Chapter 7

Matthew stood right beside Shirley, looking all put-together and polished, but his eyes never stopped flicking toward her.

He looked a little disappointed. No matter what he did, she wouldn't even glance his way.

By the time they got to Elysium Lounge, the private room was already buzzing. Clifford was half-yelling his way through a song on the mic, his voice so scratchy that it made the women around laugh and cheer.

Shirley winced the second she heard him and realized that coming here was a big mistake. Alas, it was too late to turn back.

Clifford spotted them and lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. "Matthew, Shirley, I've missed you guys so much!"

He spread his arms, about to hug Shirley, but Matthew casually stepped between them and blocked him with one arm.

Clifford eyed him, muttering under his breath, "Wow, Mr. Ray. Showing up this dressed-up just for my birthday? I'd think you were the main character tonight."

Someone behind them laughed. "Please! Even if Mr. Ray just rolled out of bed, his face would still outshine half this room. Don't stress about it."

Clifford grinned. "Fair enough. Shirley, come on in. You can pick out any gift you like."

He had been following Matthew around since they were kids, and their families had all sorts of business ties.

To Clifford—and honestly, most of Matthew's circle—Shirley wasn't just Matthew's wife. She was their person, too. After all, they had all grown up together and seen each other at their best and their worst.

Compared to Astrid with her perfect act, Shirley's messy, straightforward vibe felt way more genuine and likable to them.

Clifford dragged Shirley into the room, leaning closer with a mischievous grin.

"By the way, that post you made the other day? Everybody in the group chat lost their minds. Some folks say you're making stuff up, and others say you're just jealous. But don't worry, girl. I believe you."

Shirley raised an eyebrow. "You do?"

Clifford snorted. "Of course, I do. I was at that wedding, remember? I know exactly who was in the picture."

Shirley gave a little laugh and drifted farther into the room, leaving Clifford to go back to yelling into the mic.

In the dim light, Matthew stayed seated, unreadable. His gaze kept sneaking toward Shirley now and then.

Clifford eventually dropped the mic and walked over. "What's up? Did you two fight? Shirley's acting kinda off."

Matthew kept his voice calm. "We're fine. We're inseparable. She loves me to death."

Clifford cracked up so hard, he bent over laughing. "Man, can you stop bragging for once?"

Matthew's eyes cooled a little.

Clifford leaned in. "Look, just from Shirley's post alone, you can tell she's been holding this in forever. That account belongs to Astrid, right? Your sister-in-law?"

Matthew's brows pinched together. "I don't know."

The Rays were already unhappy about it. They had been pushing Matthew to drag Shirley to the family house to apologize and clear things up. But that day, Matthew hadn't been in the mood to deal with anything, so he brushed it off.

"You didn't explain it?" Clifford asked.

"Didn't have time."

Clifford shook his head. "Plenty of people dig their own graves just by keeping their mouths shut."

Matthew's expression shifted slightly. Without realizing it, his eyes drifted back to Shirley.

That was when a woman appeared out of nowhere. She was young and innocent-looking, but her outfit left little to the imagination. Her top dipped low, and she gave him a coy smile.

"Mr. Ray, could I get your number? I need to ask you something."

Such a cliché excuse, but it was impressive because she actually had the guts to say it.

Clifford's jaw twitched, but he forced a grin. "Damn, you really are popular. And no, I didn't invite her."

With how many people he had called to the party, half bringing their own friends, there was no way he could keep track.

Matthew looked up, sharp features catching the light. His voice was smooth, but cool. "Sorry, I'm married. My wife's right here."

He lifted his hand toward Shirley and made sure his wedding band caught the light.

The woman froze, clearly not expecting him to show up with his wife. Her cheeks went red. "I only wanted to ask for advice, nothing else."

Matthew didn't even bother to reply, lowering his gaze again.

The awkward silence broke when Shirley strolled over, a teasing smile on her face. "I suggest you ask for his number in private instead of right in front of me. Even if he wanted to give it, he wouldn't dare."

The woman blinked. "Mrs. Ray, I—"

Shirley sighed, leaning in just enough to lower her voice. "Honestly? If you really want to win him over, it's simple. You just have to be twisted enough."

The woman stared, confused.

Shirley didn't blink. She lifted her skirt slightly, showing bruises and marks down her legs, her voice tight as if she was holding back tears. "He loves messed-up games. Whips, candles, handcuffs. The more a woman suffers, the more he's into it. If you're down for that, come with us tonight. I don't mind a threesome."

The woman's face slipped for a second, and she instinctively took a step back, giving Matthew a look that was hard to put into words.

How could a tall, rich, drop-dead handsome like that be a sadist?

She had shown up hoping to land herself a guy with status, but she had never seen anything this twisted. Shaking her head, she backed off right away.

"N-No thanks. I'll pass."

Shirley gave a little shrug, as if she was disappointed, and walked off.

Trying to steal her husband in her territory? Not happening.

After that, Matthew loosened up. He even had a few drinks with friends. He figured that if Shirley didn't care about him, she wouldn't have gone to such lengths to scare off other women.

That was proof enough.

Clifford teased him anyway. "Come on. You just got hit on right in front of her. She'd look bad if the girl succeeded."

Matthew leaned back, confident. "You don't get it. She's got a serious possessive streak when it comes to me."

Clifford smirked but didn't reply.

Suddenly, the private room door swung open. Clifford stiffened and immediately glanced at Shirley.

"Sorry, I'm late! Happy birthday, Clifford!"

Astrid swept in, and just like that, the lively mood dropped.

She wore a deep red dress that hugged her figure and a diamond necklace she was never without. Her eyes were locked on Matthew as she walked over, every move graceful and calculated.

"The driver already left. Can you take me home later?"

Matthew's lips pressed tight, his brow furrowing. He looked toward Shirley, but she just watched with a faint, knowing smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Whatever spark of excitement he felt earlier fizzled out instantly. He took a sip of his drink.

"Have Tony pick you up. Or Clifford can find someone to drive you. It's his party, not mine. Why should I play chauffeur?"

Astrid froze, her smile slipping. For a second, she looked at him as if she didn't recognize him.

Clifford immediately jumped in to smooth things over.

"Don't worry. I'll handle it. I've got drivers ready for everyone. I'll personally make sure you get home safe, or Tony will kill me."

Astrid forced a laugh. "Of course. You're the birthday star. You're in charge."

The moment passed, and the party chatter picked back up.

Later, Clifford leaned over to Shirley, almost whispering. "I swear I didn't invite her. I invited Tony, but I guess he didn't want to come, so he had Astrid come instead."

Shirley watched as Astrid quickly found her way into a group of women. Naturally, they circled her, laughing at everything she said.

At some point, Astrid covered her mouth to giggle, then glanced Shirley's way with wide, innocent eyes.

"Shirley, that post you made on social media during my wedding—was that about me? Did I do something to upset you?"