Chapter 4
Sara, fearing I might harm myself, insisted I not go anywhere and drove over to pick me up. I glanced at the time.
“I just need to go upstairs and drop something off. I’ll be quick. Wait for me at the gate.”
Sara’s voice shot up, flustered. “Nina, please, don’t go up there! If you have to, wait for me!”
She worried that seeing the mess at home would be too much for me. But–I clenched the
student ID I had picked up from Liam’s car floor. That girl had worked so hard to make sure
I saw it. How could I waste her little scheme?
Before entering, I activated my phone’s camera. Clothes were scattered across the living
room floor, evidence of their impatience. A soft, feminine voice came from the bathroom.
“Liam, can we go to your bed after this?”
In the dim, warm light, two silhouettes entwined behind the frosted glass door.
“Better not,” he replied. “Changing the sheets is a hassle; let’s wait until Nina’s next business
trip.”
“Hmph! You can’t even give me that much, and you say you like me…” Her words faded as
Liam’s kiss cut her off.
Seeing they weren’t coming out soon, I quietly walked around, recording. In the study, the
piano cover was open, a foreign piece of lingerie draped across it, and suspicious wet marks
lotted the keys. In the bedroom, the bedside drawer was open, a half–used box of condoms
nside. Bile rose in my throat. I gripped the student ID tightly, took out my sewing kit, and
poked holes in the remaining condoms. If he enjoyed risks so much, I’d give him plenty.
Finally, the bathroom door opened. Steam billowed as Liam carried the girl out in his arms.
When they saw me, he froze
The girl shrieked and clung to Liam, hiding in his arms. I walked up to Liam. His chiseled face was still the one I’d loved for so many years, damp hair hanging loosely across his forehead, deep eyes, prominent nose. But for the first time, his usually composed face
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looked panicked.
“Nina, I…”
I ignored him and smiled, turning to the girl in his arms.
“Gianna, does sneaking into someone else’s home add to the thrill?”
Blushing furiously, she cowered in Liam’s arms, covering her chest. Liam pressed his thin lips together.
“This is my fault; it has nothing to do with her.”
I gave him a mocking once–over. “Put some clothes on, Counselor Liam.”
Ignoring his dark expression, I tossed the student ID at Gianna and turned to leave.
Sara drove me to a quiet bar for a drink. Just as I got in the car, Liam’s call came through. I declined it. He called again. I switched my phone to silent. Sara glanced cautiously at me through the rearview mirror.
“He didn’t come after you? Just
[
I you walk out?
gave a wry smile. “He wasn’t dressed.”
Sara slapped the steering wheel, cursing, and asked, “Who’s the mistress? Have you seen her before?”
remembered the name on the student ID. “Her name’s Gianna.”
Gia… Gianna? That sounds familiar…”
Yes, we’ve both met her.”
We?” Sara looked surprised, thinking hard, then let out a gasp.
t’s her?!”
ix months ago, Liam had gone shopping with Sara and me, and at one point, he left to get s some tea. Suddenly, a commotion broke out nearby. Sara and I walked over to see a girl
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being beaten by a group of aggressive women, shouting vile insults at her. The girl’s face was full of terror as she begged them to stop.
“No, you’ve got it wrong; I’m really not the mistress!” she cried.
The woman leading the group yanked the girl’s hair, dragging her off the ground. “You
think I’m blind? My husband’s money’s been spent on you, shameless tramp! Today, if you
don’t give it all back, I’ll strip you bare and let everyone see how you seduce men!”
The girl stumbled as she tried to escape, bumping into me. I gasped and fell back, only for a strong pair of arms to catch me in time. Liam had just returned with our tea. He steadied me gently, offering a few calming words.
Security soon arrived to disperse the crowd, sending the attackers outside. The girl, eary–eyed, blocked our way.
Please, brother, sister, they’ll be waiting for me at the mall entrance! Could you let me
eave with you?”
Worried we wouldn’t believe her, she quickly fished her student ID from her bag.
I swear, I’m not a mistress! I’m Gianna, a second–year ballet student at the Art Academy.
ook, here’s my account; I just upload dance videos online, nothing more!”
he called me “sister” as she pleaded, tearful and trembling, clutching her phone to prove er innocence. Seeing her tattered, dirty dress, I felt a pang of sympathy and let Liam give
er a ride.
the car, she curiously asked what we did for a living. Learning that Liam was a lawyer,
e asked for a business card, saying she’d call him if she faced harassment again.
ra fumed. “If I’d known, I wouldn’t have helped that little homewrecker! Was she
terested in Liam even then?”
ecalled the soft look in Liam’s eyes as he carried Gianna out of the bathroom earlier, my ils digging into my palms./
t green tea still needs hot water. If Liam were cold as ice, there’s no way Gianna’s tea uld have steeped.
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