My Bestie Stole My Childhood Love, I Married a Billionaire Chapter 04

My Bestie Stole My Childhood Love, I Married a Billionaire Chapter 04

Chloe had GRE applications coming up. Ethan took time off to help her estimate scores, pick schools.

When I got home, they were at the kitchen table. My stuff was shoved on the floor.

I gathered my books and went to my room without a word.

A friend request popped up on my phone.

[Hi, I’m Nate Cole.]

[Are you free this Saturday?]

The old teacher had mentioned her son—doing his own business, not great with people, but decent.

Familiar sales pitch. I felt a flicker of hesitation, but didn’t want to back out.

One date. I’d find an excuse and bounce.

When I came out for water, Ethan was alone in the living room.

He held up his phone. “What’s this?”

I glanced at it. “We broke up. Figured I’d disband the group.”

Ethan laughed coldly. “So you heard what I said this morning.”

“Fine. Let me be blunt—you don’t have Chloe’s looks. Playing games like this just makes you look worse. Think hard. Breaking up doesn’t hurt me. But with your options? You really think you can do better?”

His words threw me back seven years. Back to when he was a stranger.

I’d been the one chasing. Always.

I’d resented Chloe, once. Then guilt ate me alive. I overcompensated.

When she failed her first GRE and needed a place, I paid double for a two-bedroom.

I bought a new electric scooter to pick her up. Then the skies opened. Downpour.

Ethan called, furious. “Vivian, what the hell is wrong with you? How are you this careless? Chloe’s alone here. If something happens to her, can you live with that?”

I took a cab in the storm to get her medicine. Ended up sick myself for days.

Ethan shrugged. “She’s tough. She’ll survive.”

A female friend made him frantic. His actual girlfriend got “she’s tough.”

Tough.

That’s what he really thought of me.

Funny. The knot in my chest finally loosened.

Ethan was right. I’d never get someone better. Dating him was a steal.

But I was done being stranded in a visitor center for three hours while no one noticed.

Ethan gave me until Saturday to answer.

I had no intention of answering. I put on makeup. A new dress.

Walked out and ran straight into him and Chloe.

They looked like they were heading out too. Chloe’s eyes flicked away.

Ethan, smug. “Knew you’d check the group. Come. Back seat.”

My phone buzzed.

[I’m downstairs.]

I smiled at them. “I’ll pass. The teachers never liked me anyway. Have fun.”

Ethan’s gaze raked over my bare legs and shoulders. Freezing. “You’re not going to the reunion. So where the hell are you going dressed like that?”

“None of your business.”

His jaw tightened. Skin went dark.

Chloe’s voice, worried, “Vivian, it’s late. You sure you’re safe? Is someone going with you?”

I opened my mouth. The door knocked.

My phone lit up.

[Your hallway light’s busted. Didn’t want you tripping.]

[I’m at your door.]