Chapter 4

The past came rushing back like a tsunami.

For the last three years, Ethan and Mia barely had any contact—at least on the surface.

They operated in the same social circles and were often invited to the same industry events. But whenever Mia attended, Ethan would decline.

Even if they happened to be at the same venue, Ethan made sure they were never photographed together.

Looking back now, it was a little too deliberate.

The moment I received the proposal photo from Mia, I made a call to Ethan’s best friend, Marcus Hayes, a very famous director. It was a surprise check-in.

"Hey Marcus, where is your crew scouting locations right now?"

He replied quickly, "Hey Chloe! I’m currently in Savannah. Ethan isn't with us, though."

Then, his voice dropped a bit. "Mia is in my crew. I know you guys don't get along, so Ethan made sure not to show up here."

I smiled. "Thanks, Marcus. Just checking. Have a good one."

This was exactly why I called instead of texting. If I had texted him, he would have had too much time to think of a cover-up.

Now that the grass had been stirred, I wanted to see how the snake would run.

Sure enough, Ethan became extremely cautious after that day. He barely left the house during his free time. When he was at work, he reported to me constantly, sending his location and FaceTiming me non-stop.

As for his casual proposal from the other day, neither of us brought it up again after my silent rejection.

Beneath the calm surface, a massive storm was brewing.