Chapter 2
at.[
On the ride home, I sat in the back seat.
Ethan looked confused, guilt flashing in his eyes. “My assistant took Sophie home. She was really upset tonight, so I just… I was trying to comfort her, you know? Lily, please don’t be mad, okay?“]}
I didn’t want to hear another word from him and closed my eyes.
“I’m not mad. Just tired.“]
Maybe I was acting too off tonight, because Ethan seemed more insecure than ever.
Terrified I might leave, he stopped going to work and practically glued himself to my side.[]
This went on until the night before our wedding, when our friends threw us a bachelor party.
Perfect timing–it was the first day of my period. I was breaking out in cold sweats, cramps hitting me like a freight train.]]
Seeing how uncomfortable I was, Ethan’s eyes filled with concern. He took my hand, ready to take me home to rest.[]
But his buddies weren’t having it. They surrounded us immediately.
“Come on, Ethan! We came all this way to celebrate with you. Don’t be such a buzzkill.”
No matter how much Ethan tried to explain, he couldn’t win against these drunk idiots.[]
I had to give in and went back to the couch.
Ethan immediately called his assistant, asking him to bring some warm clothes and heat packs, along with some ginger tea.]]
Half an hour later, Sophie walked through the private room door instead.]]
Seeing her, Ethan’s brow furrowed in panic: “Why are you here?”
Sophie glanced at me, then answered respectfully, “Assistant Jake had something come up. He asked me to bring these over.”
He was about to tell her to drop everything off and leave, but his buddies dragged him into their drinking games.]
Worried about leaving me alone while I wasn’t feeling well, he had no choice but to ask Sophie to stay and keep an eye on me.[]
The game started, and Ethan won the first round.
He drew a card and read it out loud: “First round winner gets to pick any member of the opposite
As everyone cheered, the server brought over the punishment drink.
An 800–milliliter glass filled with ice cubes and topped off with high–proof vodka.[]
There were only two women in the room–me and Sophie.]]
sex
present to take the drinking penalty.”
Everyone knew I was on my period, and Ethan loved me so much–there was no way he’d make me drink something that strong.
So everyone turned their attention to Sophie, who looked anxious and uncomfortable.[]
But Ethan kept hesitating: “Let’s change the rule. I’ll break it. You guys can pick any car from my garage.“[]
The cars were tempting, but his rare moment of indecision made these rich boys even more curious
They all sensed something was up. After exchanging glances, they refused to budge–he had to pick someone.
Under everyone’s stare, he finally said the name: “I choose to punish. Lilly.“[]
This unexpected choice sent shockwaves through the room.]
Everyone looked absolutely stunned.]
I was pale from the pain. Hearing his choice, I looked up and gave him one long, meaningful stare.[]
That loaded look made Ethan squirm in his seat.]
He was about to explain when I reached for the glass the server was handing me.
I ulted my head back, the ice–cold liquor just touching my lips, when a pair of hands suddenly appeared from the side and snatched the glass away.
Chapter 2
Marcus–who’d apparently walked in without anyone noticing–took the full glass of liquor and downed it in one gulp.
Then he turned the empty glass upside down and looked at Ethan with a mocking smile: “Sorry, I was thirsty. Hope I didn’t ruin your fun.
Though I gotta say, it’s an honor to take a drink for Lily,“[]
These two had always hated each other, throwing snide remarks whenever they met.[]
Seeing Marcus already put Ethan in a bad mood, but hearing my name come out of his mouth made his expression turn ice cold.
“What happens between Lily and me is none of your damn business.”
“After tomorrow, she’ll be my wife. I suggest you stay the hell away from her!”
“Tomorrow? Wife?” Marcus repeated those words, a cryptic smile spreading across his face.
Nobody understood what he was smiling about, except me.
I glanced over at the clock on the wall.
Midnight. It was already a new day.
My wedding was about to begin.[]
