Ellen’s POV
My best friend cursed under her breath. “Explain what? Did he ever explain anything to you? Forget him. Let’s keep going.”
Not long after, Carter texted me.
[If I remember right, your best friend’s family is desperately looking for investors right now, isn’t that so?]
My heart tightened. He was planning to use my best friend to threaten me.
“I’ll be right back. You guys continue.”
I walked to Kelley’s private room. Carter handed me a glass of alcohol.
“Drink it. Consider it an apology to Kelley.”
Kelley quickly tried smoothing things over. “It’s all my fault, I—”
But Carter glared at me. “I don’t want to repeat myself. You know what to do.”
I reached for the glass, but Kelley suddenly suggested, “If Ellen has to drink, maybe she should have mango juice instead.”
Carter immediately swapped the alcohol for mango juice.
“Kelley’s so kind. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t bother giving you face.”
I didn’t take it. “I’m allergic to mango juice.”
Kelley’s expression shifted instantly. “I didn’t mean it… I didn’t know you were allergic.”
“To show you I’m really sorry,” she added, “I’ll drink it instead.”
But Carter snatched the glass out of her hand.
“Kelley is the one allergic to mango juice. Why are you lying?”
“If you don’t drink it,” he warned, “your friend who ran her mouth tonight… I’ll make sure she pays for it.”
Five years together, and he forgot I’m allergic to mango, too.
Looking at him now, all I felt was unfamiliarity.
Did he really forget, or was he helping Kelley mess with me?
No idea. And honestly, I didn’t care anymore. I’d be gone tomorrow anyway.
But before leaving, I couldn’t drag my best friend into this.
So I took the mango juice.
I drank it, and not long after, red rashes started spreading across my skin.
“You guys enjoy. I’m not feeling well, so I’m heading out first.”
But Kelley grabbed me. “Ellen, we haven’t had cake yet. Don’t you want to stay for my birthday?”
Carter’s cold gaze locked on me.
“Don’t ruin the mood. Eat, then leave.”
“I’m not feeling well. Can’t you see my neck is already itching?”
He yanked my hand hard. “Stop throwing a fit. Think about your best friend.”
In his eyes, only Kelley existed.
I felt more like an enemy than a wife.
I could only dig my nails into my palm and sit back down.
My whole body itched, and I couldn’t even focus on their interactions.
I just kept drinking water to ease the discomfort.
Right then, Scott sent over several wedding dress photos for me to choose from.
I replied: [The second set is fine. You choose the rest.]
He sent back an excited emoji.
[Can’t wait to see my wife soon. I’m so happy.]
Seeing me staring at my screen, Carter came over.
“Who are you chatting with that makes you so happy?”
It was surprising he even noticed.
I turned off my screen. “My sister’s kid. She’s cute.”
“Yeah? Let me see.”
He reached for my phone, but he didn’t know the password.
“What’s the password?”
“It’s my birthday.”
His hand froze.
Right—he didn’t remember my birthday.
In the end, he shoved the phone back into my hand.
“Forget it. I’ve seen her before anyway.”
Five years together, and he didn’t even remember my birthday.
Oddly, I didn’t feel hurt. I actually felt… calm.
Tomorrow, I’d finally be done with this.
Suddenly someone exclaimed, “Isn’t that the newest necklace? The collector’s edition!”
Kelley held up a necklace Carter gave her. It really was the latest release, and it looked painfully familiar.
Buying the collector’s edition came with a limited-edition bonus.
So the one he gave me was just the freebie, huh?
Kelley stepped right in front of me. “Ellen, isn’t it pretty?”
I looked at Carter.
“It is. Truly one of a kind.”
He stood up calmly and walked away, avoiding the question entirely.
Even caught red-handed, he didn’t bother trying to explain.
The party was wrapping up when chaos suddenly erupted outside.
Thick smoke poured in, and people started running.
Someone shouted, “Run! There’s a fire! Looks like an electrical short!”
The entire room panicked and bolted for the exit.
I stood up but someone shoved me. I fell, glass slicing my leg.
Blood immediately started flowing.
I looked up, trying to call out to Carter.
But I saw him carrying Kelley in his arms, rushing straight out.
“Don’t be scared, Kelley. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
He didn’t even glance my way.
I shouted after him, “Carter! Don’t leave me behind! I’m hurt!”
But he didn’t even turn around.
He just snapped impatiently, “Even a murderer couldn’t kill you. You’ll make it out of a fire.”
“Kelley is fragile,” he reasoned. “She needs me. Figure it out yourself.”
