Chapter 3

After comforting Noah, Chloe turned to me, her expression grim. "I know you're upset that I hid my marriage and pregnancy with him from you. You can vent your anger at me, since I didn't tell you upfront."

"But you can't hurt Noah. He's already weak and pitiful enough."

"He only asked for a chance to be a father, is that so wrong? Why should he suffer your anger?"

She pointed a finger at me. "You will apologize to Noah today!"

I struggled to control my trembling body, rasping, "What did I do wrong? What exactly did I do wrong?"

Chloe stared at my bloodshot eyes, momentarily stunned.

"It's okay, Chloe," Noah interjected, tugging her sleeve, his voice filled with feigned sobs. "Even though I almost fell down the stairs… I don't blame Leo. He doesn't have to apologize."

"You and Leo are still getting married. I don't want you fighting because of me."

Chloe sighed, her voice laced with pity. "Noah, your thoughtfulness sometimes breaks my heart."

Her gaze hardened as she looked at me again. "Ultimately, you're just jealous of Noah, can't stand to see him doing better than you."

"Today, for his sake, I'll let the apology slide."

"But if you ever dare to harm him again, I will make you pay."

She lifted Noah into her arms, and as she left, she threw a remark filled with disappointment at me: "You're nothing compared to Noah."

The silent living room was empty except for me. I stared blankly at the withered leaves falling outside the window, finally unable to stop myself from crouching down, burying my face in my hands.

This was the last time I'd cry for Chloe.

That afternoon, Chloe updated her Ins. It was a nine-picture grid, showing off various meticulously decorated corners of what she called a bridal home.

The caption read: "Every room, every piece of furniture, every decoration here was chosen and arranged by me, all to give my baby a warm and happy home."

The comments section quickly filled with well wishes.

"Congrats, Chloe, on your impending bundle of joy!"

"So, Chloe and Leo are having a shotgun wedding! Congrats, congrats!"

"Leo, you're so lucky to have such a wonderful partner like Chloe!"

"I'll cancel a hundred-million-dollar deal if I have to, but I won't miss the wedding in three months!"

Just as the blessings poured in, Noah suddenly commented to clarify: "Everyone, please don't misunderstand. This isn't Chloe's bridal home, this is my house."

The comments section fell into an awkward silence.

I broke the deadlock, replying: "Three's a crowd. I'm out. Wishing you two happiness."

After sending that, I didn't bother with the reactions. I just deleted Chloe and Noah from my friends list.

Minutes later, Chloe's call came in. "Leo, are you done causing trouble?"

My tone was calm. "I'm not causing trouble."

She exploded. "What you wrote on my Ins was practically slandering Noah! Are you only happy if you brand him as the third wheel? If you keep this up, our engagement is off!"

Listening to her cold accusations, my heart was like stagnant water, completely still. "Chloe, why do you think I'd still want something that's been used by someone else?"