Refusing to Be the Doormat Hero
Except she decided to make it real, exchanging rings with him right there on camera.
When I called, Stella just laughed it off.
It was just for the show, Ethan. Leo and I have been inseparable since we were kids. You know its not like that.
Her best friend, Leo Ashford, slung an arm around her shoulder and flashed the ring on his finger for the camera.
Hey, Stellas first proposal was to me. Doesnt that deserve some kind of celebration?
The rest of their crew, all friends since childhood, started cheering him on.
Come on, none of us have ever beaten Stella on the track. She totally let Leo win for the show. If Leo can beat me, Ill give him anything he wants!
The energy was electric. I walked out from the garage, holding my helmet.
Their chatter died down as all eyes fell on me. The air grew cold.
I pulled the helmet on and looked at Stella, whose face was a mask of disapproval.
What are you all looking at me for? I said, my voice muffled slightly. You wanted a celebration, right? As the fianc, its only right that I add to the festivities.
1
I put on the helmet and swung my leg over the brand-new motorcycle.
Stellas brow furrowed. She rushed over, her hand clamping down on mine just as I was about to hit the ignition.
Ethan, dont. Its Leos birthday, everyones just messing around with him. Racing isnt a joke. What if something happens to you?
She softened her voice, that condescending tone she always used. Be a good boy and just cheer for me from the sidelines.
It was always like this. No matter what game they were playing, my role was to be the cheerleader.
I subtly pulled my hand free. Looking into her soulful eyes, the ones that could show affection to a stray dog, I contradicted her for the first time.
Im not on cheerleading duty for you tonight. Look. I tilted my chin toward Leo. Your official boyfriend for the day is over there. Let him cheer you on.
A few people snickered that I was jealous and told Stella to smooth things over. A flash of irritation crossed her face.
Im worried about you, Ethan. Youve never even touched a bike like this. Im afraid youll get hurt. She lowered her voice. We all grew up with Leo. Ask anyone here, they all know I practically see him as one of the girls.
The looks from their friends turned sly and knowing. This wasn't the first time. They had all grown up together in the same wealthy neighborhood, their families all connected. Whenever the seven of them got together, they created a bubble with Leo at the center, a world no one else could enter.
Because she saw him as one of the girls, she could get drunk and crash in the same bed with him.
Because he was her bestie, she could be called away in the middle of our dates to help him pick out furniture for his new apartment.
Because he was family, she could ditch me on our anniversary to go bar-hopping with him when he was in a bad mood.
I had fought with her about it before, but it always ended the same way. The last time, shed even thrown this at me: Weve always been this close. Are you going to accuse the other guys of sleeping with him, too?
After that, I never brought up Leo again.
Until now.
Only this time, I wasnt looking for a fight.
Leo strolled over, casually draping his arm over Stellas shoulders, a smug grin on his face. Shes right, Ethan. This is how weve always been, long before you came along. They really dont see me as a guy. If I wanted to make a move on any of them, it wouldve happened years ago.
You didnt grow up in our crew, you wouldnt get it. Just listen to your girlfriend. Well have our fun, then well send her back to you.
No one in their circle saw anything wrong with his words. Stellas eyes were filled with disapproval for my unreasonable behavior.
I fought down the wave of nausea rising in my throat and revved the engine. Over the roar, I met Leos gaze and said coldly, Since its a birthday celebration, wouldnt adding me to the mix make it more exciting?
Lets play by your rules. If you beat me, you can ask for any gift you want.
Seeing me defy her, Stellas face hardened. One of their friends nudged another, smirking. Uh-oh, looks like Stellas losing her touch. Cant keep her man in line!
The warmth vanished completely from Stellas expression. Her eyes turned to ice.
Ethan Cole. She used my full name. You really want to do this? Fine. But dont come crying to me for help when you lose.
I just scoffed.
Leo saw my expression and raised an eyebrow. Well, well, looks like I have a lot of challengers today. How about this: well do a king-of-the-hill tournament. You have to beat everyone else who wants a shot before you get to race me.
He pointed at the big guy who had started the taunting. Chris, I know youre good. If you let him win Ill double your gift.
Chris stepped forward, playing the peacemaker. Hey, Ethan, man its Leos birthday, so he makes the rules. Maybe we should just let it go? This bikes a beast, its not easy to handle.
Ill cover the double prize money myself! someone shouted.
The others hooted. The double should come from Stella! Why are you paying? You got a crush on your future brother-in-law or something? Playing the hero for him?
Chris flushed beet red.
Stella shot me a glance, then laughed and patted Leos arm. The nights not over yet. Your brother-in-law is right here.
Leo hopped onto the seat behind Stella, wrapping his arms intimately around her waist. A chorus of whistles erupted.
I was used to it.
I gunned the engine and pulled down my visor. Enough talk. Lets start.
2
The wind howled past my helmet. I could hear gasps of surprise from the starting line. No one had expected me to actually know how to ride, let alone be good at it. I took corner after corner with precision, steadily widening the gap between me and Chris.
I glanced over my shoulder. Stella was watching, a look of pure astonishment on her face.
I ignored the shouts from the sidelines and focused. On the final turn, I calculated my entry line, preparing to accelerate on the exit.
Just then, a blindingly bright light shot out from the side of the track, aimed directly at my face.
Leo was holding a high-powered flashlight, waving it frantically at me.
My vision was blasted with white.
I cursed under my breath, instinctively slamming on the brakes while trying to keep the bike balanced. But I was going too fast. The front wheel skidded in the apex of the turn. The bike went into an uncontrolled slide, the screech of rubber against asphalt tearing through the air.
I fought to control it with everything I had, my knee and elbow scraping against the track, a raw, burning pain exploding through my limbs.
Chris shot past me and crossed the finish line.
I managed to right the bike and haul myself to my feet, the pain in my joints spreading like fire.
I took off my helmet and stared coldly at Leo.
He tossed the flashlight aside and ran over. Oh, man! Im so sorry! Are you okay? I just got so excited seeing you ride like that, I wanted to celebrate, I didnt think youd lose control.
Stella hurried over, her brow knitted in a tight frown. If you cant handle it, you shouldnt have been out here. You got what you deserved.
Chris circled back, clearing his throat. Ethan, man Im calling that race for you. Seriously, skill-wise, youre way better than me.
I tried to smile, but it pulled at the cut on my lip.
The peanut gallery started up again. Whats with you today, Chris? Sticking up for Ethan all of a sudden? Yeah, Stellas about to get married. A little late to be making a move, isnt it?
Chris didnt answer. There was no good way to.
I waved a hand dismissively. A loss is a loss. Its fine. I looked at Leo, my voice flat. What do you want?
His eyes went to the chain around my neck.
Stella had put it on me the day we made our relationship official. It was a unique silver gear with a diamond spinning freely inside it. She said it symbolized that our lives were interlocked, our love unbreakable. I had worn it for three years without ever taking it off.
I reached up, unclasped it, and tossed it to him.
He caught it, dangling it from his fingers.
Stellas face fell. Leo, thats
He tilted his head, looking at her strained expression. Whats wrong, Stella? Ethans willing to part with it. Are you saying youre not?
Her throat worked. Finally, she looked away. If you like it, you can have it.
Leo smiled triumphantly, turning his back to her. Put it on me.
While Stella was fastening the necklace around Leos neck, a few of the other guys came over, eager for a turn.
Wow, the brother-in-laws got hidden talents! I want a shot!
Me too!
But Leo held up a hand, his eyes twinkling as he looked at me. Hold on. Ethans so good, we need to agree on the stakes beforehand. We cant have people thinking were ganging up on him.
His gaze roamed over me, and then his eyes lit up. I remember, your marriage vows were handwritten by your grandfather, the famous artist. You know how rare his work is. Why dont we bet on that?
The moment he said it, the chatter stopped. Everyone looked at him with varying expressions.
He gave me a carefree smile. Lets make that the prize, what do you say? If you win, you can have whatever. If I win, you let me borrow the vows to admire them. Dont worry, Im not going to steal them from you He paused, shooting a meaningful glance at Stella.
Her breath hitched. She spoke in a low, placating tone. Leo, theres a limit to the games.
I laughed coldly. She knew he was going too far. But she always, always let him get away with it.
That document was one of my grandfathers last works, the only thing he left me. It was his blessing for Stella and me to have a hundred years of happiness together.
Leo wasn't afraid of her. He stuck his chin out. What are you so nervous about? I cant even look at it? If youre that stingy, I might just have to tell everyone about the time you
Stella clapped a hand over his mouth, the tips of her ears turning red. She turned to me, her voice pleading. Ethan, why dont you just let him see it? Then we can call it a night. No more racing.
Of course. Between them, Stella was always the one to back down.
I looked at their intimate pose, the pain in my elbow and knee a dull throb. Inside, I just felt hollow.
I nodded. Fine.
Stella let out a breath of relief.
Then I added, If I lose, the vows are yours.
3
Someone gasped. They all stared at me in shock. Everyone here knew how much that document meant to Stella. She had personally begged my grandfather for it. The sandalwood box it was kept in, she had carved it herself. She spent over six months engraving a line from a poem that my name came from.
And when I received it, I treasured it. I kept it by my bed, the wood polished smooth from how often I held it.
Their confusion grew. Only Leo looked more and more excited. Alright, he said. Youre on!
The second race began.
Every turn sent a searing pain through my knee. Sweat dripped into my eyes, blurring my vision. For a split second, I lost focus, entering a turn a fraction too late. The tires screamed. My opponent was already across the finish line.
I had someone bring the sandalwood box from my bedside table. Stellas face was stone.
I took the box I had touched a million times and handed it to Leo.
He took it and immediately flipped it open.
Just then, a gust of wind swept across the track. It caught the red paper and lifted it into the air, sending it tumbling away from the raceway.
Stella instinctively reached for it, but her hand closed on empty air.
The marriage vow, caught by the wind, disappeared into the night.
Everyone was stunned.
Leo pouted. Whoops. Who knew the wind would pick up right then? You cant blame me. Its just a piece of paper, anyway. You two are getting married soon, it doesnt matter if you have it or not.
Stella slowly lowered her outstretched hand, clenching it into a fist. The tension in her face eased, as if shed been convinced.
Watching her, I felt a suffocating pressure in my chest. I remembered the day she went to my family home and knelt before my grandfather, begging him to write those vows for us.
I suddenly realized how stupid I had been. I had mistaken her tolerance for commitment, her favoritism for loyalty.
Everyone thought I would call a stop to the games.
Leos tone was challenging. Ethan, the first two rounds were just for fun. Not exciting enough. Lets play for real stakes.
Youre not getting cold feet, are you?
I curved my lips into a smile. The night is young. Lets continue.
He pointed at Stella. I want the ten percent stake in her company that she gave you.
That was Stellas engagement gift to me.
Now, even the other five realized what was happening. Leo was targeting me directly.
Leo, thats going a little too far.
Yeah, man, its all fun and games, but dont mess with the real stuff.
Leo hugged Stella, swaying slightly. Hey, its my birthday! Dont you guys start taking his side.
He looked up at Stella. Stella, Im just testing him for you. I keep seeing these stories online about guys from nothing who marry rich gold diggers, you know? They use all sorts of tricks to get ahead, just to scam money.
If your love is as strong as you say it is, then Ill admit I was out of line today. Ill even apologize to him. How about that?
Stella looked down at him and said nothing.
I looked at Leo. And if you lose?
He tilted his chin up dismissively. That villa I own on Cloudview Peak, the one Stella gave me for my birthday last year. If I lose, its yours.
The third race began.
The pain made every move difficult, but a raw determination pushed me on. I twisted the throttle all the way, the bike screaming down the track, neck and neck with my opponent.
The final turn. I gritted my teeth.
And pushed across the line.
We crossed at the exact same time. A tie.
I was panting, sweat and blood sticking to my clothes. I collapsed onto the handlebars, completely spent.
Leo walked over. Well, a draw. Looks like your luck ran out. You look pretty beat. Maybe we should just call it?
I lifted my head, looking at him through my visor. We agreed on best three out of five. I havent lost yet.
Everyone heard me and thought I was just being stubborn, trying to one-up Leo.
I slowly pointed at Stella. This time, Im racing her.
4
Ethan, what are you talking about?
Stella, youre on his team, arent you? Isnt it weird for me to race you?
She looked at me like I was a child throwing a tantrum. Stop messing around. Youre in no condition to race. Be good, lets
I cut her off. Scared?
Ethan Cole, trying to provoke me wont work. What are the terms?
Just this one race. If I win, you have to agree to one condition, no questions asked. Everyone here is a witness. If you go back on your word, or fail to deliver I paused. All of your shares in the Wright Corporation will be transferred to me, free of charge.
The bet was bigger and more brutal than all the previous ones combined.
Ethan, are you crazy? On what grounds do you Leo started.
I ignored him, my eyes fixed on Stella. And if I lose Ill give you to him. How about that?
Stellas pupils contracted.
The others started whispering. Wow, even a cornered rabbit will bite. He must be really pissed about the proposal thing earlier.
As they talked, a look of understanding dawned on Stellas face. Fine. Ill race you.
Two motorcycles shot off the starting line. Stellas skill was undeniable. But she was holding back, just toying with me. I knew she was waiting for me to break, waiting for me to beg her to let me win, just like I used to.
I stayed glued to her tailpipe. I was going to risk it all.
She saw my intention and flashed her lights, signaling for me to stop. But I didnt slow down.
She actually eased off the throttle, intending to let me pass.
Just then, Leos figure appeared on the track. He was standing on the inside of the curve, dangerously close to my racing line.
Stella saw him too. If she wanted to let me win, she would have to avoid me on this turn, which meant she would hit Leo.
He was forcing her to choose between us.
I saw her body tense. Almost instinctively, she prepared to accelerate, to pass me before the turn and shield Leo from harm.
Once again, she chose him.
The moment her bike shifted, I didn't hesitate. I twisted the throttle to its limit. The bike tilted, squeezing into the impossibly tight angle between the mountainside and her motorcycle.
Sparks scraped from the asphalt. Shattered rock sprayed against my visor, completely blocking my vision.
Twenty meters to go. I pushed forward, reckless.
And crossed the line.
I won.
The bike skidded for a long way before I managed to stop. Stellas bike stopped too.
The first thing she did was run to Leo, her voice filled with fear. Leo! What were you doing on the track? That was so dangerous!
He clutched his chest. I was worried about you Who knew he would be so insane
I propped myself up on the bike and painfully removed my helmet.
Only then did Stella look at me, her expression complicated. You won. You didnt have to push yourself that hard. I know what you want me to promise.
Ill keep my distance from Leo. But hes been my brother for over twenty years. That bond is a part of who we are. I cant just cut it out completely.
If you could just be a little more understanding, we could
Leo interrupted her, annoyed. Stella, were family! Are you really going to choose him over me? Dont you remember what you promised me?
Its my birthday! Are you trying to ruin it for me? The last part was clearly directed at me.
I ignored his taunts and slowly turned to Stella with a smile.
My one condition is
First, search for and download the MotoNovel app from Google. Then, open the app and use the code "320153" to read the entire book.
MotoNovel
Novellia
Bookworm« Previous Post
After Losing the Sense of Pain
Next Post »
This is the last post.！