Chapter 143 Some Pains Can't Heal

• Ethan approached Brandon, keeping his face blank but his steps alert. He hadn’t wanted to admit it at first—hadn’t wanted to confront the truth that had been killing him within since they started talking about his past. But now, standing in front of Brandon, it felt impossible to ignore.
• Ethan’s gaze softened, and his voice lowered to a vulnerable murmur. “You were right, Brandon,” he began, hesitating just long enough for the words to land. “I’ve been holding onto things for too long—anger, resentment. All these emotions that I thought were protecting me, but really... they’ve been keeping me stuck.”
• Brandon’s expression remained calm, but his eyes was filled with something—perhaps relief, perhaps understanding. He stayed quiet, letting Ethan say what needed to be said.