Chapter 4

I wiped away my tears and casually liked the post.

Turning to leave the office, I ran into my best friend Claire Rivers, who was there on business. I told her directly that I'd be going back to get married soon.

All these years, because Ethan made me keep our relationship secret, whenever Claire brought up romantic topics, I'd deliberately change the subject.

Now that I was leaving, I at least needed to tell her goodbye properly.

Claire looked completely shocked. "So sudden! Does that mean we'll barely get to see each other anymore!"

I nodded helplessly. The next second, she grabbed me playfully.

"Luna, you always said you were too busy with work, so I never got a chance to have my mom really meet my best friend."

"Now that you're leaving, you absolutely cannot bail on me today!"

Just like that, Claire dragged me to attend a dinner party her family was hosting that evening.

I'd always avoided Claire's invitations before because Ethan said he wanted to wait until he officially made our relationship public to personally introduce me as the future Rivers daughter-in-law.

In all these years together, I never got to see the day when Ethan would introduce me to his family.

Who would have thought that now, as I was leaving, I'd finally get the chance.

After getting styled, Claire and I arrived at the Rivers estate just as the family dinner was already halfway through.

Ethan stood beside Mr. and Mrs. Rivers with Vivian on his arm. Various celebrities and elites took turns coming forward to offer congratulations on their engagement.

So that's what tonight's dinner was for - to officially announce their engagement.

Ethan Rivers really couldn't wait to tell the whole world he was marrying Vivian.

I instinctively wanted to leave, but Claire was already pulling me toward them.

"Dad! Mom! I brought my dear best friend to meet you!"

When Ethan saw me, his expression froze, and he slightly loosened his arm from around Vivian.

The moment Mrs. Rivers saw me, her face lit up with joy.

"I've always heard my daughter mention she has such an accomplished and kind best friend. Now that I've met you in person, you really are as lovely and sweet as she said!"

I shook my head awkwardly.

Looking at Mrs. Rivers holding my hand so warmly and affectionately, I felt an indescribable desolation.

We'd almost been able to become mother and daughter-in-law who genuinely got along.

"By the way, Miss Grey, Claire mentioned you've been so busy with work all these years that you haven't had time to date anyone. There are many wonderful young men at our dinner party tonight - would you like me to introduce you to someone?"

Before I could refuse, Ethan let out a cold laugh:

"She doesn't need that."

Right, I didn't need it anymore. After all, I was about to go back for an arranged marriage.

Claire jumped in to help explain:

"Mom, Luna really doesn't need it. My precious best friend is about to go to New York to get married. I don't even know how many times a year I'll get to see her after this..."

Hearing this, Ethan's previously smug expression suddenly froze. He stared at me, his eyes dark and unreadable.

Midway through, I went to the restroom. When I returned to the banquet hall, Ethan pulled me into a corner and held me in his arms.

The man lazily lowered his head, his voice carrying a hint of reproach as he spoke in my ear.

"Baby, don't make up stories about marrying someone else anymore. Even I get jealous hearing that."

I looked at him, finding it somehow absurd:

"But aren't you about to marry another woman too?"

Ethan frowned. "Don't be difficult. You know this is just for the company."

A moment later, he softened his voice to coax me:

"Alright, baby, you've always been so understanding, haven't you? After the banquet ends, go home and finish packing. I'll take you to move into the new apartment."

"After all, Vivian and I are officially engaged. It's not appropriate for you to keep living at the house."

Because I was understanding, I obediently stayed in a secret relationship with Ethan for eight years that no one knew about.

Now, was he planning to keep me as some kind of mistress who could never see the light of day?

I was about to say "no thanks" when Vivian's crying suddenly echoed from the main hall. Ethan immediately released me and rushed over.