Chapter 3

“Oops. You were too slow. My foot was getting sore, so I accidentally stepped on you. Sorry about that.”

Ethan’s foot suddenly came down on my phone.

A piece of broken glass dug into my flesh, and blood began to flow.

“Can that hand still make drinks?” Chloe asked. “Wait, don’t tell me she made the drinks we’ve been drinking. That’s disgusting. I’m not drinking anymore.”

If my academic advisor hadn’t suddenly required a signed internship form, if I hadn’t been planning to quit after today, and if I hadn’t refused to rely on my family, I would have slapped her across the face.

The manager hurried over and apologized to them, even offering to waive their entire bill.

Then he turned around and hissed that the money would be deducted from my wages.

Only then were they satisfied enough to continue drinking.

My hand was injured, so I couldn’t keep working. The manager paid me what remained after the deduction, signed my paperwork, and let me leave.

When I came outside, Ethan and the others had just finished their drinks.

“I’m really sorry I cost you your job,” Ethan said smugly.

I clenched my fists.

Then I noticed someone nearby.

Vanessa was shopping with one of her friends.

Judging from where they were walking, they would reach this spot in a few minutes.

Ethan had his back to them. He hadn’t noticed them yet.

“If I had tried harder to keep you, would I still be the one in your arms right now?” I looked at him pitifully.

The corner of Ethan’s mouth twitched.

“If you really want to get back together with me, you need to show me some sincerity.” His eyes roamed over me.

Chloe’s face instantly turned ugly.

“Would this be enough?”

I pulled down one side of my collar, exposing my shoulder.

Ethan swallowed.

“Ethan!”

Chloe called his name one syllable at a time, dragging him back to reality.

“Chloe, I’m sorry! I was only teasing her. I didn’t mean anything by it. You’re the only one in my heart.”

“Hmph. I knew you wouldn’t dare,” Chloe said. Then she glanced toward the street. “Hey, that person looks familiar. Is she a celebrity?”

Vanessa had come close enough for Chloe to point at her.

The moment Ethan recognized her, his eyes widened.

He hurriedly shoved Chloe into the car. I quickly put on my mask and hid around the corner.

Chloe wasn’t prepared. Her head struck the car door.

Ethan kept one hand pressed against her head, refusing to let her out, while watching Vanessa approach.

Vanessa noticed the car and walked over in her high heels.

Ethan immediately stepped out.

“Baby, I can’t believe I ran into you here! I’m so happy!”

He opened his arms and tried to rush toward her.

“Stop. We’re outside. Watch yourself,” Vanessa said quickly, blocking him.

She glanced at her confused friend.

“This is the new car I bought for you. Don’t act so flashy.”

Then she looked toward the car.

Ethan hurriedly moved in front of it, preventing her from seeing Chloe inside.

I couldn’t stop myself from laughing at his panicked expression.

A moment ago, he had been acting arrogant.

Now he was as timid as a dog, wagging his tail desperately at Chloe while trying not to get caught by Vanessa.