I realized as soon as I sent it that Sierra was
back.
His “dinner” was probably a welcome home party for her.
53
Sure enough, Jack sent back a cold, mocking message: “Do I have to spell it out? Chloe, know your place.”
I silently put my phone down and took a shower.
Then I went to my study and placed the divorce papers I’d had my lawyer draw up in Jack’s desk.
When I came back out, I saw a new friend
request pop up on my screen.
It was from: Hunter Reed.
12:36
I stared at the three words for what felt like
forever.
Finally, I took a deep breath and tapped
“accept.”
He sent a photo right away.
In the hazy light of a bar, Jack had his arm around Sierra, his lips pressed against her
cheek.
My eyes stung. I bit my lip, typing out a shaky message: “You just wanna see me fail?”
Hunter didn’t answer right away.
The words “typing” appeared and made my
heart drop.
Finally, he wrote: “Want to get back at them?”
…I walked into the bar.
<
12:36
I looked at the table number Hunter had sent
and was just about to ask a waiter for
directions when a familiar voice said, “Over
here.”
A warm hand grabbed my wrist.
And then I was being pulled roughly into a warm
chest.
The smell hit me, a weird mix of old and new.
I froze, his hand pressing me against him.
“Don’t make a sound.”
Hunter’s voice whispered in my ear, a bit
hoarse.
“Your husband and his little mistress just
walked by. Don’t let them see.”
His voice held an obvious touch of sarcasm.
My eyes suddenly stung.
The old Hunter, seven years ago, wasn’t like
this.
Back then, he had been genuine, passionate.
He’d push me against the piano and kiss me senseless, then rest his forehead against mine and whisper:
“Chloe, you have to say that we’ll always be together.”
“If you don’t say it, I won’t let go.”
“You planning to hold me like that all night?”
Hunter’s voice dragged me back.
I let go and looked at him.
((
53
He was so close, and the ice in his eyes felt sharper.
I tried to keep my voice even. “Sorry.”
Hunter took over.
He led me through the dark hall, putting me into
a silver–black Lambo outside.
He turned the ignition, hitting the gas, and following Jack’s car.
I couldn’t help but say: “Isn’t that, like, not legal?”
“I’m not drunk.”
Hunter looked at me. “Alcohol affects your
performance. Every tiny detail is important in a game.”
<
12:36
It was a world I knew nothing about.
I didn’t know what to say.
Until we pulled up to a fancy apartment and watched Jack and Sierra go inside.
Finally, I said: “How do I get back at them?”
Hunter arched a brow, pointing to himself: “I can give you a good option.
“How does making your husband jealous
sound?”
LO
5
Hunter’s apartment was close to the club’s
training center.
The second I stepped inside, he pushed me
against the wall.
<
12:36
531
He stopped an inch from my lips, his voice low.
“Can I kiss you first?”
11
11
“Don’t get me wrong.”
In the dim light from outside, he looked straight
into my eyes and chuckled. “I just need to get
back into the zone.”
I dug my nails into my palm and quietly said,
“Okay.”
His mouth was on mine, rough, like he was trying to grind me down.
Hot breath warmed my neck as he moved lower. He traced my spine, lingering on my shoulder blades.
“You’ve lost weight.”
His voice was gentle all of a sudden. “I’ll be
careful.”
Compared to seven years ago, Hunter was so
much more aggressive.
Back then, I was the one who chased him. And
when things got hard, I left him.
Hunter must hate me, right?
My heart was like a lemon in my chest, all
twisted and sour.
Suddenly, the pressure on me eased up.
Hunter’s icy voice rang out in my ear: “Chloe,
you’re spacing out on me.”
“You thinking about that cheater husband of
yours?”
<
The lights came on.
It was like all my secret, ugly thoughts were suddenly on full display.
Even though I didn’t know a thing about e-
sports, I could see how famous and successful
Hunter was now.
My messy marriage was a total mess, and I
shouldn’t drag him into it.
I slowly stood up straight, and said evenly:
“Sorry.
“This is between me and Jack. You don’t have
to get involved.”
That seemed to annoy him more.
He laughed coldly, leaned down, and kissed me
harder.
<
“Too late for regrets… babe.”
In the long, drawn–out moment, I started to
remember what it had been like.
The young Hunter had an insane amount of
energy.
Now he wasn’t as reckless, but he was way
more skilled.
He had the nerve to wipe a tear from my eye,
when I was a mess and say,
“Crying already?
“Your husband seems like a real let down.”
