Chapter 4

He took off his apron, threw it onto a chair, and headed for the door.

"I'm going to help her move her stuff over today. Do whatever you want."

The door slammed shut once again.

I sat at the dining table, staring at the untouched breakfast.

So the apology and the money weren't to ask for my forgiveness.

They were just a buffer for the bomb he was about to drop.

At three in the afternoon, they returned.

Ethan was carrying two large suitcases.

Chloe followed behind him, holding a cardboard box.

When she saw me, a flicker of fear washed over her face.

"Clara, I'm just staying here temporarily. I'll move out as soon as I can."

Ethan dumped the suitcases in the middle of the living room.

"What do you mean temporary? Just make yourself at home. Here are the keys to the guest room."

He handed a set of keys to Chloe.

Chloe didn't take them. She looked at me instead.

"Clara, are you okay with this?"

I didn't even look at her.

My eyes were fixed on Ethan.

"This is your decision. You don't need to ask me."

Ethan smiled, clearly pleased with my compliance.

He helped Chloe wheel her luggage into the guest room.

I stood in the hallway, watching the door to that room swing shut.

My mother used to sleep in that room whenever she came to visit.

The bedsheets and duvet cover were brand new—I had just changed and washed them last month. They still smelled like fresh laundry and sunshine.

Now, they belonged to another woman.

That evening, I made dinner.

But I only set two plates on the table—one for me, one for Ethan.

Ethan walked out of the guest room and glanced at the table.

"Where's Chloe's plate?"

"I didn't make enough for her."

He frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means I am only responsible for cooking for the two of us. I don't cook for uninvited guests."

Chloe happened to walk out of the guest room right then. Hearing my words, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"It's fine. Really. I already ate outside anyway."

Ethan's face turned incredibly sour.

"Clara, are you doing this on purpose?"

"Yes," I admitted freely. "I am."

That dinner was excruciating.

Ethan and I ate in dead silence.

Chloe sat on the couch, staring at her phone, occasionally casting anxious glances our way.

After dinner, I packed up the dishes and went into the kitchen.

Ethan followed me in.

"You embarrassed me tonight."

"Did you think about my embarrassment when you brought another woman to live in our home?"

"That’s different. She needs help."

"So do I."

He froze.

"I need a home without strangers in it. Can you help me with that?"