Rebirth: The New Bride Wants A Divorce-Chapter 295: Then why aren’t you breathing

Katrine let out a small laugh, wrapping both hands around her coffee as the warmth seeped into her fingers. "I did warn you I was not making much sense tonight."

"That is an understatement," Ethan replied, taking a sip of his own coffee as he leaned against the car. "Most people call for pizza at midnight. You chose caffeine and a cliff."

She smiled at that, a genuine one this time, and stared out into the darkness beyond the edge. The view was nothing but shadows and distant lights, but the open space felt strangely comforting. The tightness in her chest eased with every quiet second that passed.

"I just needed air," she said lightly, careful not to say more. "And coffee helps me think."

"Or keeps you from sleeping," Ethan teased. "Which, judging by the hour, seems to be the goal."

"Maybe," she admitted, shrugging. "Sleep is overrated anyway."

He chuckled softly, the sound warm and easy. "Coming from someone who looks like she has nothing to do."

She rolled her eyes but did not deny it. Instead, she took another sip and let the silence stretch, this time not heavy but comfortable.

Ethan did not push. He did not ask why she could not sleep or what had driven her to call him in the middle of the night. He simply stood there beside her, present.

"And what were you doing awake at this hour?" Katrine asked, turning to look at Ethan. "It did not take you long to answer my call."

Ethan remained calm, his gaze fixed on the view ahead as he took another sip of his coffee. "I was reading a script my manager sent me on short notice. It is for a music video."

She glanced at him, surprised. "You sing too?"

Ethan let out a soft chuckle. "You say that like you have no idea."

When her expression remained genuinely puzzled, his chuckle turned into quiet laughter. He shook his head slightly, amused.

"Do not tell me you really did not know."

Katrine frowned. "No, I did not. Why would I?" she asked defensively. "It is not like I stalk you or keep tabs on everything you do."

"I never said you stalked me," Ethan replied, still smiling. "But considering you knew I was your sister’s crush back in school, it is hard to believe you do not know at least that much."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "That was different. It does not mean I followed your career."

He raised his hands in surrender, laughter lacing his voice. "Relax. I am not offended. I just find it amusing."

"Well, for your information," she said, lifting her chin slightly, "I only knew you as an actor."

"Fair enough," Ethan replied easily. "But yes, I sing too. I sang for my debut film and a few music videos after that. They did surprisingly well." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"Surprisingly?" she echoed, arching a brow.

"I do not like bragging," he said with a shrug.

She studied him for a moment, then smiled faintly. "That is... actually nice to know."

The night breeze swept past them as Ethan took another sip of coffee, the easy rhythm of their conversation settling comfortably between them.

After spending another hour there, they finally turned back to leave. The night had grown quieter, the wind softer, as they made their way toward the car.

Katrine’s foot caught on a loose stone, and she stumbled, her balance slipping in an instant.

"Careful," Ethan said sharply.

He reached out without thinking, his hand wrapping firmly around her waist as he pulled her toward him. The sudden movement brought them chest to chest, the warmth of his body steadying her before she could even react.

For a moment, time seemed to pause.

Neither of them moved. The world around them faded into silence, leaving only the sound of their breathing and the faint rustle of the night air.

Katrine’s gaze lifted, drawn helplessly to the dark depths of his eyes. Her heart began to race, thudding loudly against her ribs as her fingers curled into his shirt, gripping the fabric as though it were the only thing keeping her grounded.

Ethan’s hold tightened slightly, instinctive and protective, as his eyes searched her face. The closeness felt different now, charged with something unspoken, something neither of them had anticipated.

And still, neither pulled away.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low as he searched her eyes.

Katrine blinked, still momentarily lost in him, and nodded without really thinking.

"Then why are you not breathing?" he asked softly.

His words registered a second too late. Realization struck her, and suddenly the air felt thin. She sucked in a sharp breath, dizziness washing over her as her head spun slightly.

Ethan tightened his grip around her waist at once, steadying her before she could sway. "Easy," he murmured. "I have got you."

Embarrassment flushed her cheeks as she focused on breathing again, slow and steady, while his hold remained firm and reassuring.

Their eyes met once more, closer than before, and the moment stretched, fragile and charged, neither quite ready to acknowledge what had just passed between them.

"I... I am fine," Katrine said slowly, easing herself out of his hold as she took a careful step back.

She drew in a deep breath and turned her face away from him. Something unfamiliar had crept into her chest, a strange flutter she did not want to acknowledge. The way her heart had raced in his arms unsettled her, and she quickly pushed the feeling aside, refusing to give it meaning.

Ethan watched her for a moment, his lips pressing together as he let out a low hum.

His profession demanded closeness. Intimacy was part of the job. He had stood far closer to countless co actresses under bright lights and rolling cameras, yet he had never felt this. No rush. No confusion. It had always been professional, no matter how often they tried to flirt or capture his attention beyond the scene.

But holding Katrine had been different.

He had only been helping her. So why had the closeness mattered?

"We... we should leave," Katrine said, her voice unsteady as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Ethan nodded in agreement, saying nothing more. Moments later, they were in the car, the silence between them thick and awkward, stretching for the entire drive.

When Ethan finally pulled up outside the Bennett mansion gates, he turned toward her to say something, only to find her head tilted to the side, eyes closed, breathing slow and even.

She was asleep.

He stared at her for a second, disbelief creeping in. "She drank coffee," he muttered under his breath. "Then how is she already sleeping?"

A faint smile tugged at his lips as he shut off the engine, the night suddenly feeling far quieter than before.