I felt dizzy from the fire’s heat, and the people nearby kept inhaling the smoke. I made an excuse and stepped aside for some air.
I heard footsteps behind me. Turning around, I saw Samantha.
Tilting her head, she said, “Grace, you smell amazing. Just like Mr. Lawson said—did you use that scent to seduce him?”
I frowned and stayed silent.
“Jason and the others dared to touch you. Guess why? And who gave them the go-ahead?
Mr. Lawson said himself he’d let someone else have fun with you. Grace, you’re so pretty tonight—it’s no wonder they couldn’t resist~”
I froze, suddenly recalling what Ethan said before we left: “Dress up nicely.”
Then, I curled my lips into a sneer—so there was a reason behind everything.
After Samantha left, Ethan arrived.
His face was dark, like I had done something unforgivable.
I didn’t want to meet his eyes. I feared I’d throw up if I looked at him any longer.
“What are you mad about? Because you forgot you're allergic to mushrooms? I’m swamped every day—how can I keep track of that?”
I said nothing, expression cold.
“Grace, haven’t I been good to you? But this afternoon, when you flirted behind my back, you weren’t so upset!”
He cursed under his breath and angrily kicked a stone into the bushes, frustration showing on his face.
I stared blankly at his back.
I still remember when he promised he’d always protect me. For five years, I forgave him again and again because of that promise.
But now, he’d crushed the last of my dignity.
I stayed silent as he walked farther and farther away.
The next day at home, I saw a message from my senior—my visa was being processed, the flight was booked, and he told me to enjoy myself.
I thanked him for the kindness, then took out my suitcase and began to pack.
Ethan walked in, frowning as he watched me. “What’s this supposed to mean? You’re running away now?”
I knew no amount of explaining would matter. I opened my mouth but no words came out.
Forget it. Let him think about what he wants.
Bit by bit, my things disappeared from the bedroom. Ethan grew restless, angrily messing up the clothes I had folded.
I looked at him and gave up completely.
Even arguing with him now just made me feel exhausted.
Seeing me pause, Ethan looked pleased—but was quickly distracted by a ringtone.
That notification wasn’t ordinary—it was a custom alert he had set.
The next second, Ethan smiled down at his phone. “Okay, my little princess, just wait~”
He glanced at my calm face, and the smile vanished.
“Today’s Samantha’s birthday. Go to the mall and pick out a gift for her. I’ve transferred the money.”
I looked down, momentarily stunned by the large amount he sent me.
So this is how generous Ethan can be to someone he actually likes.
He once gave me a $2.50 postcard from a gift shop—and I treasured it like gold.
I nodded and agreed.
Before leaving, I looked up at his face and said evenly, “The documents on my desk—sign them when you can.”
I chose the most dazzling emerald necklace in the store for Samantha. The clerk smiled and asked who it was for.
I paused for two seconds before replying, “My boyfriend’s new girlfriend.”
I don’t even feel jealous now—just a little sad.
I handed the necklace to Ethan myself.
I told him to give it to Samantha in person—to show how much he cared.
Ethan looked at me, stunned. His face darkened immediately: “I know.”
