Chapter 4

Ethan didn't come back until noon the next day.

His voice was hoarse.

"Blair's father passed away at dawn. Blair fainted several times from crying. I couldn't leave."

I poured him a glass of water.

He took it and held my hand.

"Zara, this is the last time. Once she finishes handling her father's affairs, I'll cut ties completely."

I looked at him.

"Can you bear to?"

He froze.

"She depends on you so much. She needs you so much."

I spoke softly, mockery in my eyes.

"Can you really bear to leave her when she's at her most vulnerable?"

His eyes showed struggle, and finally he looked away.

"Even if I can't bear it, I have to. You're my wife."

I smiled and said nothing.

On the day of Blair's father's funeral, I went too.

Ethan was surprised.

"After all, we knew each other."

I said flatly.

At the funeral, Blair cried herself into a wreck, barely able to stand.

Ethan supported her the entire time.

Guests whispered.

"Is that Mrs. Jameson? She looks so composed."

"How could she not be? Her husband's practically someone else's now."

"I heard Mr. Jameson didn't even care when his own child was lost because of Blair."

Ethan clearly heard them too. He looked back at me, guilt and urgency in his eyes.

He probably wanted me to leave so Blair wouldn't feel more embarrassed.

I didn't move.

After the funeral, Blair walked over with others supporting her and bowed to me.

"Zara, I've caused you so much trouble during this time."

She looked up, tears streaming.

"Don't worry. Once I finish handling Dad's affairs, I'll leave this place and never bother you two again."

Ethan's expression changed.

"Blair, what are you talking about? Where would you even go?"

Blair cried harder.

"I should have left already. I've been too selfish, monopolizing Ethan all this time."

"Stop it!"

Ethan cut her off, looking at me.

"Zara, Blair has no family now. We can't force her to leave at a time like this."

I quietly watched them.

One crying her heart out, the other looking at her with pained protection.

Like a pair of star-crossed lovers.

And I was the cold-hearted villain.

"Ethan, do you remember what vow you made when we got married?"

He froze.

I smiled.

"Never mind. It doesn't matter anymore."

I turned and left. He didn't follow.

That night, Ethan came home reeking of alcohol.

He found me sitting on the balcony and hugged me tightly from behind.

"Zara, I'm sorry."

I didn't turn around.

"You know what? Today at the funeral, I saw Blair wearing a necklace."

His body stiffened.

"That necklace. I saw it last year and didn't buy it because it was too expensive."

"You said it cost too much and you'd give it to me on our next anniversary."

The wind on the balcony was cold.

Ethan's breathing stopped.

After a long while, he finally spoke with difficulty.

"That was her father's last gift to her before he died. I didn't buy it."

"Really."

I laughed. "But the receipt is still in your study drawer, dated last Wednesday."

He let go of me, staggering back two steps.

"Zara, let me explain!"

"No need to explain."

I stood up and turned to face him.

"The wish coupons are all used up, aren't they?"

His pupils contracted sharply.

"The last one. You gave it to Blair, telling her to ask for anything she wanted."

I pushed past him and pulled out the very first coupon I'd never been willing to use.

"So Ethan, this time my wish is to let me go."