Chapter 3Whispers and Wild Guesses

???!

What?!

I looked down sharply and saw the microphone pack clipped to my back blinking faintly.

My heart rate, which hadn't even settled, skyrocketed past the limit.

My brain went blank, buzzing loudly.

We're doomed. The whole world knows Ethan and I have something going on now! Ahhh!

I pressed my lips together tight, not daring to breathe.

I was terrified any noise would be recorded.

But Ethan leaned down wickedly, breathing right next to the lavalier mic on my collar, his tone innocent.

"Babe, what do we do if they heard everything?"

...

On purpose. Absolutely on purpose!

He pinned me here like a fish on a chopping block, and now he's acting like the innocent victim?!

After speaking, Ethan freed a hand, switched off the blinking indicator light, and called out to the door.

"It's off now."

Oh, so you drop the act for that sentence?!

This guy switches faces fast!

The noise outside faded away.

The staff probably realized the atmosphere was weird and scattered.

Wait, come in and save me, you cowards!

Holding my breath, I shoved Ethan hard.

Now he decided to play nice, stepping back with a half-smile.

"What do you want?"

"Just wanted a reasonable, logical reason for our breakup. That's not too much to ask, right?"

That simple?!

I rolled my eyes, a mischievous idea bubbling up.

"I'm getting married. Met him on a blind date."

"Are you satisfied with that reason?"

Ethan's lip twitched slightly.

"Okay, understood. So, do you want to come over for dinner tonight? You can use me while you're there."

???!

Use him? Sounds tempting~

Cough, cough, what am I thinking!

"Do you not understand English?"

"I said I'm getting married! We're done!"

Ethan's expression didn't change, his voice lazy and teasing.

"You're just marrying someone else. Does that stop me from simping for you?"

"Like I said earlier, mistress, lover, simp—I'm fine with any of them."

"Or should I make dinner for three, and you can bring your damn fiancé along?"

The more he spoke, the calmer he looked.

Finally, he stood up straight and left me with one last sentence.

"If you don't come, I'll come find you."

"But if the paparazzi snap us and make up some crazy rumors, don't blame me."

Watching his back, a chill climbed up my spine.

God, what kind of demon did I provoke?!