Chapter 6

"But I keep hearing Ella lives in your penthouse.

You aren't... legally married, are you?

My daughter will not be some homewrecker."

Ethan clarified.

"Ella and I have zero legal ties.

She had nowhere to go, so I let her crash.

She's basically just a live-in maid."

"If it bothers Chloe, I'll kick her out tonight."

The video cut to black.

The wedding and the public acknowledgment I begged for?

He handed them to her like it was nothing.

Six years in the shadows,

I was just a "maid" with "zero ties."

Ethan buried our childhood love with his own hands.

Fine. Then we're done.

I dialed a number I hadn't called in years.

"Aunt Catherine. Your offer... I'm in."

The next morning, Ethan walked in with breakfast.

He wore the same groveling smile as last night.

"Ella, I waited in line just for this.

Your favorite. Blueberry muffin and an oat milk latte. Come eat."

I am allergic to blueberries.

But Chloe? These were her favorite.