Book3 Chapter7.
Ethan froze, caught like a deer in headlights. He glanced between Chloe and me, his face draining of color. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken accusations.
“Well, come sit down,” I said, feigning confusion. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. our junior from college.” I gestured to the empty chair beside me. “Need me to pull up a chair for you too?”
He shook his head, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously as he pulled up a chair. I leaned against him, all sweetness and light. “Honey, I was thinking about what you said. About not wanting to rush into marriage. Maybe we should take it slow, like Chloe here. She and her husband just got married, right? Maybe we can get some advice, find the perfect rings for when we finally tie the knot.”
Ethan’s face paled. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
“Cat got your tongue?” I asked, my voice dripping with fake concern. “You didn’t have any trouble badmouthing me to my family, did you?”
He shot out of his chair, grabbing my arm. “Anya, let’s go. Now.”
I shrugged him there something you’re
off, my eyes boring into his. “Why, is ashamed of? Something you don’t want people to hear?”
“Anya, please, just calm down,” he pleaded, his voice hoarse.
“Calm down? You want me to calm down?” I exploded. “Chloe here was saying how her husband waited for her for years, how they got married as soon as she got back.” I took a deep breath, my voice shaking with rage. “Isn’t that right,
Chloe?”
He stood there, his gaze fixed on the floor, refusing to speak.
I saw red. Without thinking, I raised my hand and slapped him, hard.
“Tell me, damn you! Tell me it’s not true!”
Ethan staggered back, his check turning crimson where my hand had connected.
Chloe jumped up, shielding Ethan with her body. “How dare you! Yes, I’m married to Ethan! What’s it to you? You’re the other woman here!”
“Chloe, shut up!” Ethan roared, his face contorted with anger.
She froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Then, tears welled up, spilling down her cheeks. “Are you… are you yelling at me? For her?”
Ethan’s anger deflated, replaced by a wave of remorse. He reached out to touch her, but she swatted his hand away.
“Don’t you dare touch me!” she screamed. “Don’t forget, I’m your wife! Your legal wife! And you’re defending this… this homewrecker?”
“Ethan looked like he was about to explode. His chest heaved, but no words came out. Finally, Chloe grabbed her glass and threw it at him, the water drenching his shirt. “I hate you!” she shrieked, before storming out of the cafe.
Ethan sank back into his chair, defeated.
