Chapter 3

"Do you see this? They praised me for keeping my cool under pressure and staying dedicated to my post. They even promoted me!"

"The board of directors highly values my professional ethics. Chloe, keeping you off that ferry was worth it!"

Looking at his proud face made me want to throw up.

"Jackson, you know very well that this commendation only exists because of my mother's legacy. The board only sent it to you out of respect for her."

Mia snorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "What a joke. Your mother is already in a casket. What, does your family own the shipping line? Stop dreaming."

Jackson patted Mia’s shoulder. "Don't waste your breath on my wife. Oh, by the way, Chloe, I booked a private VIP lounge at the karaoke club tonight to celebrate my promotion with my colleagues. You should come."

I couldn't believe my ears. "My mother’s body isn't even cold, and you want to throw a celebration party?"

Jackson frowned. "People die, Chloe. It's life. What, because your mom died, I’m supposed to stop living my life? If you don't want to come, then don't! Mia will celebrate with me anyway."

I said, "She’s not your colleague."

Mia smiled, her red lips curving upward. "Oh, Chloe, I forgot to tell you. Thanks to Jackson, I’m a chief flight purser on the ferry now. My rank is actually higher than yours."

Just as I was about to lose my temper and slap her again, my phone buzzed repeatedly. I got over a dozen notifications.

I unlocked my screen, and what I saw made me gasp.

I slowly looked up at the two of them.

"Who else did you invite tonight?"

Jackson said indifferently, "Everyone on our crew. I booked the largest VIP room."

A slow smile crept onto my face. "Great. As your 'wife', how could I miss such a major milestone?"

Jackson was visibly surprised by my sudden change in attitude, but he didn't think much of it.

On the way to the lounge, Jackson drove, and Mia sat in the passenger seat. They laughed and joked the whole way.

I sat quietly in the back, staring at my phone. A cold, dangerous smile played on my lips.

Jackson, since you decided to be a heartless bastard, don't blame me for what comes next.

When we arrived at the VIP lounge, the crew members had already gathered.

As the guest of honor, Jackson sat right in the middle of the main couch.

Usually, the seat next to him was reserved for me, but Mia quickly slid into it.

The crew members looked at me standing by the door, then at Mia sitting cozy next to Jackson. The atmosphere turned awkward.

"Captain," a new deckhand couldn't help but ask, "what's going on here?"

Jackson scoffed. "She’s just drama. I’ve been too busy with work to cater to her, so now she’s throwing a fit and threatening to divorce me."

The new guy laughed. "Man, if my wife was that high-maintenance, I'd sign those papers in a heartbeat! Honestly, Mia is so much better. She’s hot and has a great personality."

Mia blushed, playing coy. "Hey, watch your mouth! Jackson and I are just bros. Don't start rumors!"

Only the veteran crew members kept their mouths shut. They knew Jackson would still be a nobody scrubbing decks if it weren't for me and my mother.

Jackson roared with laughter. "Mia is right! We grew up together. She’s my bro, it’s not like that!"

Seeing my cold face, Jackson got up and shoved my shoulder. "Chloe, seriously? Who are you pulling that miserable face for?"

"Is this still about your dead mom?"

A sick, twisted grin appeared on Jackson’s face. He leaned in and whispered in my ear:

"Honestly, it’s a good thing your mom died. Otherwise, who knows how many years I would have had to wait for this promotion. Now, I don't have to fear anyone. You want a divorce? Fine. Let’s do it!"

Looking at his ugly, arrogant face, I didn't hesitate. I unlocked my phone and tapped the screen.

The next second, a series of loud, heavy gasps and moans echoed through the speakers of the VIP lounge’s sound system.

Jackson and Mia’s faces turned pale in an instant.

"Turn it off! Turn it off right now!"

Jackson roared in panic.