Chapter 3

Natalie's tone was relaxed and calm, as if what just happened hadn't occurred at all.

I squeezed out a dry sentence from my throat.

"Why would you do this?"

Natalie lazily tossed the nail polish aside, admiring her handiwork.

"It's fun!"

"Ever since you started dating Ethan, you've always ignored me."

"When we go shopping and you try on clothes, you have to send photos to him. When we eat together, you have to reply to his messages. Even on my birthday, you ran off to take care of him when he had a fever."

"After you got married, it goes without saying—you two are family now."

She lifted her head and looked directly into my eyes, curling her lips in a mischievous smile.

"I thought to myself, is Ethan really that great? I had to try him out for myself."

"And once I tried, I discovered he really is pretty good. No wonder you're so crazy about him."

Natalie smiled seductively.

But my heart grew colder inch by inch.

I'd been best friends with Natalie for over twenty years. She was especially dissatisfied with Ethan, and the two of them would give each other cold looks whenever they met.

Natalie complained that I gave all my attention to Ethan, forgetting about my friend now that I had a man.

Ethan didn't like that Natalie always took up my time, disturbing our time together.

I tried hard to maintain their relationship, mediating everywhere.

But I never expected that the two of them would get together and leave me behind.

"Melissa, even though your reactions are always slow, your taste in men isn't bad."

"Ethan is so obsessed with me. He insisted I move into the apartment above yours so he could see me every day."

"Last week when you replaced your bed, it actually wasn't worn out—Ethan and I broke it because his desires were too strong."

Through the screen, Natalie added with a smile.

I stared at her blankly, unable to say a word.

My slow brain finally started working, and memories surfaced.

In the past, Ethan looked down on Natalie and wouldn't even give her a kind look.

But gradually, he started handing Natalie a hair tie during meals.

When he accompanied us shopping, he'd replace Natalie's ice cream with a hot drink, reminding her that her period was coming soon and she should eat less cold food.

When Natalie moved in, Ethan personally helped me assist her with moving, working busily.

At that time, Natalie proudly glanced at Ethan doing the work.

"I'm practically his sister-in-law. Smart of him to recognize that!"

I laughed happily, not noticing anything unusual.

I was just glad that my two favorite people were finally getting along.

But I overlooked the deep, meaningful gaze Ethan directed at Natalie.

On the phone, Natalie seemed to become more interested, her eyes sparkling.

"Melissa, when you were away on that business trip, Ethan nearly wore me out. You have no idea..."

The video was abruptly cut off by a well-defined hand.

Ethan's face was ashen. He set down a steaming cup of hot milk in front of me.

"Melissa, don't listen to her nonsense."

I stared at him blankly, my gaze empty and hollow.

He sighed and pulled me into his arms.

"Melissa, I got drunk at a business dinner that night. Natalie happened to come by the house to get something, and we just..."

"I didn't maintain proper boundaries. Please don't be angry with me, okay?"

His body carried a deep woody scent mixed with the fishy sweetness of sex, combined with Natalie's fragrance.

A belated wave of nausea surged up. I forcefully broke free from his embrace and walked into the study to pack up my materials.

I didn't want to stay here anymore.

Just yesterday, Ethan had held me reluctantly, full of complaints.

"Why does the company keep sending you on business trips? Do they hate seeing us happy together or something?"

Then he pressed me beneath him in passionate intimacy, whispering sweet words in my ear.

"Melissa, when you're not here, I miss you ten thousand times a day."

My heart felt like it was being scratched by sharp claws over and over again, dull pain flowing endlessly.

When I walked out holding a pile of architectural blueprints, Ethan hurriedly blocked my way.

"Melissa!"

I pushed him away. He clung to me.

I pushed him away again. He clung to me again.

As we struggled, the door's electronic lock opened.

Natalie walked in with a smile.

"Melissa, I have good news!"