Too Late, My Love, You Lost Me

Ella Rosales's POV:

Carly and I spent our days in LA exploring the city, revisiting our favorite college haunts.

Carly insisted on throwing a party.

That night, the atmosphere was relaxed and easy, filled with chatter and the occasional clinking of glasses.

Halfway through the party, a stranger walked in. A wave of surprised whispers instantly rippled through the room.

"Ethan Maddox? Wow, I can't believe he actually came!"

"I haven't seen him at one of these things in forever," someone else said. "A rare sighting indeed."

Tall and radiating undeniable charm, Ethan just offered a faint smile. "Carly cornered me and said I absolutely had to make an appearance." He scanned the room, and his eyes briefly met mine across the crowded space. A flicker of something I couldn't read crossed his gaze.

Carly nudged me gently, whispering in my ear, "What do you think? He's a total catch, right? A self-made billionaire, a tech mogul, and ridiculously handsome."

I was a little tipsy, the alcohol loosening me up significantly.

I vaguely remembered Ethan from our Stanford days; he was a brilliant computer science major. He had always been quiet and focused, but undeniably very handsome.

Now, years later, he exuded a grounded and powerful aura. He possessed everything Holden lacked—steadiness, intelligence, and a quiet confidence that didn't need to be loud to be convincing.

"He... is handsome," I admitted, a slight flush creeping up my neck. "But we haven't kept in touch in a long time."

Carly grinned, a sly glint in her eyes. "He never accepts my party invitations, but today I told him you were going to be here."

I looked at Ethan in confusion, only to accidentally lock eyes with him. He offered a warm, gentle smile.

Carly whispered to me, "He's here for you, Ella."

She walked over to Ethan, wearing a somewhat conspiratorial look on her face. "Ethan, Ella is staying with me right now, but I've had a bit too much to drink. Could you walk her to my guest house? It's just down the street, a few minutes away."

My eyes widened, and I stared at Carly in shock. She knew perfectly well I had flown in from New York and would be staying with her indefinitely. The "guest house down the street" was a very convenient lie.

Yet, Ethan didn't miss a beat. He simply smiled. "Of course, Carly. I'd be happy to."

"Thank you, thank you!" Carly said excitedly, pulling me in for a quick hug.

She whispered in my ear, "Girl, you need to open your eyes. You deserve someone so much better than Holden. Ethan is solid, reliable, and he's had a quiet crush on you for years."

I mumbled back, "Nonsense, how would you even know?"

Carly winked. "Girl, the way he looks at you, it's like you're the only woman in the room. If Holden can screw around, why can't you go after true love?"

"Ella, sleeping with only one man for seven years is a terrible deal." Carly nudged me toward Ethan.