Chapter 3

"Carter," I said, my voice sweet and playful. "Mason is really living the life, isn't he? I didn't know he and his girl were so... adventurous."

"Oh, totally. He's a wild animal," Carter chuckled over the phone, trying to play along.

"His girlfriend, Scarlett, right?" I casually threw out the bait. "When we had dinner last time, she seemed so quiet and shy. I didn't expect her to be so... wild behind closed doors."

On the other end of the line, Carter's breathing hitched for a split second. But he recovered quickly, his tone becoming even more confident.

"Ah, babe, you don't know her. Scarlett is only quiet in public. When she's alone with Mason... well, you get it. It's just their little bedroom game. Anyway, babe, I gotta go. I need to find Mason and swap the boxes. Apologize to your mom for me! I'll see you tomorrow!"

He hung up quickly, as if afraid I'd ask more questions. The smile on my face instantly vanished.

Men lie. It's in their DNA.

I opened Instagram, my fingers trembling as I scrolled through my chats until I found Scarlett's profile.

Six months ago, Carter, Mason, Scarlett, and I had double-dated. That was the first time Carter introduced me to his wealthy social circle. During dinner, Mason was incredibly attentive to Scarlett, and Scarlett looked at him with pure adoration. I could tell she genuinely loved him. Because she was sweet, I added her on Instagram.

I clicked on Scarlett's profile. I scrolled down to a post from three months ago. The photo was a torn picture of her and Mason, with clothes scattered all over the floor. The caption was sharp and final:

"Trash belongs in the trash can. If you can't keep it in your pants, get the hell out of my life. Three years wasted on a dog. Mason, I hope you rot."

Mason had left a comment below, which was deleted later, but I remembered it clearly:

"Whatever. Stop acting like a saint."

Three months ago. They had broken up three months ago. And it was a toxic, ugly breakup. They blocked each other on everything.

So, who was the "lingerie for Mason's girlfriend" really for? A ghost? Or was it just a convenient cover story Carter made up to hide his cheating?

More importantly, Carter had agreed without hesitation when I mentioned Scarlett's name. It was obvious. He was lying. He was using a dead relationship to cover up the real owner of that bunny suit.

The image of the 36D outfit flashed in my mind again. 36D. A very specific, very voluptuous body type. So, Carter had a curvy woman hidden in his life. A woman I didn't know about.

"Chloe? What's going on?" Eleanor pushed open the balcony door, looking at me with worry. "What did Carter say? Was it really a mistake?"

Looking at my mother's silver hair and her anxious eyes, the anger in my chest turned into cold determination. I turned around, hugged her arm, and smiled brightly.

"Yes, it was just a stupid mistake. Carter bought it for his buddy Mason. Mason's girl... well, young couples these days play some weird games. Carter was just stupid enough to let his friend put his stuff in his car."

Eleanor let out a long breath, patting her chest. "I knew it! Carter is a good boy. He wouldn't do something so disrespectful. You scared me! But that Mason guy is a bad influence. Tell Carter to stay away from him!"

"I will," I nodded obediently, guiding her back to the living room. "Carter said he's bringing you two new bags tomorrow to make it up to you."

"Oh, he doesn't need to do that. As long as it was a misunderstanding..." Eleanor smiled, her anger completely gone.

I helped my mother get ready for bed. When I returned to the living room, I stared at the orange Hermès box on the coffee table. Inside, the bunny suit was lying quiet. But my heart felt heavy and cold.

Carter, if you want to play games, let's play. But if you think two bags are going to buy your way out of this? In your dreams.