Chapter 3
I was lying in a private booth at the beauty salon, eyes closed.
In that hazy state between sleep and wakefulness, I was just starting to unwind when I heard a familiar voice growing nearer.
As soon as I opened my eyes, one thought flashed through my mind: Enemies always seemed to cross paths.
Michael clearly hadn't expected to run into me so soon, and his expression changed in an instant.
He looked flustered for a second, then straightened up and raised his voice. "Honey, pick any treatment you like. I'll pay for it.
"A woman's youth is so precious. Don't wait until it's too late. By then, nothing can fix it."
Ellie Lane, who came with him, instantly lit up her eyes and clung to him. "Thanks, Michael. You always treat me the best."
My lips twisted and I stayed silent.
The beautician must've sensed the awkward vibe, because she hesitated and whispered, "Ma'am, would you like me to pause for a moment?"
"No," I replied, closing my eyes, my voice cool and indifferent. "Go on."
Just then, Michael's phone rang. He excused himself and stepped away for a moment.
As soon as he left, Ellie couldn't hold back anymore.
"You're Michael's ex, aren't you?" Ellie shot at me, clearly trying to provoke. Seeing I wasn't interested in talking, she didn't seem bothered.
She chuckled and kept going. "Why pretend you're so above it all? Seeing Michael treat me like a queen, you must be really jealous.
"You've been with him for many years, but then what?
"The first thing he did when he got rich was kick you to the curb."
"If your brain's messed up, go see a doctor. Stop messing with others," I cut her off, my gaze sweeping over her like she was some silly clown. "If you love picking up trash, that's your business, but don't think everyone's as low as you."
Ellie's cheeks turned red and her voice shot up. "Drop your act. I can tell you're just mad and embarrassed because I'm right.
"You think talking like this is gonna change the fact that Michael ditched you?"
She leaned in, lowering her voice to a sleazy, smug whisper. "Guess you never knew, huh? Michael loves girls with big boobs. He always says they feel amazing in his hands.
"Whenever he was making out with me, he'd complain about how boring his girlfriend was.
"Looking at you now, I can totally see why."
Rage flooded through me, and my chest tightened with every angry beat.
I clenched my jaw, barely holding back a string of curses, and rubbed my throbbing temples.
Just as I was about to snap back, I caught sight of Michael returning from the corner of my eye.
The biting retort on my lips melted into a breezy, sarcastic sneer. "So this is your idea of being loved? Getting treated to the cheapest deal in the place?"
I glanced at the price list, tapped the priciest option at the top, and said offhandedly, "Looks like the boobs you're so proud of aren't much better."
"Nonsense!" Ellie's face turned beet red as she glared at me, and then she shot a desperate look toward the door.
With Ellie's eager, expectant stare on him, Michael's face went from pale to livid, caught between anger and embarrassment.
He gritted his teeth, wrapped his arm around Ellie, and raised his voice. "Where's the staff? Get her your priciest set."
He deliberately shot me a look. "Money? That's nothing. I've got more than enough."
I sat back on the couch, arms folded, silently watching the circus play out with a chilly, sarcastic smile.
Ellie was soaking up every bit of the benefit, flashing me a smug, challenging smirk.
Just then, the receptionist came over with the card reader, wearing a polite smile. "Sir, the Ultimate Luxury Set costs $60,000."
Michael's smile froze instantly.
After some awkward fumbling, he finally pulled out a card and handed it over.
A moment later, the card reader blared "Insufficient funds" for all to hear.
"Use this one," Michael said, his voice growing frantic as everyone stared.
But the card reader mercilessly flashed the same message.
Snickers rippled through the crowd. "Is he pretending to be rich? If he can't pay, why even come to a place like this?"
"Exactly. All show, no cash."
The receptionist's look was awkward, with a hint of embarrassment and disdain. "Sir, do you still want this set?"
"Of course!" Michael shot back, clenching his fists so hard that the veins on his forehead popped.
It took him maxing out three credit cards before this whole circus finally wrapped up.
Michael said, "Ellie, don't worry. It's just a phase.
"Once the holiday rolls around, even $500,000 will be pocket change for me."
"Michael, don't say that. You know I'm not with you for the money," Ellie cooed.
Then, she tossed a smug glance my way.
I looked at those maxed-out credit cards and knew how deep Michael was in debt. The whole thing made me feel downright nauseous.
Not bothering to give those pathetic clowns another glance, I snorted and turned on my heel, leaving them behind.