<b>Chapter </b><b>4 </b>


    For three years, <b>I’ve </b>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’sughter still echoes in my ears:


    “Having a good bro is like ten thousand times better than getting married. I don’t have to be 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 thew firm to submit evidence and prepare for my final negotiation with


    Dax<b>. </b>


    Right as we leave thewyer’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 strangetely?”


    This ominous feeling creeps up on me: “Just tell me straight up, Jimmy.“[]


    “Some girl got hit on at the mping 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.“[]


    sil media nding


    “I can’t really exin 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 <b>say </b>it today.“]


    “I love you. I’m so in love with you!“]


    <b>“</b>If Ember hadn’t gotten in the way, I should’ve confessed first!“[]


    <b>81.8</b>%


    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 ssh 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.]


    [Babe, this project’s moreplicated than I thought. Noting 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, thest trace of warmthpletely 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.]]


    …]


    Reading the skeptical, mockingments, 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 recement key card using Dax’s <b>ID</b><b>, </b>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:[]


    “Look everyone–this is what ‘bros‘ who are close enough to share a bed look like!“[]


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