Chapter 1

It was the company's annual gala, and Ethan poured red wine over my head.

"Dressed like that, are you here for work or to pick up clients?"

I froze, the wine dripping down my face.

The inner thoughts of my colleagues buzzed in my mind—

【Ethan spent two hours at the upscale mall last night, just to pick out that dress for her.】

【He's just jealous, afraid other guys will stare at her. He actually thinks she looks stunning.】

【He's so stubborn, deeply in love but won't say it. It's driving me crazy.】

But then Ethan slapped me across the face.

"What's with that expression? If you don't like it, get lost."

That slap shattered all my illusions.

Later, I really did get lost. I deleted all his contacts. So how did he end up in the hospital, drunk?

When the red wine poured down, my first reaction was to close my eyes.

Ethan stood in front of me, his wine glass empty.

"Lily, I'm talking to you." His voice was low, but icy.

Hundreds of people were at the gala, and no one dared to make a sound.

I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. The wine stung, making my eyes red and painful.

The voices in my head started again.

【Ethan walked around Nordstrom twice last night, just to pick out that dress for you. Of course he's mad you didn't wear it, but he loves you!】

That was Mark, Ethan's assistant.

【Lily, just calm him down! Ethan totally loves you—!】Chloe from Marketing.

【They're perfect together, isn't that how it always goes in novels? The heroine just endures a little and gets her happy ending.】Mia from reception.

I had listened to these voices for three years, and believed them for three years.

Ethan slammed his glass on the table. "Are you mute?"

I looked up at him. "Nothing to say."

He narrowed his eyes, not used to me talking back.

"You dressed like that, isn't it just for show?" His voice rose. "I sent a dress to your desk, and you didn't wear it. You had to wear your own. Are you intentionally trying to defy me?"

"I didn't like it."

It was a white backless dress with a neckline plunging to the chest. I didn't like it.

He wouldn't ask me why. He'd just think I was challenging him.

He raised his hand, and smack.

My left cheek burned with pain.

The air froze.

【Holy crap… he actually hit her?】

【He's probably shocked himself. His hand is shaking.】

I looked up.

Ethan's face paled for a second, then he sneered.

"You brought this on yourself. If you don't like it, get lost."

He turned and left.

The door closed.

I stood there, my mind blank.

All my colleagues were staring at me. No one dared to speak.

But they were so loud.

【Even though it landed on the heroine's face, Ethan's heart is aching. You should see how scared he looks.】

【Lily, do something! Go after Ethan, tell him you're sorry, and he'll soften up!】

I ignored everyone, took off my heels, and stepped into the elevator.

I leaned against the wall, looking at my disheveled reflection in the mirror.

Lily, it's been three years. What are you still holding on to?

After a moment of thought, I pulled out my phone, opened my contacts, and found "Ethan Miller."

My finger hovered over the delete button.

Three seconds later, I pressed it.

"Confirm delete."

The elevator reached the first floor.

I walked out and pushed open the building's glass doors.

It was an early March rain. My stockings were soaked, making my toes numb with cold.

My heart slowly turned cold too.