Chapter 4Three Sweethearts, None for Me

When I left the Monroe mansion, all four of them—Liam, Ethan, Noah, and Chloe—were waiting outside.

Remembering how much they supposedly despised me, I decided to ignore them and walk away.

"Anya!"

Chloe ran up and grabbed my arm. "Don't misunderstand. Noah was just pretending I was his girlfriend to get you to back off."

"Chloe, why are you even talking to her? I'm doing this to get rid of her," Noah called out impatiently.

"Noah, don't be like that. We're all friends. I only met you guys because of Anya. I miss the days when the five of us used to hang out together," Chloe said sweetly. "Anya, please don't be mad at everyone. I really want us all to be friends again."

As she spoke, her nails dug sharply into my arm.

I hissed in pain and pulled my arm away.

"Ah!"

She stumbled backward as if I had shoved her with all my might.

"Chloe!"

The three of them rushed to her side, their faces etched with concern.

"Anya! Chloe is being so nice to you, and you push her? Have you no conscience?" Noah yelled.

Ethan's face was cold. "Chloe has been trying to get you to rejoin our group, but it seems you're just not worthy."

"Apologize to Chloe right now, Anya!" Liam commanded, his voice low and dangerous.

Chloe leaned against Liam, looking fragile and hurt, but her eyes, when they met mine, were filled with a familiar, triumphant malice.

I brushed off my arm and gave them a cold look. "I'm so terrible. Why would I ever apologize to her? If you just keep her away from me, she won't get hurt. Problem solved."

I turned and walked away.

"Anya, if you don't learn to be kind to Chloe, then there's nothing left between us!" Liam's cold voice followed me.

A bitter smile touched my lips. Since Chloe had appeared, had there ever been anything left between us to begin with?