Chapter 3

3.

That evening, Ethan handed me a necklace. "You're coming to the gala with me tonight. Don't cause any more trouble."

It was a thin chain with a tiny, unremarkable stone. It looked cheap, almost insulting.

It was from the brand Heather loved most.

"Ethan, I don't want to go. My legs haven't healed yet."

He snorted, completely ignoring my words. "Stop being difficult. Go get changed."

When I didn't move, he growled and grabbed my wrist. He dragged me up, completely indifferent to the pain shooting through me.

In the car, I curled up in the seat. Waves of pain washed over me, but he just stared coldly out the window.

Tonight was a celebration for the success of Heather's latest art gallery opening.

In the ballroom, she wore an elegant gown and was the center of everyone's attention.

Ethan nudged me, his voice low and sharp. "Find a chance to apologize to Heather properly. Don't ruin her night."

Apologize? Hadn't I been humiliated enough?

I looked down at my pathetic necklace and then at Heather. She was wearing a stunning, diamond-encrusted piece from the same brand.

Just then, Heather walked over and gracefully took Ethan's arm. She smiled at him. "Thank you for the necklace, Ethan. I love it."

Her eyes drifted down to my trembling legs. She gasped softly, covering her mouth with her hand.

"Oh my, what happened to your legs? A girl's body is so precious. Ethan, you really should be more careful."

Ethan patted her hand gently, his eyes full of soft affection. "Heather, you're just too kind. You're always worrying about others."

I couldn't take it anymore. I let out a cold, sharp laugh. "Is it fun for you two to flirt right in front of me?"

Heather's brow pinched together as she looked at Ethan with a helpless expression.

Ethan's face turned into a mask of rage. "Cecilia, do you have any sense of decency? Heather is being nice, and you're just being bitter."

He scoffed. "Heather isn't manipulative like you are."

Before I could respond, he shoved me away from them.

My legs were already too weak to support me. I lost my balance and crashed onto the floor.

The room went silent as guests turned to whisper and stare.

Ethan didn't even blink. He put a protective arm around Heather. "Ignore her. Let's go."