Chapter 4

Arriving at the bar Lachlan's friend mentioned, I followed the private room number to a door on the second floor.

Just as I was about to push the door open, laughter came from inside.

"Has she arrived yet?"

"Hey Lachlan, do you think she'll really come? It's so late, and if Sienna comes and finds out we're just messing with her, won't she be angry?"

"She brought it on herself. She has no self-awareness.

Now that our Chloe is back, she still won't step aside and keeps occupying the position of Mrs. Foster. Her skin is really thick."

After several noisy voices, Chloe responded with satisfaction, playing mediator.

"Alright, alright, stop talking nonsense. What happened between Lachlan and me was so long ago. It's all in the past."

"Past? What's past, Chloe? You don't know how much Lachlan missed you during the years you were gone."

"Exactly! The only reason he married Sienna was to make you jealous. Who would have thought..."

What?!

The chaotic voices reached my ears with unusual clarity.

The reason Lachlan married me wasn't because he truly loved me back then.

It was...

Instantly, my head buzzed.

I felt completely unwell.

"Right? And Sienna still thinks Lachlan really likes her..."

The voices continued.

Until Lachlan interrupted. "Enough. Stop talking."

The private room fell silent instantly.

Someone tried to smooth things over. "True. I figure it's about time now. Sienna should... probably be arriving soon, right?"

The moment those words ended, I pushed open the door before me.

"Sienna!"

The person's voice cut off abruptly.

Instantly, everyone's eyes turned toward me.

"Sienna, you're here."

Chloe was the first to approach, looking both heartless and innocent.

I ignored her, my gaze falling directly on Lachlan Foster sitting in the main seat on the sofa.

The man's eyes were clear and alert—not a trace of drunkenness.

I looked at Heath, the one who had called me.

He avoided my gaze.

"Sienna, you're not angry, are you? We were just playing Truth or Dare and lost. We were just joking with you."

A joke?

I laughed.

Looking at her hypocritical expression, I couldn't take it anymore. I shook off her hand and turned to leave.

She suddenly cried out and fell down on cue.

"Sienna, I was being nice, asking you to stay and hang out with us. Why did you push me?"

As soon as she spoke, everyone's accusing eyes turned to me.

"Sienna! How can you be so vicious? Chloe just wanted you to stay and have fun with us. Was that really necessary?"

"Exactly! How can someone be so malicious? She must be jealous that Chloe is prettier."

"This kind of person is psychologically twisted. She could even hurt someone as kind as Chloe."

...

I looked at them coldly and said, "Are you done playing these games with people?"

They looked completely indifferent.

"It's just a joke. What? Can't take it?"

"Right? It's not even that late. We were kind enough to call you over to hang out, and now you're picking a fight?"

Kind enough?

I laughed.

Not wanting to deal with them anymore, I turned to leave.

But before I'd taken two steps, a strong force pulled me back. "Apologize."

Lachlan's cold, emotionless voice sounded from above.

"Forget it, Lachlan. Sienna was probably just emotionally worked up. I'm fine. You don't need to be too hard on her."

This statement sealed my guilt.

Instantly, those people looked at me with even more contempt.

And their sympathy for Chloe grew stronger.

"Why should I apologize?"

I shook off his hand.

In the past, I would have compromised.

But now, in less than a month, Lachlan and I would be divorced.

Why should I apologize?

As soon as I spoke, Lachlan's face visibly darkened.

Words as cold as ice came from his mouth. "Sienna, apologize. I don't want to say it a third time."

"Then let me tell you—I won't!"

My voice was resolute. After speaking, I turned and ran out.

Behind me came a chorus of sharp gasps.