A flutter of excitement swept through me. “He just texted me,” I told Ivy. “He said he had a great time, and can’t wait to see me on Saturday.”
I glanced at the message again, looking between the lines for something a bit flirtier, something that matched the fire I felt between us earlier. Instead, it was just nice and sweet. It was a lovely text, but it lacked the spark I was secretly craving. But I kept those thoughts to myself, not wanting to read too much into it.
“That’s great! You sound a little unsure, though. Are you interested in him beyond just the physical attraction?” Ivy asked, picking up on the hesitation in my voice.
I paused, thinking about it. “It’s too early to say,” I admitted. “He’s great, and there’s definitely something there. He makes myheart race, and he’s attractive, and sweet. But . . . it’s not the same as it was with my ex, Sebastian.”
I found myself thinking back to the intense start with Sebastian. With him, I knew right away. We kissed the very first night we met, and it was like an inferno of passion—intense and consuming from the beginning. I nestled deeper into the comfort of the plush pillows, playing with the thread of my blanket, lost in thought. But with Ethan, it feels different—more like a warm ember. The attraction is there, but it doesn’t have the same fiery intensity. It’s a slower burn, and I’m not sure what to make of it yet.
“Exes can be tricky,” Ivy said, her voice thoughtful. “Comparing Ethan to your past relationship might not be fair to either of you. I don’t know what happened with Sebastian, but he’s an ex for a reason. It sounds like something’s still holding you back, and that’s okay. But whenever you’re ready to talk about it, I’m here to listen.”
Ivy paused for a moment, and I could hear the faint whistling of a kettle in the background, followed by the soft rustling of her moving around. There was a soft clink as she set down a teacup and stirred it with a spoon, the gentle tinkling sound filling the brief silence.
She then continued, with a warm, encouraging tone. “Just . . . don’t let your past hold you back from something new. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now, but give this thing with Ethan a fair shot. Take a leap of faith, and see where it leads. You deserve to find something that makes you happy, without all the baggage.”
“You’re right. Thanks for listening, Ivy. I’m really glad to have someone like you here in Hallow’s End,” I said, a warm smile spreading across my face.
Ivy chuckled softly. “I wish you were staying here permanently. It would be nice to have you around more.” Her words struck a chord, and I felt apang of realization. I had been thinking about staying in Hallow’s End a lot lately and I really needed to talk to my parents about my plans soon.
“Listen, I've got to go. My friend Amelia is coming over, and we’re about to watch our favorite crime series,Murder Chronicles. It’s kind of our Monday night tradition,” Ivy said with a laugh. “You should join us sometime. I think you two would get on well.”
A little chuckle escaped from me. “I’d love that! I’ve been obsessing over it, too, but I’m a few episodes behind.”
I heard the doorbell ring in the background. “Looks like she’s here. I’ll text you to sort out details for our shopping trip on Wednesday.”
“Sure, can’t wait,” I replied with a smile.
“Goodnight, Vinnie.”
“Goodnight, Ivy,” I echoed warmly.
As I ended the call, I reflected on my growing friendship with Ivy. In Cresden, friendships often felt shallow and transactional. In college, most of my relationships were based on nights out and drinking, with no real depth or lasting connection. It was all about socializing and keeping up appearances, but there was no genuine care or support. Plus, most of my time was spent with Sebastian, anyway.
But here in Hallow’s End, people seemed to genuinely care, and welcomed me with open arms. Ivy’s kindness, and thoughtful advice, was refreshing. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly understood and valued as a person. I hadn’t realized how much I was craving genuine connections and a sense of community until I found it here.
I settled back into my pillows, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram for a distraction. My feed was the usual mix of vacation photos, artwork, and inspirational quotes. It was a soothing routine, something to help me wind down before bed.
My thumb paused on a photo that made my heart sink.
It was a group shot at The Velvet Lounge, an upscale bar I knew all too well from my life in Cresden. Mark, a guy I had once considered a friend, mostly because he was part of Sebastian’s circle, had posted the photo. He and the rest of the group were all dressed to the nines, surrounded by dim lighting, chic decor, and elegant cocktails.
As I looked closer, I recognized a few of the girls who had once been friendly to my face, but turned on me after the breakup with Sebastian. Claire, who used to confide in me about her boy troubles. Vanessa, who always had a friendly smile—until she sided with Sebastian—and Jessica, the ringleader who seemed to thrive on stirring up drama. They had all taken his side after we broke up, spreading rumors, and calling me names behind my back.
Sebastian’s friends, both the girls and the guys, had always viewed me with a certain condescension. They’d compliment my art, but their words felt hollow, as if they couldn’t see it as more than a whimsical hobby. I remember overhearing some of the guys say things like, “Yeah, Vinnie’s hot, and her parents are loaded, but she needs to let go of that art thing. It’s cute for now, but does she really think she can keep that up after college?”
Despite our similar privileged backgrounds, they never truly accepted me or our relationship. Their support felt fake, their smiles insincere, and I always sensed the unspoken judgment in their eyes. They tolerated me because of Sebastian, not because they valued me as a person. They saw my passion for art as trivial, something they expected me to grow out of oncereal lifebegan. It was a painful realization that, to them, I was just another accessory in Sebastian’s life.
Seeing them all together at that bar, laughing and enjoying their night out, brought a pang of sadness and frustration. It was a reminder of the superficiality and toxicity I had left behind. Part of me felt a twinge of nostalgia for the good times—the glamorous nights out, the sense of beingpart of a glittering social scene. Despite their flaws, those moments held their allure. They offered a distraction from deeper insecurities, and gave me a sense of belonging, however superficial. Sometimes, I missed the ease of slipping into that role, of being part of something larger, even if it was shallow.
As I scrolled further, a pang hit me when I came across a photo of Sebastian at the same bar. In the picture, he sat front and center, charming as ever. He had artfully tousled his blonde hair, giving him that perfect blend of casual and put-together. A tailored black suit hugged his athletic frame just right, highlighting his broad shoulders and lean physique. His emerald eyes sparkled with laughter, and his face lit up with an easy, carefree smile. The entire scene captured him at his best—relaxed, confident, and undeniably attractive.
Perched on his lap was Jessica, her long, sleek blonde hair falling over her shoulders in soft waves. She leaned into Sebastian, her head slightly tilted, allowing her hair to frame her face perfectly. Her dress, barely there and tightly fitted, clung to her petite figure, showing off her slim, tanned legs. Jessica’s manicured fingers traced lightly over Sebastian’s chest, a gesture that spoke volumes of possessiveness and intimacy. Her bold red lips curved into a satisfied smile, showcasing her self-assuredness, and indicating her seamless fit into the glamorous world of Sebastian Sterling. The image was striking, capturing a moment of ease and confidence that made them appear as the perfect, polished couple.
Seeing them together brought a sudden rush of jealousy, and a pang of bitterness. Jessica had always had a thing for Sebastian, flirting with him even when we were together. She seemed perfect for him, and her family was wealthy and well-connected, part of the same elite circle Sebastian thrived in. She embodied the kind of woman who could effortlessly maintain his image, fitting seamlessly into the glamorous lifestyle he valued.
It stung to see him move on so easily while I was still struggling to find my footing, despite my best efforts. The future felt uncertain and daunting without the safety net of our relationship. When I was with Sebastian, everything had seemed planned out and secure. There was a clear path, even if it wasn’t one I wanted. Now, the fear of the unknown loomed large, and I couldn’t help but feel lost.
There were moments when I wondered if Sebastian was the best I would ever have, which was a thought that lingered despite knowing our relationship was unhealthy. He had a way of making me believe that no one else would ever support me the way he did, or love me as much. He would say things like, “No one will ever understand you like I do,” or “I’m the only one who really gets your quirks.” His words hinted that he was doing me a favor by being with me, that I was too complicated ordifficultfor anyone else to love. It was a twisted form of validation, making me doubt my worth, like he was the only person who could ever accept me.
