Chapter 6

Chloe could sense from Ethan's voice that his expression probably wasn't a pleasant one. However, she didn't care. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Give me back the cigarette." With a cold face, Ethan extinguished the cigarette and tossed it into a nearby trash bin. Chloe let out a light scoff and turned to walk away. Just a couple of steps into her departure, her phone suddenly rang. It was Aiden. "Aiden, what's up?" she asked. "My mom wants us to come home for dinner. Where are you? I'll pick you up later," Aiden replied. After a brief two-second hesitation, Chloe reluctantly shared the address of the bar. After hanging up, she realized Ethan was trailing behind her. However, she wasn't in the mood to talk to him at the moment. Just as she was about to continue her way, a voice came from behind. "Skylar really likes that wedding venue. Name your price." Chloe stopped and turned to face Ethan. "Why should I compromise just because she likes it?" "You just need to say how much," Ethan replied, unfazed. Unable to contain her frustration, Chloe shot back, "Ethan, are you having fun?" Seemingly oblivious, Ethan responded, "What?" Chloe fixed her gaze on him and articulated each word deliberately, "Targeting me at every turn, is that fun for you?" Ethan nonchalantly uttered, "Oh," and a playful expression surfaced on his face. "I find it quite amusing," he remarked. Speechless, Chloe turned away, resolute on continuing her departure. Just as she took a step forward, she turned back to look at Ethan. "I won't give up the wedding venue," she declared. Ethan sneered, "I've never failed to get what I want." Chloe's heart tightened suddenly. She knew Ethan never liked others opposing him. Yet, in this moment, she was determined not to yield. Without a response, she walked away directly. Seeing her friend finally return, Evelyn furrowed her brows. "Why were you gone for so long?" "Encountered an unexpected guest," Chloe replied. Evelyn blurted out, "It's not Ethan, is it?" Surprised, Chloe asked, "Why would you bring him up?" Evelyn hesitated for two seconds. "Didn't he used to frequent this bar?" As she spoke, her gaze seemed uncertain, lacking confidence. However, Chloe didn't notice. In her mind, images from five years ago resurfaced - Ethan flirting with unfamiliar women in the bar. "Jerk!" she cursed. Her voice was too soft, and Evelyn didn't catch it. Aiden arrived quickly, taking less than half an hour. At the bar's entrance, Chloe arranged for a designated driver for Evelyn at Aiden's request. After seeing Evelyn off, Aiden turned back and pulled Chloe into his embrace, walking towards his car. Just as they were about to get into the car, a familiar voice suddenly called out to Aiden from behind. "Aiden." Chloe stiffened. It was Ethan again! Aiden glanced at the direction Ethan had emerged from, then looked at Chloe in his arms, his expression unclear. But he knew this wasn't the time to raise suspicions. Aiden smiled and asked. "Hey, Ethan, when did you come back?" The two families had longstanding business relations, and the two of them had known each other since childhood. Ethan intentionally glanced at Chloe before turning to Aiden. "It's been a while," he answered. "I just saw Chloe with a man. I didn't expect it to be you." Aiden's face stiffened for a moment, but he quickly composed himself. He looked at Ethan and tightened his hold on Chloe's hand. "We're getting married. Welcome to our wedding." Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Chloe already told me last time. I didn't expect you to be the groom. Anyway, I'll definitely be there." As soon as the words were spoken, Chloe felt a sudden force on her shoulder.