Chapter 2

Natalie smiled and nodded. "Sure, but that would be too easy for you. Anne may be an old-fashioned person, but you can easily seduce her."

My heart slowly sank into my gut while anger simmered within me. I wanted nothing more than to burst out of the closet and tear them apart with my bare hands.

"What do you suggest then?" Justin asked.

Natalie turned around and planted herself on Justin's lap. "I also want you to dump her and make her beg you not to break up with her in front of everyone."

Justin smiled, asking, "Aren't the two of you best friends? You're being quite terrible right now."

Natalie scoffed. "I got sick of her following me around a long time ago."

"How will you reward me if I win the bet?" Justin asked, chuckling.

Natalie pinched his cheek, saying, "If you win, I'll stop chasing after your best friend, Chase. I'll also get together with you officially. But if you lose, you have to help me get together with Chase."

"Deal!"

My entire body trembled while tears streamed uncontrollably down my cheeks. Sadness and fury raged within me, making me feel incredibly uncomfortable. I was nearly overwhelmed with the urge to throw the closet door open and catch Natalie and Justin red-handed.

Suddenly, I felt a pair of warm and large hands cover my ears. The world went silent as the disgusting noises disappeared.

Was the man trying to help me? Regardless of his intentions, I could feel my heart calming down.

A few moments later, the man retracted his hands and opened the closet door.

I squinted against the sudden return of light. However, before I could react, the man gripped my wrist and said, "Let's go."

I finally snapped back to my senses when I was pulled into the next room. I looked up at the man and took in his tall and broad figure, handsome features, and cold and regal air.

I couldn't believe my eyes. It was Chase Grant, the genius of the School of Finance, Justin's best friend, and also the man whom Natalie wanted to get together with.

"You—"

I couldn't get another word out before Chase pressed his index finger to my lips. He then tilted his head slightly in the direction of the door, listening to any sounds beyond it.

As I stared at his reddened lips, I was suddenly reminded of how I had forcefully kissed him in the dark. My face burned as I recalled the softness of his lips.

"Alright. They're gone now," Chase declared in a magnetic voice.

My face had turned as red as a tomato. I stammered, "I'm sorry about what happened earlier, but thank you. I—"

I sniffled when I thought about what had transpired earlier. In the end, I couldn't hold back my tears.

"I'm sorry. I must be having an allergic reaction to the scent of the closet. I'm definitely not crying because of those two scumbags," I explained while wiping the tears from my eyes.

Chase lowered his gaze and glanced at me before nodding lightly. "You should be grateful that you found out about them sooner rather than later."

As I carefully studied his expression, I realized that there wasn't a hint of disdain in his eyes. I couldn't help but feel touched at the realization.

As I thought back to what else had transpired between the two of us, I hung my head in embarrassment before saying, "The wine I fed you had been spiked. If you get sick, I'll cover your hospital bills."

Chase immediately rejected my offer, seeming to be opposed to the idea of visiting the hospital despite what had happened to him. "No need. I'll be fine after taking a shower."

I nodded quickly. I was about to leave when Chase asked, "What about you?"

"I only swallowed a little. I should be fine," I replied while curling my toes. "I should get a cab and leave before those two scumbags come back."

A long silence descended upon the room. I looked up. When I made eye contact with Chase, he turned his head away stiffly. His earlobes had turned pink.

"Okay then."

He then turned around and entered his bedroom. A few moments later, the sound of running water echoed through the room.

I sank onto the couch and tapped on a ride-hailing app.

It was raining heavily outside. On top of that, the concert nearby had just ended. No one was accepting my request.

I felt like crying again. I was incredibly upset. I was also feeling parched from all the tears I had shed.

I looked at the canned drinks on the coffee table before padding over to the bedroom door and asking carefully, "Can I have one of your drinks?"

A long moment passed before a muffled voice echoed from the bathroom. "Sure."

Assuming that they were energy drinks, I took a large gulp from one of the cans, only to realize that it was actually alcohol.