Chapter <b>2 </b>
Raven’s face turned crimson in an instant.[]
The crowd started whispering, and people were already pulling out their phones to record.]
Luna pushed to the front of the crowd<b>, </b>practically vibrating with excitement.[]
“Ms. Sinir… isn’t this a bit…” the assistant stammered, trying to intervene.]]
“A bit what?” I shot back. “Mr. Hawthorne clearly misses his liquid happiness. As his wife, shouldn’t I fulfill my husband’s wishes?
Kai was shaking with rage: “Have you lost your damn mind? Making a scene at a school–how am I supposed to show my face around here?
“Show your face?” Iughed lightly. “Kai Hawthorne, you’ve been acting like aplete scumbag andnded yourself in this mess, and you’re worried about your reputation?”
He opened his mouth but couldn’t get a word out.
I turned and walked away as whispers erupted behind me.[]
“Wait, he’s married? So what’s the deal with Ms. Bemy…“]]
“What was that teacher thing about?”
“Liquid happiness… what’s that supposed to mean<b>?</b><b>” </b>
I let out a coldugh and turned away.
After work, Luna called me up, practically bouncing off the walls with excitement about dinner.[]
The second she walked in, she rushed over: “Phoenix, you were absolutely savage today! Raven’s expression was so impressive!”
She handed me her phone, the screen filled with screenshots and audio files.[]
“I collected all the evidence of her shady behavior this past year, just like you asked.“[]
“Late–night text conversations, private movie dates, and that ne he gave her for her birthdayst month–eight grand, easy.”
I scrolled through <b>the </b>chat logs, each message more nauseating than thest
Raven, rough day at work? Get some rest.]]
A sweet girl like you deserves to be protected and cherished
Weath your support, no amount of work feels like too much
bar actually saved all these boring messages?” I sand with a coldugh)
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“Probably thinks they
precious memories or something,” Luna rolled her eyes.]]
“Oh, and <b>I’ve </b>got recordings of her stealing my ex–boyfriend too. ssic Raven–all innocent on the surface, but underneath she’s throwing hints and ying games like it’s an Olympic sport.“]
I organized all the evidence and sent it directly to Kai.[]
Less than five minutester, my phone was ringing.[]
“Phoenix, just hear me out… this is I just normal friend stuff… I only see her as a little sister…“]]
“Little sister?” My voice could’ve sh–frozen hell. “Funny how you never dote on Luna like that. When’s thest time you dropped eight grand on jewelry for Luna?“]]
“I work my ass off every single day making sure you have fresh chicken broth for your health, no matter howte I get home. When have you ever once asked if I was tired?“[]
Dead silence on the other end.[]
I hung up and turned to Luna: “Come on<b>, </b>let’s go to your brother’s office. Time for a face–to–face confrontation.“[]
Down at Hawthorne Enterprises, we rode the elevator straight up to the executive floor.
Kai was in the middle of a video conference call. When he saw us walk in, his face went white and he hastily ended the meeting.]
I mmed my phone down in front of him: “Kai Hawthorne, how exactly do you n to exin these chat logs? And this movie ticketst Thursday when I was out of town<b>, </b>you two had a private screening of Titanic? How romantic!“]
He stared at the evidence on screen<b>, </b>sweat starting to bead on his forehead.[]
Luna twisted the knife: “Hey bro, remember what you told me when Raven stole my boyfriend? You said I should be the bigger person and not hold grudges over ‘little girl drama.”
“Well, now it’s your turn. I’m telling you to be the bigger person and don’t take Phoenix’s little
ntrum too seriously.”
“I… I really do just see her as a friend, I’ve never had any otherplicated feelings…” Kai stammered through his exnation.[]
Iughed coldly, “Oh, your feelings are simple enough. You just want your cake and eat it too.“]
“You want to enjoy your little childhood sweetheart’s flirtation while keeping your wife around to take care of you. Kai Hawthorne, what do you think you are, some kind of king? The monarchy’s been dead for centuries, but you’re still wearing your imaginary <b>crown</b>!”
Kar’s face flushed red as he tried to get a word in edgewise.]
“Let me spell it out for you–you’re addicted to her helpless little act, the way she looks at you all starry–eyed and worshipful. But you can’t give up mypany shares and technical expertise, and you definitely can’t survive without me nursing that busted stomach of yours. You want to be a yer and a samt at the same time? Dream on!“[]
Kai was sputtering with rage but couldn’t find a single word to defend himself []
“You <b>know </b>what the most disgusting thing about you is?“)}
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Chapter <b>2 </b>
I stood up, looking down at him from my full height, “You know damn well you’re guilty, but you keep ying innocent. You’re getting off on the flirtation but calling it ‘pure friendship.‘ You think the whole world is stupid and you’re the only smart one?“[]
“Kai Hawthorne, I’m asking you onest time.“]
I stared him dead in the eyes, “Either you cut off all contact with Raven Bemy, or we get divorced. Your choice.”
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