The Ice-Cold General Learned Regret in the Language of Roses Novel

The day Ethan finally came home , he walked in to find several suitcases stacked in the living room . His brow furrowed as he stepped up behind Scarlett , who was sorting books on the shelf , and he wrapped his arms around her . " What are you packing all this up for ? " His voice carried a faint , strained edge . Scarlett's body went rigid . She didn't look back or answer , just kept moving her hands mechanically . Ethan turned her to face him . " Still mad ? Nora was wrong to lock you in the morgue . I know that . But your kicked her into a frozen lake , and she's been sick for days .

Can't we call it even ? " " It's your birthday , " he added . " I set up a party for you at the base guest house . Yo Let me take you . " Scarlett hadn't properly celebrated a birthday in years - not since her mother died . It was Ethan's arrival in her life that had reminded her what it felt like to be cared about . Now , all his careful arrangements just made her feel tired and irritated . " I don't want to go , " she said , lashes lowered , voice flat . s liked a crowd . " Why are you so worked up about this ? " Ethan asked , forcing patience into his tone .

" I went out of my way to invite your friends . They're already there . Come on , sweetheart , don't keep everyone waiting . " Half coaxing and half dragging , he pulled her out the door and took her to the party . It was an impressive event - flowers , music , food - with presents piled up like a small mountain . Ethan had even called in favors to bring in a band she loved for a live set . The only jarring detail was Nora . She was tucked into a corner in a simple dress , looking frail and delicate , but her gaze kept drifting toward Scarlett , a shadow of challenge in her eyes .

Scarlett couldn't be bothered to acknowledge her . Instead , a few of her closest girlfriends gathered around , muttering on her behalf . " Scarlett , that's Nora , right ? The one Ethan actually likes ? She's really nothing special . She's nowhere near you . " " Exactly , " another scoffed . " Ethan must be blind . He's holding the damn moon and still pining after some random star . " Scarlett listened in silence , not adding a word . Chapter 8 26.67 % So what if she was better ? In the end , it could never outweigh the simple fact of who he loved .

Soon it was time for the cake and the birthday wish . A giant three - tier cake was wheeled out , candles glittering on top . With everyone cheering her on , Scarlett closed her eyes and made a wish without thinking too hard about it . She had just opened them again when a loud crash sounded not far away , followed by a chorus of startled cries . The champagne tower had been knocked over . She turned toward the commotion and saw Nora on the floor , while Scarlett's girlf furious . od around her , Scarlett frowned and started forward , but Ethan was already there .

He rushed past her , carefully helped Nora to her feet , and pulled her behind him , his voice sharp . " What happened ? " Nora's eyes filled with tears in an instant . " They ... they said I stole the birthday present they'd bought for Scarlett and tried to search me . I refused , so they forced it ... and then somehow they really did pull it out of my bag . But I never took it . I don't even know how it ended up on me . " " Then they started calling me names and shoving me ... that's how the champagne tower got knocked over ... " " You liar !

" one of Scarlett's friends snapped , face flushed with anger . " We saw you slip it into your own bag . It fell out and we called you on it . Before we even got through two sentences , you launched yourself into the champagne tower like you were staging a show . " " Enough , " Ethan cut in , his voice like ice . His gaze swept over Scarlett's friends , hard and sharp . " Apologize to Nora . " " What ? " her friend stared at him , stunned . " She stole something and you want us to apologize to her ?

" " Because I believe Nora's version , " Ethan said , each word firm , leaving no room for argument . Scarlett's anger flared white - hot . She strode over and pulled her friend behind her , meeting Ethan's eyes head - on . " And I believe my friends . They wouldn't accuse someone out of nowhere . We're not apologizing . " Ethan's face went dark , something dangerous simmering underneath as he stared at her for a long time . When he finally spoke , his voice was cold . " Nora has better jewelry than this . She wouldn't even look at something like that , let alone steal it .

" The words hit Scarlett like a knife to the chest . He was spelling it out for her - how many expensive things he'd given Nora , how close they'd once been . Chapter 8 26.67 % WE ARE Of course he believed , without question , that Nora would never steal . Scarlett glanced at Nora just in time to catch the brief , triumphant gleam in her eyes , and everything clicked . Nora might never have cared about the gift at all . What she'd wanted was this - Scarlett and her friends on one side , Ethan planted firmly on Nora's , the line drawn clear between them .

" Apologize , " Ethan said again , impatience creeping into his tone . " No , " Scarlett answered , not budging an inch . Ethan's patience snapped . He stopped looking at Scarlett altogether and turned to his aide . " Escort these young ladies out on charges of disturbing the peace and defamation . Twenty blows with the disciplinary baton each . When you're done , call their parents and ask if they'd like the army to ha daughters . " " Ethan , don't you dare ! " Scarlett gasped , shock and fury tangling in her voice . iplining their But Ethan acted as if he hadn't heard a thing .

He scooped Nora up in his arms and walked away , never looking back , no matter how loudly Scarlett called after him . 26.67 % admin