I wanted to believe him.
I also knew that wanting something to be true wasn’t the same as knowing it.
“Do you have the messages from that night?”
“Yes.”
He opened his phone and handed it to me.
The conversation began with Vanessa asking whether he had arrived safely. Ethan replied that he was there. Then Vanessa sent a series of messages about how difficult it was to watch him marry someone who didn’t understand him.
Ethan told her he loved me.
Vanessa said I was afraid of marriage.
Ethan said I would tell him if that were true.
Vanessa answered, You always defend her. One day you’ll realize I was the only person who was honest with you.
Then, at 11:48 p.m., Ethan wrote, I’m leaving. Please don’t contact me about Olivia again unless she asks you to.
Vanessa replied, You’ll regret choosing her.
There were no romantic declarations from Ethan. No secret promises. No evidence that he had encouraged her.
