?"