Chapter 4
For three years, I’ve been trying to get pregnant countless times, but nothing ever happened.[]
I always thought something was wrong with my body.[]
And he was so sweet, so caring when he told me:[]
“Babe, it’s okay. Let’s just be childfree. Just the two of us forever–you’re all I need.“[]
Turns out I’m the biggest joke of all.]
Ivy’s laughter still echoes in my ears:
“Having a good bro is like ten thousand times better than getting married. I don’t have to become some boring housewife, and I get all the benefits. God, what did I do right in my past life?“||]
Enough. I’m so fucking done.[]
I stand up, refusing to watch another second of that nauseating lovefest, and walk away.]]
After copying the security footage, Kai and I head to the law firm to submit evidence and prepare for my final negotiation with Dax.
Right as we leave the lawyer’s office, my cop friend calls.]
He lives next door to us–we’re pretty tight.[]
When he picks up, his voice sounds… weird.]]
“Has Dax been acting strange lately?”
This ominous feeling creeps up on me: “Just tell me straight up, Jimmy.“]
“Some girl got hit on at the glamping site–guy was probably being a creep–and Dax went ballistic, smashed a bottle over the dude’s head. They brought him in for mediation.”
“I can’t really explain it over the phone. I’m sending you the station’s security footage…”
My phone buzzes with a message notification.[]
My hands shake as Lopen the video.
On screen, Ivy’s holding a banged–up Dax, tears streaming down her face: “Dax, I’ve been holding this in forever, but I have to say it today.”
“I love you. I’m so in love with you!“]
“If Ember hadn’t gotten in the way, I should’ve confessed first!“]
Chapter 4
to as
The moment she finishes speaking, Dax cups her face and kisses her deeply.[]
Like star–crossed lovers who’ve finally found each other after crossing mountains and seas.[]
And I’m the homewrecker.
Tears splash onto my phone screen as my hands shake so badly I can barely hold it.[]
Jimmy’s next message: [After mediation they went to the hotel next door. Sending you the address.]]
Along with the address, a text from Dax pops up.
年
–
[Babe, this project’s more complicated than I thought. Not coming home tonight, get some rest early. Love you
ight. Not coming home tonight, get some rest early. Love you ~]]
Seeing my white–knuckled fists, Kai looks worried.[]
*
Ember, you okay?“]
“What’s the move? Just say the word and I’m there.”
I wipe away my tears, the last trace of warmth completely draining from my eyes.
“Obviously we’re gonna show everyone what these ‘bros‘ really get up to in hotel rooms.
Dax loves his reputation more than anything–so I’m gonna destroy it in front of everyone.[]
Outside the hotel.
I start a livestream with the title: “How Close Are My Husband and His Girl ‘Bro‘?“[]
A handful of viewers trickle into the stream.]
[Probably just paranoid drama again!]]
[Pure friendship getting twisted into something dirty.]]]
—0
Reading the skeptical, mocking comments, I smile and nod.[]
“You’re absolutely right, I probably overthink things–I even fought with my husband’s girl bro over it.“[]
“So here I am, bought her favorite mango cake to apologize to my husband’s bestie!“[]
After getting a replacement key card using Dax’s ID, I stride toward the room.]
I push open the door.
On the messy bed, Dax is shirtless, tangled up with Ivy.{}
I smile and hold up my phone:]
Chapter 4
“Look everyone–this is what ‘bros‘ who are close enough to share a bed look like!“[]
