Chapter 15

Um... The atmosphere at home had somehow gotten even more awkward.

I curled up on the sofa, furiously typing on my phone, ranting to Luna about what a jerk Ryan was.

When I looked up, I met Ethan’s eyes. I put my phone down, embarrassed.

Iris White, you’re so embarrassing!

Why did you have to run into his arms and cry?

I tried to pretend nothing had happened—but then:

“Were you crying because of your ex-fiancé?”

Ethan’s expression was hard to read.

How did he know? But I decided to be honest.

“Yeah, kind of.”

“Was it necessary? For a man like that?” His voice was cold.

I wanted to laugh. He wasn’t the one who’d been dumped.

Finding out the “true love” you’d been with for years was actually garbage—who wouldn’t be upset?

“If you can’t empathize, then don’t be sarcastic,” I said. It was the first time I’d stood up to Ethan.

“Sorry, but I really can’t understand. Knowing what kind of person he is, why would you still hold onto him?” He kept mocking me.

Who’s holding onto him?! I was confused.

“Is a man like that even worth trying to win back?” He pressed on.

Wait—“win back”?

Hold on. Did he think I’d been typing furiously to chat with Ryan?

Excuse me? What did he take me for?

“It’s not what you think,” I said, annoyed.

“Then what is it?” Ethan’s voice had a hint of anger.

“Is it any of your business?” For some reason, I just wanted to argue with him.

“Ms. Gu, please remember your identity. You’re married now.”

“It’s fake anyway. I don’t have to report everything to you,” I said, emphasizing the last four words.

“So you mean we can see other people?” Ethan raised an eyebrow, looking at me like I was hopeless.

“Do whatever you want—I don’t care. After all, we’re just contractually married,” I said.

“I overstepped. Sorry,” Ethan said suddenly, his voice quiet, his expression 落寞.

He turned his back to me.

My heart ached. I stood up and hugged him from behind.

I’d sworn I’d never trust anyone again.

Countless nights, I’d wanted to erase the part of me that had fallen in love with Ryan.

But now, I’d made a mistake again.

I knew there was no turning back.

The man stiffened—obviously surprised.

Then, a warm hand covered mine.

“I don’t want to be just contractually married to you. I didn’t mean what I said earlier,” he said.

He turned around, cupping my face in his hands.

“Iris White, I like you. Do you like me?”

“What do you think?”

I kissed him.

And he kissed me back—more passionately, our lips tangled together.