chapter 2

A cold laugh escaped me.

If I hadn't insisted on coming with Valerian to this so-called "bros' hangout" today, who knew how long I would've been kept in the dark.

A few minutes later, Beatrix stopped dancing.

The guys started getting grilling texts. They all turned to Valerian, faces tight.

"Hey, is your girlfriend crazy or what?"

"She's just stirring up drama for no reason."

"Fuck! Why is it always you causing trouble? If my girl breaks up with me, I swear I'll make you pay."

A guy with a buzzcut stormed over, glaring at me with pure fire in his eyes.

I glanced down, smirking.

The next second, a howl of pain filled the room.

Buzzcut was writhing on the floor, rolling as he clutched his crotch, his face covered in cold sweat.

Valerian's bros were stunned.

It took them a solid two seconds to snap out of it and help the buzzcut up.

Valerian walked over to me.

He looked down, his voice icy. "Nadia. Apologize. Now."

I pushed past him and slowly crouched in front of the buzzcut.

My voice was calm. "You wanna make me pay?

"Let's see if you've got what it takes.

"Trash belongs in the dumpster. Don't crawl out and stink up the place, got it?"

"You—!"

He trembled as he pointed a shaky finger at me, then a fresh wave of pain crumpled his face.

Everyone was shocked by the sheer force of my presence.

No one dared to say another word against me.

An awkward silence fell over the room for a moment.

I stood up, grabbed my bag, and pulled out a hundred-dollar bill.

With a sweet smile, I flicked it lightly in Beatrix's direction.

"For the skanky little show," I said. "I'm paying for the viewing."

Then I turned and walked out.

I didn't look back at any of them as I left the private room.

Valerian was right on my heels.

"Are you done?" he snapped, his voice tight. "Nadia, have I been too good to you? Is that why you think it's okay to humiliate my friends like that?"

I kept walking, ignoring him.

He grabbed my wrist, hard.

Quickening his pace, he moved in front of me, blocking my path.

His lashes fluttered as he looked down at me.

I stared right back.

Our eyes locked.

And suddenly, I felt completely drained.

Valerian had hidden it so well.

We'd been together for two years, and I never knew his so-called "female friend" was someone he'd lock lips with.

He'd vaguely mentioned having female friends before.

But I hadn't thought much of it then.

I had guy friends, too.

As long as everyone knew the line and stayed in their lane, it was fine.

But clearly, Beatrix was way out of line for what I considered a "female friend."