Chapter 3

I sat on the sofa in a daze until the beeping sound of the keypad lock at the entrance brought me back to reality.

Before I could react, two strong arms wrapped familiarly around my waist, pulling me back into a familiar embrace.

"Honey, I'm home."

Ethan's deep, smiling voice sounded close to my ear.

However, the next second.

A faint, almost imperceptible gardenia scent suddenly hit my nose.

All the blood in my body seemed to freeze instantly in that moment.

I felt like I was being pulled back into the dark, damp washroom at school, with the same nauseating sweet gardenia fragrance filling the air.

Before my eyes was Scarlett's face with that cruel smile.

Burning cigarette butts, filthy floors.

I couldn't control my violent trembling.

"Ahhhh——!!!"

A piercing scream erupted from deep in my throat.

Using all my strength, I shoved Ethan hard, sending him crashing to the floor.

"Get away! Don't touch me——!"

Caught off guard, Ethan staggered backward two steps before barely managing to steady himself.

He suddenly realized something. His voice carried obvious panic and trembling.

"Sorry honey, my secretary wore gardenia perfume today. I already showered, didn't realize I still had the scent on me."

He instinctively reached out toward me, trying to approach.

"Don't be afraid, honey. It's me. Those things are in the past. You're with me now, no one will dare hurt you anymore."

"Don't come closer!"

I screamed sharply, my body recoiling from intense rejection and fear.

He knew better than anyone how much I feared that scent.

Even the slightest trace could trigger severe PTSD.

"Ugh——"

I suddenly bent over, one hand covering my mouth tightly, the other frantically grasping the nearby wall to support my swaying body as I retched violently.

Ethan was so frightened that tears welled up in his eyes, his voice choked.

"Honey, what's wrong? Please don't scare me like this."

"It's my fault! How could I forget that you hate that smell most? I'll go shower right now and then take you to the hospital!"

He hurried frantically into the room to get my medication.

His hands trembled so much he couldn't open the bottle several times, fear almost spilling from his eyes.

Finally managing to open the pill bottle, he didn't even dare approach me, throwing the pills toward me from a distance.

Meeting his eyes full of care and heartache, my mind inexplicably conjured the image of him looking at Scarlett with the same precious, devoted expression.

How could a person be so split like this?

I felt sick and could barely breathe, but still picked up the medication and swallowed it.

Seeing me calm down quickly, Ethan also breathed a sigh of relief.

Before he could speak, I slowly sat on the floor, my voice hoarse.

"Did you... meet someone secretly?"

Ethan's pupils contracted sharply the moment my words fell.

His expression turned helpless, his voice returning to its usual deep gentleness, carrying a soothing tone.

"Honey, you're overthinking again. Didn't I tell you? It was the new secretary who accidently wore the wrong perfume. You know I only have you in my heart."

But I already knew him too well.

Every time he lied, he would unconsciously curl his pinky finger.

I glanced down and said nothing.

He reached out to help me up.

This time, I didn't refuse.

He kissed my forehead gently.

I forced down my nausea and looked at him.

"Ethan, if you ever betray me, I will never, ever forgive you."

I saw the doting expression on his face freeze for a moment.

The next second, he cupped my face helplessly, looking serious.

"Honey, I don't know why you'd think I would betray you. I'm willing to swear to the Moon Goddess that I, Ethan, will never betray Elena in this lifetime. If I lie to you, may I die a terrible death."

I lowered my head and forced a smile.

Liar.