Parting Under the Moonlit River

The movement was so sudden Nora had no time to react. Luckily, her hands instinctively grabbed the swing’s frame, but her mood soured instantly.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

She spun around, cheeks flushed, only to meet a pair of deep, starry eyes glinting with mockery and mischief.

It was Ryan’s friend.

Nora’s mind was clear. She looked straight at Ethan, her gaze cold.

“Sir, I don’t believe we’ve met.”

The man said nothing. Colored lights from the fountain reflected on his sharply cut face. In those few seconds, his lips curved coldly, and he pulled something from his suit pocket like a magician — a necklace.

At the sight of it, Nora instinctively reached for her neck.

But she had forgotten — she’d blacked out drunk the night before, and only discovered at home that the necklace Adrian Cole had given her was missing.

At the time, she had only felt a brief pang of regret. Now, seeing it again, she reached for it almost immediately. But Ethan’s long arm lifted it just out of her reach, holding it high above his head.

Deliberately taunting her.

That moment, Nora realized his hostility toward her wasn’t without reason — but she had no idea what that reason was.

“Where did you find it?”

Ethan realized then that Nora didn’t remember him.

He closed the necklace in his fist, lowering it slightly. Nora instinctively stepped closer, trying to reach it. As she moved around him, her eyes caught sight of a small red mole at the base of his neck.

And in an instant, the memories came flooding back, her face flushing pink.

“Remember now?”

Her hands froze. The next second, she trembled with shame.

Those hurried, chaotic memories surged back as if they had just happened.

The one that stood out most was when his lips brushed the hollow of her waist. Even in her hazy state, her entire body had turned pink — not out of bias, but because this man clearly knew what he was doing.

He was good at playing games.

And very good in bed.

Seeing him again only made that impression stronger.

Not wanting to get entangled with him further, Nora drew back abruptly.

“Forget it. If you like it, you can have it.”

She turned to leave.

“Another man gave that to you?” Ethan’s voice came from behind.

Nora froze, her fingers clenched tight — but she didn’t answer.

What business was it of his?

“Miss Reynolds, a one-night whim and now you don’t want to take responsibility?”

His voice turned even colder, like a chill that cut through bone.

Nora spun around, furious.

“Watch your words.”

Yes, that night had been unforgettable — but not enough for her to endure this kind of arrogance.

“So you do remember.” Ethan’s voice was deceptively mild.

Nora’s temper flared.

“Tell me what exactly it is you want.”

His gaze was anything but innocent.

“If Miss Reynolds is willing, I don’t see why we can’t continue this… mistake of a relationship.”

Nora let out a laugh, her eyes narrowing.

“We barely know each other. Are you joking, Mr. Blake?”

Ethan’s tone was grave.

“I think last night is something you’ll never forget.”

Nora snapped, “I can’t give you anything official. Stop joking.”

She still planned to start something with Ryan — everyone else could step aside.

Ethan’s fingers hooked under her chin lightly. There was no real force, but the pressure was suffocating.

And he smelled of expensive cologne — sharp, luxurious, intoxicating.