Chapter 4

Lina's POV

The next day at noon, my phone received multiple messages, all from Maya.

Maya was my college roommate. Over these three years, we often went shopping and had afternoon tea together.

"Where are you? You really didn't go to Ethan's thing last night? You're so good at playing it cool!"

"That Chloe spent all last night on Ins posting about the bags Ethan bought her, passive-aggressively saying out with the old, in with the new. I'm about to explode watching it!"

"No way, I can't swallow this! Tonight I'm calling Ethan out, and we're going to put that girl in her place face to face!"

I was in the middle of processing emails and the interruptions were giving me a headache.

I replied casually: "Let them be."

Maya's call immediately came through.

"Lina! How can you just let them be?! The more you hide, the more smug that Chloe gets! She's telling the whole world that you're too scared of her to show your face!"

"I already told everyone you'd definitely come tonight to tear that homewrecker apart. If you don't show up, people will really think you're afraid of that mistress!"

"Just make an appearance and prove you don't give a damn about that bastard!"

I thought about it. She had a point.

If I didn't go, it would look like I still cared, still hiding from him.

"Fine."

I agreed. "What time?"

"Eight tonight! VIP room at Azure Bay Club!"

...

8 PM, Azure Bay Club.

I pushed open the door to the private room. The air inside was thick with smoke.

Ethan sat in the center, surrounded by a circle of so-called friends, all watching the drama unfold, over a dozen men and women.

The moment I stepped in, Maya sprang up and grabbed my arm, all warmth and enthusiasm. "Lina! You're here! Come, sit with us, we're right in the middle of a game!"

She pressed me directly into the seat opposite Ethan. A huge spinning wheel sat on the table.

"Truth or Dare. Everyone's already played a round, we've just been waiting for you."

Maya poured me a drink and shot me a wink, lowering her voice.

"Don't worry. I've got it all set up. When it lands on Ethan, I'll make him choose Dare and have him kiss you right in front of everyone. Let that Chloe see!"

My brow furrowed slightly.

Playing this kind of game in this setting-besides awkwardness, who would it actually upset?

But before I could speak, Ethan had already opened his mouth lazily.

"Since you're here, follow the rules. Losers drink. If you're too scared to play, get lost."

First round-the wheel stopped right in front of me.

Maya immediately shouted, "Oh Lina! You're so lucky! Truth or dare?"

I looked at the eyes around me waiting for a show.

"Truth."

Maya immediately threw out her question.

"Lina, everyone knows you waited three years for Ethan. During those three years, did you ever have thoughts about any other man?"

The whole room went quiet.

Everyone stared at me.

Ethan's lighter paused. He looked up at me.

His eyes held a casual certainty, as if the answer was already within his expectations.

Who else could I possibly be interested in besides him?

I picked up the drink in front of me and swirled it gently.

Looking at Maya's gossip-hungry eyes, I smiled.

"Of course."

My tone was calm. Almost light.

The room erupted.