Chapter 2

Lina's POV

"Are you a dog?" I buttoned my shirt all the way up in the rearview mirror, covering the bite marks on my collarbone.

Adrian didn't respond. He leaned back in his seat, looking thoroughly satisfied as he tapped out a cigarette and lit it.

The car still smelled like what we'd just done.

Who would've thought that the billionaire heir everyone was so afraid of had just spent the last hour ravaging his best friend's fiancée in this very car?

The world thought I had faithfully waited three years for Ethan, devoted and loyal.

But I had long known Ethan wasn't dead. He was just playing dead overseas while hooking up with women.

Since he was faking his death, sleeping with his best friend seemed perfectly fair.

Adrian exhaled a smoke ring, his voice husky. "Text me when you're done. I'll be waiting in the car."

I pushed open the car door and walked quickly toward the café with my project contracts.

I had an investor meeting and needed to compose myself so no one would suspect anything.

As I climbed the steps, a group emerged from the adjacent building, noisy and boisterous-all those idle rich heirs from the circle.

Leading them was none other than Ethan, who had disappeared three years ago.

He had his arm around a young woman, listening lazily to someone beside him.

His friends saw me and their expressions shifted awkwardly-the guilty look of people caught in wrongdoing.

Someone scratched his head. "We run into her already? Who opened their big mouth and told Lina?"

Another friend named Lucas explained awkwardly.

"Lina, when Ethan fell into the ocean, he had a head injury. He's been recovering overseas. We didn't tell you because we didn't want you to worry needlessly."

"Now that he's back, it's a cause for celebration. Sure, Ethan lost his memory, but at least he's alive, right?"

Ethan stopped, his gaze landing lazily on me.

He didn't release the girl in his arms, just raised an eyebrow and assessed me casually.

"So this is the fiancée?" he asked his friends, tone indifferent. "Not bad looking. I guess I can see why you all said she wouldn't marry anyone but me, chasing after me so desperately."

Then he gestured to the girl in his arms. "Even though I don't remember you, I'll honor the engagement."

"This is Chloe. I met her overseas. She's timid, so don't bully her."

Chloe nestled against him and called out softly, "Hi, Lina."

I held up my contracts. "Excuse me, I have business. Please let me through."

With that, I checked the time to confirm I wasn't late and headed toward the café.

Behind me, voices rose in disbelief. "Seriously? She's just leaving?"

Ethan's mocking laugh rang out. "Maybe she can't believe I'm still alive."

Another friend chimed in with a laugh. "Of course! Everyone knows Lina loves you to death. She probably can't process the wonderful surprise that you're alive."

"Once she calms down, she'll naturally come crying to our Ethan begging to get back together."

Ethan's lazy voice said, "Get back together? We'll see if I'm in the mood."

I had no idea what they said after I left.

After finishing my business discussion with the investors, I returned to the car. The moment I closed the door, Adrian's scorching breath pressed down on me.

"What took so long?" His tone was displeased, his hand sliding directly under my clothes.

Just then, someone knocked on the window.

I froze completely. Adrian's movement paused, his brow furrowing.

Through the privacy film, Ethan's face was pressed right against the window!

"Adrian, it really is you! I spotted your car from way over there."

I held my breath in fear, instinctively gripping Adrian's sleeve.

We were inside. He was outside.

Only a layer of glass between us.

Adrian glanced down at me, then used one hand to press me against him, using his large suit jacket to shield my face.

Then he calmly lowered the window halfway.

"What is it?"

Adrian's voice was low, laced with the irritation of being interrupted.

Ethan didn't notice me hidden under the jacket. He leaned one hand on the window frame, peering inside.

"Lina just played hard to get with me and ran off. I'm worried she might do something stupid. Did you see her come this way?"

Adrian's hand rested on the window frame blocking the view, while his other hand squeezed my waist.

"Didn't see her." He answered without changing expression.

Ethan pursed his lips. "That woman really doesn't know what's good for her. I was going to let her catch a ride home with you. Forget it, never mind her."

Then his gaze fell on Adrian's open collar, revealing a knowing, mischievous smile. "Did I interrupt something good? Got a woman hiding in the car?"

I bit my lip, not daring to make a sound.

Not because I cared about him, but because my disheveled state wasn't suitable for being seen.

Adrian glanced at Ethan, the corner of his mouth curving slightly. "Mm. A rather disobedient little wildcat throwing a tantrum."

Ethan laughed loudly, patting the roof. "Then I won't be a third wheel. Bring her out to meet us sometime-I want to see what kind of woman finally got through to you."

Ethan turned and left.

The window rose. I went limp in Adrian's arms.

Adrian looked down at me, his fingertip brushing the cold sweat from my forehead, voice low. "What's wrong? Afraid your ex will discover you lying beneath his best friend?"