Jealous Hearts

Over the next few weeks, Ethan and Lily spent more time together.

They studied in the library, walked through the park after school, and shared lunch just like they used to.

Although Ethan still couldn't remember their past, being with Lily felt natural.

One afternoon, they were sitting in the school cafeteria.

Ethan took a bite of Lily's sandwich.

"Hey!" Lily said, laughing. "That's mine."

Ethan smiled.

"I know. It looked better than mine."

Lily shook her head.

"You've always been like this."

Ethan looked surprised.

"Really?"

She smiled softly.

"You used to steal my food all the time."

Ethan laughed.

"Looks like some habits never change."

For a moment, they forgot everything that had happened.

It almost felt like old times.

A few days later, a new student joined their class.

Her name was Sophia.

She was friendly, confident, and quickly became popular.

During lunch, the teacher asked Ethan to help Sophia find her classrooms.

"Sure," Ethan replied.

Lily watched as they walked away together.

She told herself it was nothing.

But deep down, she felt uncomfortable.

Over the next few days, Sophia and Ethan became friends.

They worked on assignments together and often laughed at each other's jokes.

One afternoon, Lily saw Sophia lightly holding Ethan's arm while they talked.

Her smile slowly disappeared.

Emma, Lily's best friend, noticed.

"Are you okay?"

Lily forced a smile.

"I'm fine."

"You don't look fine."

Lily looked down.

"I know Ethan doesn't remember me anymore."

Emma stayed quiet.

"So... I don't even know if I have the right to feel jealous."

Emma gently held Lily's hand.

"You have every right to feel hurt."

That evening, Ethan noticed Lily was quieter than usual.

"Is something wrong?" he asked.

Lily shook her head.

"No. I'm just tired."

Ethan wasn't convinced.

Before leaving, he said,

"I hope I didn't do anything to upset you."

Lily smiled, hiding the tears in her eyes.

"You didn't."

But after she walked away, she whispered to herself,

"I just miss the person who remembered loving me."

Meanwhile, Ethan stood there, watching her leave.

For some reason...

Seeing Lily sad made his heart ache.

He didn't understand why.

But he knew one thing.

He never wanted to be the reason for her tears.

END OF CHAPTER 11