Chapter 3

But was love important?

Back when I first started dating Ethan, there was no love between us.

I was into his cash, his looks, and his skills in bed.

Leah scoffed. "Then why did you leave him?"

My heart skipped a beat.

I looked down, my voice tinged with sadness.

"He was the one who fell for someone else first," I said.

Leah gave me a meaningful look, and I stared at the floor, unable to meet her gaze.

But she didn't say anything more. Her phone rang. She picked up and left without another word.

I thought she was heading off to work.

But that night, I saw her on the entertainment news.

The headline read: [Top Star Roger Holloway Spotted Out With a Classy Lady.]

There was a shot of the woman's back, but I recognized Leah right away.

She was even wearing the same outfit she had on when we had lunch together earlier that day.

Not long after, Roger set the record straight online.

He posted on social media: [We dated, but she dumped me. I'm still chasing her!]

Looking at his young, handsome face, bursting with liveliness and energy, I couldn't help but think he was the very picture of youth.

I pulled up a photo of Ethan.

He was refined and distinguished, but youth was precious.

Leah really knew how to live the good life.

Now I get why she offered me 300k a year just to be her yoga instructor at the time.

Truth was, I didn't know the first thing about yoga.

But hey, for that kind of cash, I went for it anyway.

Not long after, Ethan took a fancy to me.

Feeling a bit curious, I texted Leah: [Is what they're saying online true? Do you not want Roger anymore?]

She took a while to reply.

I spent that time scrolling through Roger's videos online.

He blew up out of nowhere five years ago, right around the time Leah and Ethan got divorced.

So Leah was probably the one pulling all the strings for him behind the scenes, hooking him up with all the right people and opportunities.

No wonder Roger couldn't move on. If I were him, I wouldn't be able to let go either.

Leah shot back, [What, you got your eye on him now?]

I clutched my chest, but I couldn't hide how tempted I was.

I replied: [He's actually pretty awesome. Can you set me up with him?

[I don't have much cash, but I'm willing to offer 300 thousand dollars. All you gotta do is make the introduction.

[I'll handle the rest.]

I looked down at myself.

Five years with Ethan had me living the good life. He really spoiled me.

We only just split up, but every night I find myself lying awake, thinking about him.

I had to do something about it.

Maybe I should start dating again.

Maybe I'd run into a guy who was even more obedient and more thoughtful. Then maybe I could finally get over Ethan.

Leah was typing for what felt like forever before she finally called me.

I'd been glued to my phone waiting for her reply, so I answered in a heartbeat.

I said, "Leah, you're over Roger anyway, so why not just hand him over to me?

"300k is pocket change for you, but I've got a kid to raise, so that's my max.

"Be a pal, Leah. I'm desperate for a guy who's hotter than Ethan: face, body, the whole package. Help me out?"

Ethan suddenly cut in, "What kid are you talking about?"

His voice startled me so much, my phone dropped on the floor.

I was so shaken, it took me forever to get my bearings back.

I didn't even dare to bring myself to pick up my phone.

I just kept staring at it for half an hour, even after the screen went black.

Once I was sure the call was over, I grabbed my phone to check.

Ethan had called me five times, and I hadn't answered a single one.

I was sure I was dead.

Then I reopened Leah's chat.

She replied: [Sorry, I was working on a deal with him and he caught me texting.]

My world came crashing down.

I grabbed my bank card and ID, threw some stuff into a suitcase, and got ready to bolt.

But the moment I opened the door, Ethan was standing there, his face stone cold.

"Damn, what kind of building security lets anyone in?" I grumbled.

"This place is still under my name," Ethan said from above me, his voice icy.

I cowered, keeping my mouth shut, not daring to say a word.

He stepped forward, and I stepped back.

Ethan grabbed my suitcase and shut the door behind us.

He sat on the couch for half an hour.

I stood next to him with my head down, like I was being punished, for half an hour.

All that ass-kissing for my sugar daddy had become second nature to me.

But Ethan never made me stand for more than ten minutes before.

I snuck a glance at him and saw he was scowling.

I felt even worse. Before I knew it, tears started falling.

Ethan let out a sigh.

My sobs grew louder.

Ethan uncrossed his legs and said coolly, "Whose kid is it?"

I was still sobbing, and looked up at him, dazed.

I replied truthfully, "I don't know."

Ethan's expression turned stormy.

He practically snarled, "What do you mean you don't know?"

"I-I honestly have no idea," I stammered.

He tugged at his tie, clearly losing patience.

"How many other guys have you slept with besides me?" Ethan snapped.

The look on his face was terrifying. I'd never seen him like that before.

Instinctively, I shuddered.

"M-maybe one," I stammered.

Two months back, Ethan was out of town for work.

Giana kept me posted on her progress and sent me a pic of him sleeping. The moment I saw his sleeping face, it was like my heart broke into pieces.