Chapter 1

After hanging up, I looked back toward the airport entrance at the two of them laughing and chatting.

Ryan naturally took Claire's carry-on, and she intimately wiped the sweat off his forehead.

When they draped their arms around each other, Ryan even wrapped his hand around her waist.

"Now this is what I call a best friend! I mentioned I wanted to see Hawaii once, and you didn't hesitate to ditch your husband for me. I knew I picked the right person! You're the best."

"But uh, your husband's not gonna be mad you left him behind, is he?" Ryan glanced back at me smugly.

Claire chuckled.

"What's there to be scared of? He doesn't get jealous that easily."

"Otherwise, how do you think I've been able to make you a different breakfast every single day for the past two years?"

Yeah, right.

Every morning, Claire would make two breakfasts—one for me, one for her childhood friend.

But mine was always just hash browns and a breakfast sandwich from the corner deli.

Ryan's plate, though, had all the food groups covered—egg-white omelet, avocado toast, organic greens, the whole deal.

One day, I happened to catch a glimpse, and Claire explained flatly,

"He's bulking up. This is all he can eat."

Me, on the other hand?

She'd always say, with complete confidence, that I had a good appetite and wasn't picky, so anything was fine for me.

Even the gifts—I'd get some cheap nine-ninety-nine mug she'd find on Amazon.

Ryan would get limited-edition sneakers and designer hoodies she'd handpicked for him.

I never used to care.

But that doesn't mean I'm okay with them treating me like a fool.

I stood there, letting my thoughts churn.

Claire reached the corner, then suddenly turned back and waved at me.

"Go on home, Enzo."

"I'll call you when we land."

Ryan shot me a smug grin and patted my shoulder.

"Don't worry, man. I'll take good care of your wife!"

I watched their figures disappear around the corner.

I didn't react. I just turned and walked out of the airport.

The moment I got to my penthouse, my phone buzzed with a message from Claire.

"Good boy today. No drama."

"Be good and wait for me to come back from Hawaii. I'll definitely bring you that souvenir you like."

I stared at the message for a few seconds.

Then another notification popped up—a new post from Ryan on Instagram.

A photo from the airport lounge: Ryan flashing a peace sign, beaming as he leaned in close to Claire.

The caption read: *"Off on a spontaneous trip with the best friend in the world! Thanks to someone for being so understanding~ Heart!"*

It was already getting likes from mutual friends.

Someone commented underneath: *"Hey? What about your friend's husband, Enzo? He didn't give you a hard time?"*

Ryan replied with an innocent emoji: *"No idea, lol. Maybe he's running the family business."*

I scrolled through the post, expressionless, and backed out.

Another message from Claire came through.

"Did you see Ryan's post? He's trying to hit 999 likes as a challenge. Enzo, go give him a like too."

I ignored it.

Five minutes later, she sent a few more.

"No reply? Did you fall asleep?"

"Alright then. Get some rest early."

"Don't forget to run yourself a hot bath before bed—I know you like it when the water's nice and hot. Take care of yourself."

"Love you, hubby."

She even attached a cute sticker of a little bunny.

I just found it laughable.

I used to reply to every single one of her messages—I couldn't bear to let her down.

But this time, I not only didn't respond.

I un-pinned her chat, tossed my phone aside, and went to take a shower.

After all, I'd be flying into Hawaii on a private jet tomorrow.

For my own solo vacation.