Chapter 3

6

"Open the door! Let me see which girl has you in such a hurry!"

Ayden muttered under his breath, pulling a blanket tightly around me.

He returned to the driver's seat, rolled down the window, and smiled helplessly. "Tobias, that's not very fair."

Inside the dim car, Tobias, having had a bit too much to drink, squinted but couldn't make out much, only noticing a tuft of chestnut curls hanging over the seat.

He pointed his finger playfully, "You rascal, your old man sent you here to research the market, and you're researching women instead, aren't you?"

Ayden replied nonchalantly, "Why not? Are you worried I'll wreck your car? How about I order another one for you?"

A thought flashed through Tobias's mind.

This luxury SUV was actually meant for Jillian.

He had seen her browsing this model online recently, so he ordered one on a whim.

Her birthday was coming up, and it would make the perfect gift.

Then he recalled, half an hour ago, Jillian had thrown their engagement bracelet at him and called off the engagement.

He lowered his head, chuckling softly.

Calling off the engagement wasn't her decision to make.

But, she needed a lesson for being so willful.

So, he looked up at Ayden's teasing expression and waved his hand.

"It's no big deal! You might as well test out the features for me."

"But it's not for free."

He smirked mischievously, "Write me a review, will you? I could use the feedback."

Ayden looked at him for a few seconds, then smiled.

"Sure, I'll write you a thorough one."

"Then, I'll get busy?"

He grasped the woman's hand beside him suggestively.

Tobias understood, stepped back a few paces, and left.

Yet, a vague unease settled in his heart.

He glanced back at the luxury SUV, its windows now rolled up, sealing everything inside.

He exhaled slowly, returning to his own car.

Kacie slithered up to him like a snake.

He caught her, kissing her absentmindedly.

But his gaze involuntarily drifted to the car five meters away.

His mood grew heavier.

When Kacie's hand slipped inside, the luxury SUV began to rock rhythmically.

Tobias grabbed her hand like lightning.

Kacie hesitated, "Tobias?"

He exhaled heavily, feeling as if a weight pressed on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

He took one last look at the car next door, rocking faster and faster, then rolled up the window.

Irritated, he instructed the driver, "Theo, drive away."

As the distance increased, the heaviness turned into anxiety.

It felt like something important was slipping away from him, never to be found again.

7

After that night, the luxury SUV went straight to the cleaners.

It was an eyesore.

Back at Ayden's place, I clutched my nearly broken waist, gritting my teeth as I asked if he was an energizer bunny.

He grinned wickedly, "I had to write a review for Tobias, didn't I? Had to thoroughly test it out."

"Any insights, Jillian? I'll include them."

"Like how youth equals stamina, long-lasting endurance, and plenty of power..."

I pulled up the timer on my phone.

"Last night, someone confidently told me to time it, but it ended as soon as I hit start..."

He flushed with embarrassment and covered my mouth, "That was the first time! Every guy's first time is like that!"

I blinked, "Oh."

"What do you mean by that! I bet Tobias..."

He suddenly stopped, pursed his lips, and looked at me for a few seconds before turning away, looking frustrated.

I said calmly, "I wouldn't know. His first time wasn't with me."

He froze for a moment, muttered "jerk," and turned back to hug me.

"The Howard Family isn't worthy of marrying you! All the men in that family are useless."

"Unlike the Lewis Family, our family has always been the gold standard for gentlemanly behavior, with a romantic streak in our genes. When I was with you, I was still an innocent young lad..."

"Jillian, we're already like this, you have to take responsibility for me."

I hesitated to return his embrace.

Honestly, when I got involved with him, I didn't think much of it.

He had been my junior for seven years, and with his childishness, I always treated him like a kid.

But a while ago, when I was feverish and delirious in the studio, he found me, took me to the hospital, and stayed by my side until I woke up, caring for me tirelessly.

At that time, Tobias was busy taking Kacie on a trip abroad, completely ignoring me.

My parents were doting on their newly found biological daughter, avoiding me, the impostor, like the plague.

The only person by my side was Ayden.

I couldn't hold back and cried my heart out in his arms.

He awkwardly held me tight.

That day, he told me he'd liked me for many years.

I, like a drowning person clutching at driftwood, accepted his kiss.

Even took the lead.

I was too upset, desperately pouring my emotions onto the only person around.

But I didn't take his confession seriously.

He was too young, and his family background was too prominent, worlds apart from mine.

I didn't think we would have a future.

All I wanted was the pleasure of the moment.

But Ayden seemed to think differently.

Seeing me silent for too long, he cupped my face, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

"Jillian, you wouldn't be thinking of using me and then leaving, would you?"

I licked my lips, my gaze wandering, "I think we can take it slow."

He let out a cold laugh, "We've known each other for eight years, and you just took my innocence. How much slower do you want to go?"

"I don't care. If you don't want to take responsibility, I'll make a scene at your house! I'll make a scene on a popular social media platform! Let everyone know you're a player who ghosts after a good time!"

I groaned, "Shut up, you little devil!"