Chapter 2

The front door lock clicked again.

It swung open, and in walked Hailey.

She carried a bag of fresh fruit, slipping off her sneakers with practiced familiarity.

"Chloe, you're home!"

"Yeah, just got back."

My tone was flat.

She didn't pick up on the chill. She carried the bag straight into the kitchen.

"Ethan, the mangoes you bought aren't ripe yet. I picked up some sweet ones for you guys."

Ethan’s voice floated from inside. "Just leave them on the counter. I’ll slice them later."

Their banter was so effortless, so natural, like two people sharing an apartment.

And I was just a guest in my own home.

"Dinner's ready," Ethan announced, bringing out the plates while Hailey followed with the silverware.

The three of us sat down, just like any other day.

Hailey picked up her fork, taking a bite before asking casually, "So, did you guys finalize where you're going for your honeymoon?"

Ethan glanced at me.

"We had a suite booked, but someone offered more money and took it. We have to postpone."

He sounded helpless, layered with just the right amount of regret.

Hailey gasped softly, her expression turning into immediate sympathy.

"Ugh, that sucks. I heard that resort is nearly impossible to book."

She frowned, acting as if she felt our pain.

"Tell me about it," I chimed in, chewing a piece of meat.

"I wonder what kind of selfish scumbag steals someone else's honeymoon suite."

I chewed slowly, keeping my voice light.

"Outbidding people for their own room... how completely shameless do you have to be? Ruining a newlywed couple's trip like that."

Ethan’s fork paused midair.

Hailey looked down, sipping her soup in silence.

"Where do people get the nerve? Can't they book their own vacation instead of stealing someone else's?" I added.

The dining table fell dead silent for two full seconds.

Ethan forced an awkward laugh. "Yeah... totally messed up."

Hailey nodded without saying a word, her lips pressed into a tight, thin line.

Watching them squirm, my chest turned as cold as ice.

"By the way, Hailey," I said with a warm smile, "I have time off starting tomorrow since our trip was canceled. Are you free? Want to hang out or go shopping?"

She froze for a second, then immediately shook her head.

"Oh, I wish! But I have to work tomorrow. Things are insane at the office right now."

She waved her hands dismissively.

"Our boss just launched two new accounts, and I’m in charge of monitoring them. I even have to pull overtime this weekend."

She rattled off every little detail, sounding entirely convincing.

"What a shame," I sighed, leaning back against my chair.

"I took so much time off, so excited for our honeymoon, and now it's all down the drain."

Ethan quickly chimed in, "Why don't you visit your parents for a few days? You’ve got the free time anyway."

Hailey jumped right on it. "Yeah, that's a great idea! Spending time with your family would be so nice."

They played off each other like a rehearsed duet.

"Yeah, I was actually thinking the same thing," I nodded.

"I think I'll go stay with my parents for a few days."

Ethan and Hailey both let out an almost synchronized sigh of relief.

"Have a safe trip, babe," Ethan said.

"Yeah, don't forget to bring back some local pastries!" Hailey added with a giggle.