Chapter 6 : The Rift Widens Chapter 6 : The Rift Widens ( Olivia's POV ) I looked up from my packing , meeting Ethan's blue eyes with confusion . His tall frame filled the doorway as he leaned against it , watching me with an expectant expression I couldn't quite decipher . " What ? " I asked , genuinely puzzled by his question . cker of impatience crossed his face before he softened his tone . His lips curved into that amiliar half - smile that once made my heart race . " I was harsh at Lunar Jewelers just now . Don't be mad anymore . " The statement hung in the air between us . He clearly expected me to melt at this barely - there apology , to rush into his arms with gratitude for his magnanimous forgiveness . Three months ago , I might have done exactly that . " I'm not angry ," I replied quietly , turning back to fold another sweater . Ethan scoffed , pushing himself off the doorframe and taking a step into my room . " Come on , Liv . Don't be like that . Mouth says no , heart says yes . " I continued organizing my suitcase , not bothering to look up . " Think whatever you like . " A flash of annoyance crossed his face . The patience in his voice was wearing thin now , the facade of contrition rapidly fading . " I already apologized . What more do you want ? " he demanded , his tone hardening . I smoothed the wrinkles from a blouse before placing it carefully in my suitcase . " I don't need your apology . " Ethan's jaw tightened as his gaze fixed on me . He seemed to realize his approach wasn't working , so he abruptly changed tactics . " Where's the gift ? " he asked stiffly . I glanced up , genuinely confused again . " What gift ? " His eyes narrowed . " Jason said he saw you buy me a watch . Didn't you buy that to make up with me ? I'm back now . Shouldn't you bring it out already ? " 114 < Chapter 6 : The Rift Widens +25 Puntos > The sheer presumption in his voice almost made me laugh out loud . Before I could clarify , he continued , his tone growing increasingly arrogant . " Enough is enough , stop making a fuss . " A mocking smile finally found its way to my lips . " You're funny . " Ethan scowled , his brows drawing together . " What's so funny ? " I met his eyes directly , speaking with perfect clarity . " Yes , I bought a watch . But it's not for you . And I don't think I've done anything wrong that requires me to coax you or apologize . " His anger flared instantly , blue eyes darkening like storm clouds . " Not for me ? Then who is it for ? " " You have no right to know , " I answered lightly , turning back to my packing . Ethan's fury spiraled visibly , his face flushing with indignation . " I have no right ? I'm your boyfriend ! You buy a gift for another man and I can't even ask ? " My voice remained calm , though I couldn't keep the derision from seeping into it . " Aren't you Cassandra's boyfriend ? " The question caught him off guard . His mouth opened and closed before he rushed to explain , his tone shrinking with guilt . " Me and Cassandra … it's not like that . " He sounded less sure now , his voice betraying his unease . I could see the truth written all over his face . He and Cassandra were no longer merely former potential partners - they'd crossed the line countless times , yet he still clung to me as his official girlfriend . I understood his game perfectly . He liked Cassandra's boldness and passion , but also enjoyed my gentleness and quiet obedience . He was greedy and unwilling to give up either . Trying to salvage his lie , he continued , " Today , I went shopping for rings with Cassandra because my mother asked me to . It wasn't for her . " He ran a hand through his dark hair , a gesture I'd once found endearing . " My mother bought a new dress and needed matching jewelry . She said Cassandra has good taste so she took her along . They were picking necklaces , earrings , bracelets , everything . " His eyes softened , attempting to look sincere . " I knew you misunderstood , but I was angry then and didn't explain - wanted to make you jealous on purpose . " My eyes turned frosty at his admission . " You actually knew I would be jealous ? " < Chapter 6 : The Rift Widens " I'm sorry … " he murmured , reaching for my hand . +25 Puntos > pulled away before he could touch me . My rejection was immediate and cold . " I heard your apology , but I don't accept it . And that gift is not for you . " His temper exploded again , voice rising sharply . " Then who is it for ? " I replied calmly , continuing to fold my clothes . " My mate - to - be . " Ethan sneered with disbelief , his handsome features twisting with contempt . " Ha , Olivia , you're really shameless enough to threaten me with marriage to force me into committing to you ? " He took a step closer , looming over me . " You mean if I agree to commit to you , you'll give me the gift and forgive me ? Is that it ? " I frowned , stunned by his narcissism . How could he be so full of himself ? Did he truly think I couldn't live without him ? Ethan looked at me with utter disappointment , shaking his head again and again . His voice dropped to a condescending whisper . " I thought you understood the gulf between us . I thought you were sensible . But you keep trying to pressure me into a commitment . I'm really disappointed ." With that , he stormed out and slammed the door shut , the sound echoing through the room like a final punctuation mark . Left alone , I could only shake my head helplessly . I had planned to use this quarrel to break our relationship cleanly , to tell him that I was the daughter of Alpha Richard Winters of the Riverdale pack , soon to return home to marry Connor Rivers . But he never gave me a chance to speak . I realized now - perhaps the confidence he had that I would never leave him was something I had inadvertently given him . I had always been the obedient , undemanding girlfriend , never prying or jealous , always gentle and compliant , only sharing intimacy yet never my secrets . No wonder he mistook my tolerance for dependence . A year ago , I had overheard him telling his mother , Margaret Grey , " Mother , don't worry . I know you won't approve of her joining our family . I'm just dating her for now . Marriage is another matter . " He had even added smugly , " Your son's not stupid . I know the difference between dating and marrying . " < Chapter 6 The Rift Widens +25 Puntos Since then , I had buried my true identity and any hopes for a future . Our relationship became a mutual need for warmth and companionship , little else . I had kept my heart guarded , my affections measured , but when I discovered I was merely Cassandra's stand - in , even that fragile tolerance shattered . I was Olivia Winters , daughter of an Alpha , no one's substitute . The sound of voices downstairs pulled me from my thoughts . Martha's respectful tones were answered by a woman's commanding voice that sent a chill down my spine . Footsteps approached my door , followed by a sharp knock . Before I could answer , the door swung open . Margaret Grey stood in the doorway , her imperious gaze sweeping over me and my half - packed suitcase . Wearing a deep blue silk dress , sparkling with matching sapphire earrings , necklace , and a massive diamond ring , she looked every inch the wealthy matron who would indeed buy an entire jewelry set for a single outfit . " You're Olivia Winters ? " Her scrutinizing gaze was sharp , dripping with disdain , as if appraising an unworthy object . I straightened my posture , meeting her eyes directly . " Hello , Mrs. Grey . " " Hmm . " Margaret's eyes swept the room before settling back on me . " I've heard all about you and Ethan . " She moved into the room uninvited , her expensive perfume filling the air . With practiced elegance , she lowered herself into the armchair by the window , crossing her legs at the ankle . A cold smile curved her lips as she declared , " A girl like you , dreaming of marrying into the Grey family ? "