"I don't even mind you bought a place before the wedding! Your temper? I can live with it! I'm willing to marry you—give you a real home. You should be thanking your lucky stars!"
I tried to wrench free, horrified, but he yanked me straight into his chest. The reek of stale sweat slammed into my face.
The two guards finally decided to move.
They stepped forward and pried us apart, but their eyes crawled over my body with a look that had nothing professional about it.
"Ma'am, the guy's already swallowed his pride and apologized. Don't be so stubborn. Seems like he genuinely wants to build a life with you."
"Girl living alone in a place like this—come on, how pure do you think we believe you are?"
"You spread your legs, fake a few moans, and the cash shows up. Don't act like he's the one who owes you something."
I felt like I'd been struck by lightning—stunned first, then sick to my stomach.
I'd heard it in the residents' group chat before—people warning that a few of the guards on this team were crooked to the bone.
All bows and smiles for any homeowner who looked connected.
All filthy rumors behind the backs of young women who lived alone.
I hadn't taken it seriously at the time.
I'd told myself they drew a paycheck, so they'd at least stick to basic professional conduct.
I never imagined they could be this shameless.
But I wasn't about to fall into the trap of defending myself to them.
"I don't owe you an explanation. I'm a homeowner here, and right now I need you to remove the people harassing me."
The moment I said it, both guards dropped their smirks and stepped aside.
"Homeowner? How about you show us some ID and your purchase contract first?"
"See, the information we got says the owner of this unit is a man. So..."
I turned, stunned, not even getting the chance to ask what they meant before Sebastian exploded.
"No wonder! No wonder you insisted on breaking up with me!"
"He's already put the place in your name. How many times did you let him have you? Tell me!"
"That exam report I told you to get—you've been stalling this whole time. You're scared to show me! You dirty slut, you were used goods long before I came along!"
The words *exam report* hit me and my rage went white-hot.
I hadn't even wanted to go on that blind date.
But I'd shown up on time anyway, out of obligation.
Then I sat alone in that café for a full forty minutes.
I was about to leave when Sebastian, who'd been sitting at the next table the entire time, finally stood up and blocked my way.
"Congratulations. You passed my patience test."
"I also messaged you a few days ago from a fake account, asked you out. You said no. Good—proves you're not the kind of woman who goes with just anyone."
I stood there in complete disbelief.
Before I could even process what he'd said, he was already rapping his knuckles on the table, impatient.
"Don't just stand there looking stupid. Come on—introduce yourself."
"Oh, and when you go home tonight, get the full gynecological exam done. Everything. If something comes back wrong, I won't be marrying you."
I had no interest in wasting another second on him. I swallowed my anger, grabbed my bag, and walked out.
The moment I was through the door, I blocked his number and his account.
But in my rush, I forgot to delete the fake account he'd used to pose as a client.
Sebastian shoved me. The filth kept pouring out of his mouth.
"I'm talking to you! Start explaining. How many men have you got on the side?"
My whole body was shaking, teeth rattling with rage. I stepped forward and cracked him across the face—left, then right, one after the other.
Before I could even catch my breath, Christine already had her phone out, livestream running with practiced speed.
"Everyone, look over here! Come see what a modern-day scarlet woman looks like!"
"My son was kind enough to marry her, and instead of being grateful, she goes behind our backs, keeps some other man, and has the nerve to hit my son!"
"In the old days they'd drown her for shame! A used-up tramp and she still thinks she gets to be picky? She wants my son to clean up some other man's mess?"
