Chapter 3

The very next second, Ethan’s call came through.

His breathing was heavy, his tone a mix of panic and caution.

"Chloe, your friend saw Cynthia? Was she alone? Did she take any photos?"

"Which friend was it?"

[That's impossible. I took Cynthia straight to the VIP private room. How could anyone see her?]

I sneered in my heart but kept my voice utterly clueless.

"Just that art curator friend of mine. She passed by the LV counter this afternoon and caught a glimpse of someone who looked exactly like Cynthia. She said there was a man with her who looked a lot like you."

"But she didn't take any photos, so she wasn't entirely sure."

Hearing this, Ethan let out a silent sigh of relief.

[Thank God there are no photos. I can spin this however I want.]

[Tsk, how annoying. I guess I can't have dinner with Cynthia tonight. I need to get home fast.]

He immediately denied it.

"Your friend must have been mistaken. I kicked Cynthia out of the country myself. She wouldn't dare come back without my permission. You're just stressed from the pregnancy and letting your imagination run wild. Don't listen to her."

"Anyway, I'm heading home right now to keep you company. Want some curry from that Thai place? I'll pick it up on my way."

Ethan hung up in a hurry.

Moments later, the private investigator I hired sent me a few photos and a text:

[Mr. Cole has left.]

[Cynthia was left alone at the restaurant. She threw a massive tantrum and smashed everything in sight.]

I glanced at the messages, smiled with satisfaction, and deleted them.

When Ethan got home, he comforted me and repeatedly assured me that my friend was seeing things.

I nodded, acting as if I believed every word.

That night, Ethan sneaked back into the study once he thought I was asleep.

He cooed over the phone to a furious Cynthia.

"Don't be mad, sweetie. I'll buy you a new sports car, okay? Just forgive me. I'm doing this for our future. If Chloe finds out, things will get incredibly messy."

"Yes, yes, don't worry. My birthday is the day after tomorrow, and I will absolutely make time for you. Even if I have to pick a fight and blow up at that idiot, I'll spend the night with you."

"Besides, didn't the doctor say we can be intimate now? I miss you so much..."

The sickening sweet talk went on until midnight.

The next morning at the breakfast table, Ethan spoke up hesitantly.

"Chloe, tomorrow is my birthday."

"I wanted to spend it with you and the baby, but there's a major crisis at the branch office. I have to fly out personally. Tomorrow..."

I immediately took his hand, acting like the most understanding wife in the world.

"It's fine. I can manage at home."

"It's just hard on you, having to work even on your birthday."

Ethan didn't expect me to be so easygoing. The corner of his mouth twitched with excitement.

"It's all for you and the baby. It's worth it!"

[Awesome! I'll book the penthouse suite at the Grand Summit Restaurant and have a wild night with Cynthia.]

[I've been holding back for so long. I can finally enjoy myself.]

I watched him leave for work with a bright smile.

As soon as his car was out of sight, I dialed Ethan's mother's number.

"Hi, Mom. Tomorrow is Ethan’s birthday. I’m planning a huge surprise party for him at the Grand Summit Restaurant. Can you and Dad make it? Great! And please help me keep it a secret from Ethan."

I called my parents, Ethan’s parents, and every close relative and friend I could think of.

I begged them all to keep it a secret.

I was going to give Ethan a birthday party he would never forget.