Chapter 3

His brows knitted tightly as he immediately let go of Nina and snapped coldly, “No one is talking about what happened back then. Why are you overthinking it?”

Nina’s lips parted slightly as she stared at West in disbelief.

I stepped forward to smooth things over. “Forget it, West. Nina probably didn’t mean it. I’m fine. Today’s supposed to be a happy occasion. Let’s not ruin it over something so small.”

West’s expression remained dark. Without another word, he grabbed Nina’s arm and pulled her away. The onlookers gradually dispersed, and the party resumed as if nothing had happened. Meanwhile, I quietly followed them upstairs.

In a secluded corner on the second floor, Nina finally shook off West’s hand and complained in a soft, aggrieved voice, “West, you hurt me. And why won’t you believe me? Why are you siding with an outsider instead?”

Seeing her pitiful expression, West let out a long sigh, his tone softening. “You and I both know the truth of what happened back then. Erin hasn’t had it easy either. You should get off her tail.”

Nina stared at him wide-eyed, as if she no longer recognized the man in front of her. “What are you talking about? West, don’t tell me you actually think of Erin as your real wife now. You only married her to help me get away with it! That matter ended years ago, and I had served my sentence—at least on the surface. It’s time for you to dump her!”

West shook his head. “We owe her far too much. I’ve made up my mind to spend the rest of my life making it up to her.”

Just as he turned to leave, Nina suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

“I don’t believe you!” she cried. “West, I’m the one you love, isn’t it? We’re not related by blood. I know you love me. Otherwise, why would you do so much for me?”

As if she had struck a nerve, West’s body stiffened, and his hands were trembling slightly. In the end, he gave in to his desire. He turned back, cupped Nina’s face, and kissed her fiercely.

I silently stopped the recording, saved the video, and turned to leave the second floor. By the time West came back downstairs with Nina, the party was nearing its end. He couldn’t find me anywhere. It wasn’t until he returned home that he discovered me hiding in the storage room, crying quietly.

Hearing the door open, I pretended not to notice and let my sobs grow even more broken.

“Erin!”

West hurried over and pulled me into his arms, frowning anxiously.

“I was wondering where you were. What happened? Why are you crying?”

I quickly turned my head away, wiping my tears in a fluster with my sleeve. Then I forced a smile and looked at him.

“I’m fine. I just twisted my ankle while tidying up earlier. I was afraid you’d laugh at me, so I hid here…”

However, he stared at me intently, his eyes full of pain and tenderness. “Erin, don’t you know? When you lie, your smile looks forced. Anyone can tell.”

“I…” I glanced away in panic.

He reached out and gently brushed away the tear that was about to fall. “Tell me. Why were you crying in here?”

I bit my lip and held it in for a moment. Then, in the next second, I wrapped my arms around his neck and finally let my sobs break free.

“At the party, Nina mentioned my sister. I just thought… if my sister were still alive, she’d probably be about the same age as Nina now, but I’ll never get to see her grow up.”

At the mention of my sister, a flash of panic crossed West’s eyes, quickly replaced by guilt.

The arm around my waist tightened as he blamed himself softly, “It’s my fault. I was too busy with the party and neglected your feelings. Tell me, honey, what can I do to make you feel better?”

I looked down and shook my head. “You don’t need to do anything. As long as I can see you more often, that’s enough. West, can I visit your office more often in the future? I’ve been having nightmares lately—dreaming that you leave me behind. If we could eat together, talk more… maybe it would get better.”

West frowned slightly, clearly hesitant. All this time, he had deliberately avoided letting me enter his office. After all, that place hid far too many secrets he didn’t want me to know.

I withdrew my hands and smiled as if it didn’t matter. “If you’re too busy, forget it. I was just asking.”

“You’re lying again,” he said with a gentle laugh, tapping my forehead lightly. “It’s such a small request. Of course, I can agree.”

My face lit up instantly. I leaned in and kissed his cheek. “You’re the best, hubby!”

The joy on his face didn’t seem fake at all, and a flicker of excitement burned in his eyes.

Laughing, West scooped me up into his arms, and I shyly buried my face against his neck. Just a little more, and the disgust in my eyes would have been impossible to hide.