Chapter 2

Chloe's cry was like a hunter's starting gun.

Ethan burst out of the bathroom like a hunting dog.

"What happened to Chloe?"

Chloe's self-inflicted slap had been forceful, leaving a clear handprint on her delicate face.

"Aria... she's in a bad mood... I can understand her taking it out on me... I don't blame her..."

Her acting wasn't sophisticated, but it was enough for a foolish man.

Ethan immediately became the most loyal protector, glaring at me angrily.

"Aria! What's wrong with you? If you're angry, take it out on me! What kind of skill is it to bully a young woman?"

"Chloe just graduated from college. She doesn't know anything. She's so pure and kind. Why are you bullying her? Apologize right now!"

He demanded I apologize. I was too lazy to speak and turned to go into the guest bedroom, locking the door from the inside.

Chloe was crying, and Ethan was comforting her.

Finding it too noisy, I put on my headphones.

My phone buzzed with a friend request.

The note said "Blind Date."

I accepted the request from this man named Marcus.

It got quiet outside. Ethan had taken Chloe home.

He didn't come back that night.

In the early morning hours, a photo of Ethan in bed suddenly appeared in the company group chat.

He was sleeping shirtless, his face showing satisfaction and exhaustion.

There were still plenty of night owls.

Company employees immediately left comments underneath.

But some old colleagues also messaged me privately, feeling indignant on my behalf.

"Aria, that bitch is getting more and more outrageous!"

"Isn't this a public declaration of war?"

"You need to hold onto Mr. Hayes. Don't let that homewrecker steal him!"

When Ethan was starting his business, I was always his right hand.

Many of the company veterans were personally recruited by me.

Later, when the business was on track, Ethan said he didn't want me to work so hard, that he could completely support me.

He also said couples weren't suitable as coworkers, that it easily created conflicts.

So I left the company and became a full-time supportive partner.

In the blink of an eye, several years had passed. Aside from the company veterans, many new employees no longer knew I existed.

"Just a rotten peach. I don't want it anymore."

After saying that, I left the company group chat.

That night I thought I'd have insomnia, but I slept surprisingly well.

That blind date named Marcus hadn't said anything since adding me as a friend.

I wasn't too concerned about it either.

I only agreed to the blind date to put my mom's mind at ease.

I didn't want her worrying about my love life anymore.

As for love?

I had long stopped expecting it.