Having lived through this in my past life, I knew Colton’s words were true. But instead of stepping back, I leaned in, flashing him a flirtatious glance as I whispered softly, “If neither of us says anything, how would she ever find out?”
Colton visibly relaxed, his hesitation melting away. He scanned me with a glimmer in his eyes before turning and getting into the car.
I offered a small smile and slid into the passenger seat.
Once inside, Colton turned to me with a question.
“Where do you want to celebrate the New Year?”
I met his gaze and responded without hesitation.
“A hotel.”
Colton’s eyes sparkled with excitement at my reply. But just as quickly, he put on an air of seriousness.
“I agreed to come with you for the New Year, but don’t think I’m here for anything else.”
“I’m not that kind of man.”
I couldn’t help but admire Colton’s pretending skills; it was no wonder my best friend trusted him so completely.
But this level of acting wouldn’t fool me.
After all, in my past life, the way he had pounced on me like a wild animal was still etched in my mind.
I raised an eyebrow, a sly smile curling at the corners of my lips as I teased Colton.
“Are you still a man?”
“The mood’s already set, and you’re still hesitating?”
Clearly provoked by my taunt, Colton seemed to lose his composure. His gaze shifted over me like a predator eyeing its prey.
After a beat, he asked, clearly unsure, “Nancy, are you trying to set me up?”
I rolled my eyes, a sarcastic laugh escaping my lips.
“Do you really think I’d go out of my way to set myself up for you?”
“If you’re too scared, just say so. I won’t push.”
With that, I feigned disinterest, turning as if to leave, knowing full well I had him right where I wanted.
This tactic of retreating to advance worked like a charm, instantly making Colton anxious.
He stopped pretending and yanked me back, his voice tense, “Alright, alright, I’ll indulge you this time.”
With that, he revved up the engine and sped toward the hotel.
As we drove, Colton’s phone buzzed relentlessly.
Noticing he was deliberately ignoring it, I casually glanced at the screen and asked, “Why aren’t you picking up?”
Colton turned the phone away with a shrug, “It’s just work. Nothing important.”
I saw that the caller was my best friend.
But I said nothing; instead, I focused on the view outside.
Soon enough, Colton parked in the hotel lot.
As we stepped out, a sharp wind whipped around us.
Colton shivered slightly, and without thinking, I pulled off my scarf, gently draping it around his neck.
“Put this on quickly. Don’t freeze out here.”
The unexpected gesture caught Colton off guard, making him pause for a moment.
Colton stared at me for a moment, his gaze softening before he spoke with gratitude, “You’re really something.”
Before I could even respond, my best friend stormed in, flanked by a group of her friends, all of them glaring at us with fiery eyes.
“Well, well, Nancy,” she sneered, her voice dripping with venom.
“I’ve always known you were after my husband, and now I’ve caught you red-handed!”
“I never thought you’d be this shameless, hiding behind that innocent face.”
“If you’re so desperate, why not just sell yourself? Why cling to someone else’s man?”
“Stealing another woman’s husband, what a victory, huh?”
Their cruel words sliced through the air, and the crowd celebrating nearby quickly took notice.
Whispers spread like wildfire, and soon, the murmurs turned into open condemnation.
“Couldn’t have guessed it. She looks so sweet and innocent, but she’s really just a shameless woman behind closed doors.”
