Nora's heart was racing as she looked at Ethan. She knew that she had to confront him about the secrets he was keeping from her.

"Ethan, what's going on?" Nora asked, her voice firm but gentle. "Rachel seems to think that you're hiding something from me. What is it?"

Ethan sighed, running his hands through his hair. "Nora, I...I don't know where to start," he said.

Nora's eyes narrowed. "Try the beginning," she said.

Ethan took a deep breath. "Okay," he said. "But you have to promise not to freak out."

Nora nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "I promise," she said.

Ethan hesitated, then began to speak. "My family...we're not who you think we are," he said. "My dad is...he's a powerful man, Nora. He's involved in some pretty shady dealings, and I've been trying to keep it from you."

Nora's eyes widened as she listened to Ethan's words. She had always known that Ethan's family was wealthy, but she had no idea that they were involved in anything illegal.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Nora asked, feeling a mix of emotions: shock, anger, and hurt.

Ethan shook his head. "I was trying to protect you, Nora," he said. "I didn't want you to get hurt."

Nora felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Ethan. She knew that he was trying to protect her, but she couldn't help feeling betrayed.

"Ethan, I need some time to think," Nora said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ethan nodded, looking crestfallen. "Okay, Nora," he said. "I understand."

As Nora stood up and walked away, Ethan called out to her. "Nora, please don't go," he said. "I love you."

Nora turned back to him, her eyes filled with tears. "I love you too, Ethan," she said. "But I need some time to process everything."

Ethan nodded, looking sad. "Okay, Nora," he said. "I'll give you all the time you need."

As Nora walked away from Ethan, she couldn't help but wonder what other secrets he was keeping from her. And she couldn't help but wonder if their relationship was strong enough to withstand the truth.

Nora walked back to her dorm, her mind racing with thoughts and emotions. She felt like her whole world had been turned upside down, and she didn't know how to process everything.

As she walked into her room, Sophia looked up from her book. "Hey, girl, what's wrong?" Sophia asked, concern etched on her face.

Nora shook her head, feeling tears prick at the corners of her eyes. "It's Ethan," she said. "He's been keeping secrets from me."

Sophia's expression turned serious. "What kind of secrets?" she asked.

Nora hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Sophia's kind and non-judgmental expression made her feel like she could trust her.

"Ethan's family is involved in some shady dealings," Nora said, her voice barely above a whisper. "And he's been keeping it from me."

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that's heavy," she said. "What are you going to do?"