Chapter 3

As luck would have it, I ran into Chase at the hospital entrance.

His car had broken down, and his tie had gotten oil on it. I gave him one of my own designs. It was originally meant for Ethan, but I didn't need it anymore.

Chase offered to drive me home, but that was when Ethan showed up. His face darkened as he pulled me behind him and glared at Chase.

"I can take care of my own wife without help from outsiders. Mind your own business."

Chase's tone turned cold. "She was in the hospital for three days before you showed up. Don't you think you sound ridiculous saying that?"

Chase turned to look at me, his expression softening. He thanked Chase and left.

"Were you with him this whole time? Cindy, instead of coming home, you're out here meeting other men? Do you even remember what day it is?"

Ethan's accusation made him sound like the victim. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "What are you talking about? You didn't even ask why I was in the hospital and just assumed the worst about me?

"Today's only the second time I've met Chase, and I have to listen to you insult me like this. Ethan, do you think you've been fair to me after all these years together? After everything we've been through, don't you trust me at all?"

My heart, which had finally settled, erupted again.

My tearful accusations left Ethan momentarily at a loss. He put his arm around my waist. "As soon as I got back from my business trip and found you weren't home, I asked the driver and came straight to the hospital.

"How are you feeling? Any better?

"Don't be upset. I was just worried, that's all. I got jealous. Today's the company anniversary. How can we celebrate without you?"

The business trip excuse again. I was sick of hearing that exact excuse. Kimberly's social media had been active these past few days. They'd clearly gone to a mountain resort together.

I pushed his hand away. "I'm fine. Just tired. I'll be okay after some rest. And I remember the company celebration, so let's head over now."

Every word I exchanged with Ethan drained me. Even my insides ached. I simply stopped looking at him.

When we arrived at the Shaw Group anniversary celebration, Ethan told me where to find my gown and left. I changed and came back downstairs, only to run into Kimberly at the staircase.

She wore a red velvet gown. With her beautiful face and stunning figure, she turned heads everywhere she went.

I had no intention of interacting with her, so I stepped aside to let her pass first. But she walked straight toward me. When she got close, an odd smile crossed her face.

Before I could react, she suddenly grabbed my hand and cried out as she fell backward. Fortunately, Ethan appeared just in time and steadied her.

"Cindy! Have you lost your mind? Why did you push Ms. Jones? Do you realize you almost killed two people?"

Ethan's furious voice startled me again. Kimberly clutched his arm with an innocent expression. "I'm fine, Ethan. I lost my balance on my own. It's not Ms. Sutton's fault."

"Kimmy, you're too kind. I saw everything!"

Ethan sighed. He walked over and lowered his voice. "Go apologize to Ms. Jones. Her father owns a famous vineyard in Valeria. Ms. Jones is our honored guest."

Looking at his domineering expression, I swallowed every explanation, every protest. Only hurt remained.

I walked over slowly and said each word carefully. "I'm sorry, Ms. Jones."

Kimberly placed a protective hand over her stomach. "Thank goodness Ethan was here this time. Next time, Ms. Sutton, you should be more careful."

That smile crossed her face again. My instincts told me that tonight's celebration was going to be trouble.