Chapter 2

I quickly ended the call and deleted our communication history.

I turned around to see Julian and Bethany, their clothes disheveled, fingers still intertwined.

They probably hadn't expected me, an early sleeper, to still be awake at 2 AM.

They both jumped, quickly separating their hands.

Julian stammered, "Bethany and I bumped into each other downstairs. She said she had a fight with her boyfriend and came to crash here. I didn't want to wake you, so I just brought her up."

Bethany chimed in, "Yeah, yeah, Scarlett, please don't misunderstand. Julian and I just happened to run into each other. He loves you so much; he's just being extra nice to me because I'm your friend."

I looked at their faces, once so dear to me, and now I just felt pure disgust.

Remembering their entwined bodies on the hillside, a wave of nausea hit me, and I rushed to the bathroom to throw up.

Julian, as always, was instantly by my side, pulling out tissues, gently wiping my mouth, playing the perfect concerned husband.

"Scarlett, my darling, have you been overworking yourself lately?"

He tenderly pulled me into his arms.

"It's my fault, it's my fault. I won't go fishing anymore, I won't make you wait for me again."

Listening to his false words, smelling his sickening, pungent scent, my hatred surged. I wanted nothing more than to grab a knife from the kitchen and stab him to death.

But the baby in my belly kicked, bringing me back to my senses.

Patience, Scarlett, patience. A moment of weakness could ruin everything.

I forced myself to endure the revulsion, clinging to him and acting like my usual self.

"Oh, Julian, you're so good to me! How did I get so lucky to find such a wonderful husband?"

"I truly love you so much! Our baby will love you just as much as I do!"

Bethany, standing nearby, clenched her fists.

She couldn't stand it anymore and cleared her throat, teasing in a 'good friend' tone,

"Alright, you two! How many years have you been disgustingly sweet? Aren't you sick of it yet? I'm practically gagging over here! Think about how this third wheel feels, okay?"

This was the first time I truly observed her expression when she said those words.

Deep in her eyes, jealousy and hatred lurked, a smile plastered on her face that didn't reach her eyes.

How stupid had I been? I'd never doubted her sincerity, treating her like my second family.

I feigned a shy laugh. "You always tease me!"

"Oh, by the way, didn't you get a boyfriend?"

"I always hear you two fighting, but I still haven't seen what he looks like. Bethany, show me a picture!"

As I spoke, I walked over, snatching her phone, ready to scroll through photos.

Bethany was caught off guard. When she finally reacted, she snatched her phone back.

Perhaps realizing her reaction was too strong, she quickly added,

"What's so great about pictures? I'll introduce you to him in person next time."

I had only done it to mess with her, so I didn't press further, just smiled and went back to the bedroom.

They, on the other hand, thinking I was gone, grew bolder. They started kissing shamelessly in the living room, and Julian's hand even slipped under her clothes, giving a squeeze.

"Julian, I don't want you to sleep with her. When she's asleep, come to my room, okay?"

Julian chuckled, giving her a playful slap on the butt.

"Still craving more?"

"But we haven't tried it while she's around. Get ready, wait for me, baby."

Watching their blatant disrespect, treating me like a complete idiot, I stifled my disgust and sent another message to Isabella.

【I can't wait another day. The sooner, the better.】

An hour later, Julian nudged me, made sure I was genuinely asleep, then carefully crept towards the guest room.

In the quiet night, muffled moans from outside the door came in waves.

My heart was torn, my fingernails digging into my palms, leaving streaks of blood.

But none of it compared to the pain of betrayal.

Another hour passed. The door creaked open, and Julian climbed back into bed.

He habitually pulled me into his arms.

I used the excuse of turning over to free myself from his embrace, and while he was sound asleep, I slipped into another guest room.