Chapter 2 Ethan, my comfort

Isabella was trembling as she held onto Ethan's arm. "Wait, what about Mark? My family, my friends-what if he hurts them? I could never forgive myself," she said, her voice filled with fear. Ethan turned to her, his eyes filled with concern. "Shhh, it's okay. Just send me everything about them, and I'll help you, I promise." Isabella looked up at him, her eyes wide with confusion. "Why are you being so nice to me?" she asked. Ethan chuckled softly and looked away for a moment. When he turned back to her, his gaze was intense.

"Well, Isabella, because I find you beautiful and I think you deserve better-even if it isn't with me. I want you to experience a better life, so I'm willing to help you in any way I can." Isabella felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. Where had this sweet, handsome, kind-hearted man been all her life? She didn't know how to repay him. "Thank you so much," she whispered, her voice quivering with gratitude. Ethan shook his head. "You don't have to," he said. "Now, let's get your bags packed. If we want to leave, we have to do it now, or else Mark will catch us." Isabella nodded and led the way to Ethan's car. They drove in silence to her apartment, and when they arrived, Isabella felt a sense of relief wash over her. The lights were still off, and she let out a silent prayer of thanks. As soon as they entered, the lights came on, and Mark was there, looking disheveled and drunk. "Where have you been?" he slurred, glaring at Isabella. "And who is this?" he asked, pointing to Ethan. Isabella felt her heart rate spike, and she stumbled over her words. "I-I," she stammered, her anxiety heightening. As I stood there, trembling with fear, Ethan stepped in front of me, shielding me from Mark's wrath. "I think you should leave, Mark," Ethan said, his voice calm but firm. "No, I don't think I will," Mark slurred, taking a step closer to us. "Who are you, anyway?" "I'm a friend of Isabella's," Ethan replied, his tone unyielding. "And I think it's time for you to go." Mark sneered, his eyes flickering with anger. "Stay out of this, buddy. This has nothing to do with you." "It does now," Ethan retorted. "Isa, go back and pack your bags." I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest as I made my way to the bedroom. I quickly grabbed my bags and important documents, my mind racing with worry for Ethan. I could hear the grunts and muffled screams coming from the living room, and I felt a pang of guilt for dragging Ethan into this mess. I managed to get my stuff out to the car and hurried back inside to find Ethan and Mark still going at it. Mark was coming towards me, his fists raised, when Ethan stepped in and landed a punch that sent Mark sprawling to the ground. "You're nothing," Mark spat, struggling to get back on his feet. "Even your parents didn't love you-" Before he could finish his sentence, Ethan was on him again, his fists flying. I couldn't stand there and watch anymore. I ran over and grabbed Ethan's arm, pulling him back. "Let's just go," I begged, tears streaming down my face. "Please, Ethan." Ethan looked at me, his eyes filled with concern. He nodded, and we made our way to the door, with Mark hurling threats and insults at us. Once we were in the car, I couldn't stop shaking. Ethan reached over and took my hand, his touch warm and comforting. "It's okay," he said softly. "We're okay now." I nodded, still too shaken to speak. Ethan started driving, and after a while, I began to calm down. I looked over at him, taking in his strong jawline, his piercing blue eyes, and his muscular build. I felt a sudden surge of gratitude towards him, amazed at how he had come into my life just when I needed him the most. We pulled up to Ethan's house, and he helped me carry my bags inside. We both went straight to the bathroom and started cleaning up, washing away the blood and grime from the fight. As I watched Ethan in the mirror, I noticed the purple and blue bruises forming on his knuckles and the side of his face. Despite everything, he was still here for me, and it made me feel both grateful and heartbroken. We sat down in the living room, and the conversation flowed easily. It felt incredibly comforting to talk to someone who truly listened and cared. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel like a disappointment. I was able to share my fears and vulnerabilities without judgment, and it was a relief. "Don't worry about it, hmm?" Ethan said, breaking the silence. "But you're hurt because of me," I replied, my voice heavy with guilt. "Hey, I will continue to protect you again and again, hmm," he reassured me, his voice gentle yet resolute. "I don't know what to say. I don't know how to repay you." "You don't need to, okay? I'm serious about it," Ethan said, his tone firm but kind. "Just focus on yourself right now." "Thank you," I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. Ethan shook his head, a small, reassuring smile on his face. "You don't have to thank me. I'm just glad I could be here for you. We'll get through this together." I felt a wave of gratitude and relief wash over me. I was still processing everything that had happened, but with Ethan's support, I felt a newfound sense of hope. We continued to talk for hours, about everything and nothing. The warmth of his presence was a balm for my wounded soul. It was the kind of comfort I hadn't felt in years, and for the first time, I began to believe that maybe, just maybe, I could start to rebuild my life. As the night wore on, we shared stories, laughed about little things, and found solace in each other's company. It was a night I would always treasure, the night that I found a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. And even though Mark had hurt me deeply, I knew that with Ethan by my side, I was stronger than I ever thought possible. I felt ready to face whatever came next, knowing I wasn't alone.