When Love Breaks (Josephine)

She'd be delighted?

What kind of twisted logic was that?

Josephine shook her head and made up her mind never to enter that dressing room again. Instead, she changed her request.

"If I win, you'll take me to the research institute and create a custom-made product for me, for free. If you win, I'll—"

Before she could finish, Ethan interrupted her. "You'll come to play squash with me once a week."

Once a week?

That was way too easy.

"Deal!"

With the bet settled, Josephine flashed an evil grin. "Let's begin. You'd better not cry later. You serve first."

Ethan nodded and didn't take her word seriously. He started with a simple

backhand serve, making the ball bounce to somewhere she would have received easily.

With that serve, Josephine was certain he was either holding back or that he was just average-skilled. He was not on her level.

As for her, she had never planned on holding back.

Seeing the ball bounce toward her, she hit it with full force without hesitation.

The moment the ball hit the wall, it spun awkwardly. Then, it flew toward Ethan's thigh at a tricky angle.

Ethan quickly shifted his body and returned the shot.

Even though he managed to hit the ball, he wasn't as composed as before. He couldn't even control the shot to make it easier for her to receive.

All he could do was return it sloppily.

The moment he hit the ball, he was shocked.

At that moment, he couldn't tell whether that was a lucky shot or pure skill.

But soon, he would find out.

Josephine returned every shot precisely.

If Ethan was relying purely on his physical abilities, then Josephine's control was on par with a professional player.

By the time the first game ended, Ethan hadn't even scored a single point.

Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

Tightly gripping the racket, Ethan stared at Josephine helplessly. "I didn't know you were that skilled."

Josephine smiled smugly. "To be fair, you have impressive reaction speed and explosiveness. But I'm a pro. For squash, it's more about technique than physical ability. noveldrama

"As long as you have good ball control, no matter how quick

opponent's reflexes are, you het

have the upper hand."

"I see," Ethan replied and nodded.

"I've lost. Let me know when you're free. I'll take you to the research institute to customize your fragrances."

Josephine daughed. "You're giving up

so soon? It's only been one You beat Mr. Frye earlier, so

technically a draw. For

it's

next-"

"I'm done."

Before she could finish, he cut her off. "I'm tired. I'm going to rest. I'll have someone send you home later."

After saying that, he walked toward the exit, making clear that he was leaving.

Josephine froze for a moment before catching up to him. "Ethan, what's wrong?" Her smugness disappeared instantly, replaced by concern.

"Did you hurt yourself? Did you pull a muscle?"

Ethan just continued walking. Without looking at her, he replied stiffly, "No."

"Then what's wrong? It's obvious something's wrong. Did I say something wrong?"

Hearing this, he stopped in his tracks. He turned to look at her with a hint of vulnerability in his eyes.

"Did you enjoy messing with me?"