Chapter 2

Ethan and I hadn't contacted each other for three days.

Jennifer suddenly added me on SnapChat and asked me to go hiking.

—Natalie, Ethan just likes to sulk. I've been coaxing him since we were kids.

—Let me apologize on Ethan's behalf first.

—Couples need to clear up misunderstandings.

How about we go hiking this weekend?

Looking at Jennifer's inappropriate tone, I admired my newly done nails and readily agreed.

At the foot of the mountain, Ethan, Jennifer, and two other guys were all wearing matching sun-protective clothing.

Ethan hesitantly walked over and grabbed my hand: "Dear Natalie, I was so afraid you wouldn't come."

"What happened last time really was too much.

My friends are used to running wild and don't watch their mouths. Let's be good."

"After all, we've already met each other's parents. You'll have to get used to it eventually."

Jennifer came over and warmly draped her arm around my shoulder: "Natalie, don't be so petty."

"You two, hurry up and apologize to Natalie. Don't make her angry."

The other two guys exchanged glances and reluctantly said sorry.

Ethan squeezed my hand and coaxed: "You should feel better now, right?"

"My buddies have never lowered themselves like this to apologize to anyone."

"Natalie, shouldn't you show some appreciation?"

Ethan unscrewed a bottle of water and handed it to me, hinting that I should say something conciliatory.

Fine. Considering how thoughtful he was being, I cleared my throat.

"Thank you guys."

"Natalie!"

One of the guys jumped in anger. I quickly hid behind Ethan and wiped away tears.

"Ethan, look, they're so mean. They don't like me at all."

"Maybe I should just leave?"

Probably because he hadn't seen me act vulnerable in so long, Ethan was instantly smitten.

His protective instinct exploded as he stood in front of me: "Enough. Natalie is my fiancée, after all."

The two guys couldn't say anything more.

But Jennifer suddenly grabbed the water bottle from Ethan's hand and chugged it aggressively.

She drank quite boldly, water spilling out and soaking the front of her shirt.

Then she unzipped her jacket, revealing the cleavage she'd pushed up.

And the ring necklace around her neck.

I recognized it immediately. It was the couple's ring Ethan and I shared.

"Natalie, you don't mind me drinking Ethan's water, right? We've been sharing cups since we were kids."

"Pure friendship. You can't expect Ethan to lose all his friends just because he has a girlfriend."

Ethan didn't notice. He frowned as he searched for tissues for Jennifer.

I saw Jennifer raise her eyebrows at me provocatively.

Seeing that I remained silent, Jennifer deliberately touched the necklace at her chest and continued.

"We all apologized. Shouldn't Natalie apologize too?"

"Making up a man just to save face made Ethan cry for days."

Jennifer acted like she was seeking justice for Ethan.

Ethan looked at me, frowning: "Natalie, you really did go too far."

I didn't say anything. A guy in athletic wear with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and striking looks walked over.

He took the water from my hand and took a sip.

"Sorry I'm late. I'm Natalie's male best friend."