Chapter 3

Walking out of the precinct, I immediately booked a Greyhound ticket to Seattle.

When we were young, Ethan and I made a pact: if either of us ever betrayed the other, the one who stayed loyal would go to Seattle.

The betrayer would be banished, never allowed to set foot in that city for the rest of their life.

But I didn't expect to run into Ethan and Chloe one last time before I left.

Daniel's new company was hosting its IPO bell-ringing ceremony, and he had specifically invited me.

When I arrived, the first thing I saw was Chloe nestled against Ethan's side.

My eyes locked onto the gown she was wearing. My fingers started to tremble.

It was the dress Ethan had custom-designed for me for my very first welcome banquet after the Carters brought me home.

He had told me back then:

"Nora, I might specialize in jewelry, but I'll design your dresses myself. Only you get to wear them."

Chloe spun around playfully, acting as if she had just noticed me.

"Nora, do you like it? Ethan gifted this to me."

"He said it was the very first dress he ever designed, that it meant the world to him, and that it would make me look perfect tonight."

She deliberately ran a hand over the altered bodice.

"It was way too small in the chest, though. I couldn't even zip it up. Thank God Ethan altered it for me."

Ethan avoided my gaze, looking guilty.

"It's just a dress, Nora. I can make you another one."

Before I could even respond, Chloe let out a sharp gasp.

"Ah!"

A dark, wet stain rapidly bloomed across her chest. The breast milk was ruining the silk.

Instinctively, Ethan grabbed my wrist, yanked me forward, and splashed his glass of wine directly onto Chloe's chest.

"Nora!" he barked loudly. "I don't care how mad you are, you can't just throw wine at Chloe!"

Heads snapped in our direction. The entire room fell silent.

He kept a bruising grip on my arm, leaning in to hiss under his breath:

"Play along. Chloe has to face the media and the family later. If people find out about her medical condition, she'll be ruined. Just take the fall for this one."

I stared at him. A single tear slipped down my cheek as my lips curled into a mocking smile.

"When she marries someone else one day, are you going to be able to let her go?"

I held his gaze.

"Or is she going to marry you?"

I tried to yank my hand back, but he wouldn't let go.

Security guards immediately rushed over and pried us apart.

I turned to the guards. "Please secure the security footage for the entire evening. Make sure you include the part where he physically assaulted me."

Ethan tried to lunge forward again but was held back by security.

"Once the wedding is over, I'll explain everything!" he shouted over the crowd. "The media and investors are watching! Don't blow this out of proportion!"

I shook my head.

There would be no wedding.

After the party, I had my lawyer file for a Temporary Restraining Order and sent the certified documents to the Seattle police for registration and service.

Early the next morning, I headed to JFK Airport.

As my taxi sped down the highway, it passed a sleek black car heading in the opposite direction—toward the wedding venue.

I looked through the window.

Ethan and Chloe were sitting side by side in the back seat, looking exactly like a couple about to walk down the aisle.

It didn't matter anymore.

I was leaving.

Whatever happened to them from now on had absolutely nothing to do with me.