Part 2The Second Chance Groom

I took a shower and changed into clean clothes.

When I came out, I found Ethan and Sarah cuddling on the sofa. He was whispering to her with a tenderness I had never received.

Seeing me, his face went cold.

"This mess is your fault. Apologize to Sarah."

"And clean this place up. Clear out your room for her. It's late; it's not safe for her to go home alone."

I had been in the shower for maybe thirty minutes. They couldn't even wait that long.

Ethan’s shirt had lipstick stains. Sarah’s lipstick was smeared, her dress wrinkled.

I didn't care about their sordid affair. I just looked at him.

"This is my house."

Our families had prepared two houses for us. Ethan liked peace and quiet, so we usually hung out at my place.

I used to let them treat me like a maid because I loved him.

Not anymore.

Ethan scoffed, thinking I was just throwing a jealous tantrum. "If it wasn't for Sarah, do you think I'd be here? If you still want to marry me, do as I say."

"You might be my wife in name, but Sarah is the real mistress of the Vance family! You have no right to give her attitude."

Sarah smirked, leaning into Ethan’s chest provocatively.

I didn't want to argue. I didn't want to stay in this trashed house another second.

I grabbed my bag and headed for the door.

Ethan blocked my path. "Where are you going this late?"

"Home."

He stared at me for a moment. "Running home to tattle? Typical spoiled brat. Do you think that scares me?"

I pushed past him, ignoring his insults.

He stumbled, surprised by my strength. Then he grabbed my wrist, his tone softening slightly.

"Alright, stop it."

"You've always been so dramatic. If you really want to go, I'll drive you."

He reached for my bag and turned to get his car keys.

Sarah looked up at him, eyes wide and teary.

"Ethan... are you leaving me here alone?"

"I'm scared. What if Riley is jealous and hires someone to hurt me?"

Ethan’s hand froze in mid-air.

His face darkened.

"Riley, I underestimated you. You're more manipulative than I thought."

"Creating a scene just to get me away so you can hurt Sarah?"

He threw my bag back at me.

The heavy metal buckle slammed into my forehead. Blood trickled down my face.

Dizziness hit me. I swayed.

Just as I was about to fall, Ethan caught me.

A flash of guilt and confusion crossed his eyes.

But before he could speak, Sarah hugged him from behind. Her blouse was unbuttoned enough to be suggestive.

"Ethan, don't go..."

Ethan’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He let go of me.

I looked at the two of them, disgusted.

I picked up my bag and walked out without looking back.

As soon as I got into the car, a message from Sarah popped up on my phone.