Chapter 3

I didn't tell Harrison that Ethan and I had registered for divorce.

I couldn't really say why.

Maybe I just never thought about making things official with Harrison.

We were just playing around.

I wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

But Ethan's mistress Chloe clearly couldn't wait any longer.

On the fifth day after we registered for divorce, she posted on social media to mark her territory.

We'd added each other on SnapChat at Chloe's initiative.

At first I refused, but she was persistent. One day my finger slipped and I accepted.

The photo showed her and Ethan holding hands, both wearing matching couple rings.

It happened to be that day.

A mutual friend of Ethan and mine was having a birthday party. We both went.

Ethan brought Chloe along.

Before I arrived, I heard a group of people joking in the private room: "When are you two having your wedding reception?"

"Wait, did Vivian really agree to divorce? I remember she loved you to death, right? Her whole life revolved around you."

"How did you convince Vivian not to cling to you desperately? Teach us, man."

Before Ethan could speak.

I answered frankly, "Fair distribution of assets."

Everyone looked embarrassed when I appeared.

The birthday person quickly smoothed things over and called everyone to the table.

I was quite comfortable.

But Chloe kept looking at me.

Her eyes full of provocation.

Finally unable to hold back, she stood up. "Vivian, Ethan lost so much divorcing you, and I didn't even complain. I just hope you won't keep pestering Ethan. Let me drink first as a sign of respect."

She downed her glass.

I ignored her.

Chloe got unhappy. "Vivian, you're divorced from Ethan. Don't tell me you still have feelings for him?"

"That's enough." Ethan called to Chloe. "Talk about this privately."

"No, I want her to promise in front of everyone that she'll never bother us again." Chloe acted coy. "I just want you to belong completely to me."

Her voice was soft and sweet.

Ethan ate this up.

He sighed. "Vivian, just give Chloe a promise to put her mind at ease."

I glanced at Ethan.

I'd almost forgotten, but suddenly remembered—once when he was drunk, he knelt on the ground saying he'd love me forever, that if I wanted the stars, he'd pluck them from the sky for me.

This scene now was truly jarring.

I smiled faintly. "Don't worry, I don't take trash."

Ethan's smiling face instantly turned cold.

Chloe didn't look much better either.

I continued, "Let me correct you. When Ethan divorced me, he didn't lose much. It was all what I deserved. Also, half of what Ethan spent on you was my money. Not making you pay it back is my mercy. You should be grateful, not push your luck."

"You!" Chloe's face turned red with anger.

Ethan protected her. "Vivian, even if you can't accept divorcing me, there's no need to make things hard for the girl."

"No hard feelings." I enunciated each word.

"Stop being stubborn. I know you can't accept that I don't love you anymore..."

The door suddenly burst open.

A familiar voice rang out. "Sorry, I'm late."