Chapter 2

"Learned a new tactic? Trying to get my attention with this indifferent attitude?" Ethan's expression was dark enough to drip water.

"Tara, I know you're angry---angry that I'm defending Rachel. But I'm a lawyer. I won't abandon any client. Besides, Rachel is innocent."

I looked confused. "Why are you explaining all this to me? I didn't even mention Rachel."

Ethan's angry expression instantly froze.

A flicker of guilt appeared in his eyes.

He pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Forget it. I'll find it myself."

I turned and went back to the bedroom.

Just as I was about to lie down and rest, Ethan's gentle voice came through the door that hadn't closed all the way, somewhat muffled.

"Rachel, what's wrong? Don't cry, tell me slowly... Those reporters are making things up. I'm coming over right now."

After a while, the bedroom door was pushed open.

"Rachel's having some trouble. I'm her defense attorney, so I need to handle it."

He explained somewhat uncomfortably.

"Oh."

Ethan froze.

He seemed to be waiting for what I would say next.

But I simply nodded calmly and gave him a slight smile.

After all, I couldn't even remember where that folder was---how could I be expected to remember someone named Rachel?

Ethan left in anger and didn't come home all night.

The next evening, he returned.

And with him came Rachel.

Her eyes were red-rimmed as she cowered timidly behind Ethan.

That face was indeed pure and innocent. Even at thirty, she still looked like a college student.

No wonder Ethan couldn't forget her.

"Tara," Ethan coughed uncomfortably.

"Rachel's address was exposed. It's not safe. I'm letting her stay at our place for a few days."

Rachel's voice was barely a whisper:

"Tara, I'm sorry for intruding. I really have nowhere else to go. Those people are terrifying---they're calling me a murderer..."

"How fake," I thought to myself, turning to go to the kitchen.

At the dinner table, Rachel sat next to Ethan.

She kept passing him the pepper, cutting his steak for him.

Busy as a bee.

"Ethan, you have a sensitive stomach. You can't eat spicy food."

She placed the peeled shrimp into Ethan's bowl and shot me a challenging look.

Ethan glanced at me somewhat awkwardly, wanting to see my reaction.

I just quietly sipped my soup.