The CEO'S Forgotten Night: her lifelong pain

Ethan's hands gently covered Anna's eyes as he guided her slowly down the hallway.

"Just a few more steps," he whispered.

When they entered the room, he removed his hands. "Happy birthday, my life."

Anna opened her eyes and gasped.

Balloons lined the walls, forming a glowing arch around a golden sign that read: Happy Birthday, Mi Vida. A small golden table sat in the center, elegantly arranged with colorful dishes, drinks, and a single bottle of wine.

She turned in a slow circle, taking in the luxurious setup the sparkling lights, the soft music playing in the background, and the rose petals scattered like confetti on the floor.

Blushing, she threw her arms around him. "I love you, my king."

He smiled, hugging her close. "And I love you more, Mi Vida."

He swept her off her feet and carried her to one of the two velvet couches near the table. Setting her down gently, he opened a box to reveal a heart shaped pink cake with "Mi Vida" and the number "24" written in delicate frosting.

Anna cut the cake and playfully fed him the first bite.

They laughed, ate, drank, and talked Anna couldn't remember the last time she felt so genuinely happy. For the first time in her life, she was being loved. Cared for.

Then Ethan reached for the glass of wine that had already been poured.

"Do you drink alcohol?" Anna asked, her tone light but curious.

He nodded. "Sometimes. Why?

She tilted her head. "It's dangerous for your health... can you stop, just for me?

He looked at her and smiled. "Anything for you. But just this last one please?

She hesitated, then nodded. Alright. But just a little.

I promise, he said, raising the glass to his lips.

But just minutes after finishing it, something changed.

Ethan's shoulders slumped, and he lowered his head, silent and unmoving.

Anna leaned in. Are you okay, dear?

No answer.

My king... are you

She stopped mid sentence. Ethan raised his head.

His eyes were bloodshot. His face flushed. His expression... unreadable.

I-I... what's happening? Anna's voice trembled, fear creeping into her chest.

Suddenly, he pulled her into a tight hug. His arms wrapped around her body, his hands roaming as though he couldn't control them.

Uhm... I need to go, Anna whispered nervously. Tina's waiting for me.

But Ethan didn't respond. He only pulled her closer.

Please... let me go, she pleaded.

He stood and carried her to the bed.

Anna tried to stand but couldn't. His leg spun her back onto the mattress as he pinned her down. His long hair fell in front of his eyes as he tried to tie it back, which is blocking him from her full gaze.

Please! she cried. This isn't what we agreed on! You promised you'd wait!

Still, Ethan said nothing. His lips trailed down her neck with a hunger that scared her.

Ethan! Ethan, stop! Anna cried, her voice breaking.

But he wasn't listening.

Her clothes were stripped away as Anna struggled beneath him, her heart pounding in terror.

And then......

************

Flashback – Two Years Ago

In the backyard of lovers garden, Anna John sat crouched, nervously dialing a number on her phone. Her fingers trembled as she called once, twice, three times. On the fourth, someone answered.

I told you not to call me anymore," the voice snapped.

Please... I'm sorry. You know I love you, Anna whispered.

I'm done with you, he said coldly. You won't let me touch you. No sex. No kissing. No romance. You're not serious. You're just pretending to love me.

James, no... I do love you, she said, her voice cracking. But I made a decision when I turned 18... I won't have sex until I'm married."

James hissed. Then find someone else. I'm not wasting my time with a nun.

He hung up.

Anna dropped the phone, covering her face as her cries broke through the night.

Why me? she whispered. Is this what love is? Am I not beautiful? Can't I be loved... without giving up everything?

She curled up on the grass, sobbing.

(Anna is 24 years old, the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John. Her older sister, Tina, is married. Anna has carried trauma since she was nine.)

She spent nearly twenty minutes curled up in the grass, crying until her voice gave out.

Finally, she stood wiping her face and began walking. But instead of going home, something inside her told her to turn.

She walked straight to her sister's house.

When she arrived, she knocked weakly. A moment later, Tina opened the door.

The second Anna saw her sister's face, she collapsed into her arms.

Anna! Tina held her tightly. What happened? Why are you crying like this?

Still sobbing, Anna choked out, He left me...

Tina blinked, confused. Who?

James... Anna whispered, her voice breaking. He left me just because I wouldn't sleep with him.

Tina's expression hardened. She gently closed the door behind them and led Anna inside.

Don't cry over someone like that,Tina said softly. You'll find someone who'll love you truly. Someone who'll wait. Someone who'll respect your decision.

But I loved him, Anna whispered.

But he didn't love you, Anna, Tina said firmly.

That broke Anna again. A fresh wave of tears spilled down her cheeks.

Tina sighed, her voice sharpening a little. You better calm down before I lose my temper. Why cry over someone who never loved you to begin with? He was pretending all along.

Anna suddenly looked up, her eyes wide and confused.

W-What? Why would you say that? she asked, her voice hollow.

Tina looked away.

And in that silence, Anna felt something deeper than heartbreak settle in her chest...

Why would you say he was pretending?

Tina didn't answer.

And in that silence... a new kind of fear began to grow.

Her sister knew something.

Something Anna wasn't ready to hear.

And the truth would change everything.