bChapter /bb4 /b

    For three years, bI’ve /bbeen trying to get pregnant countless times, but nothing ever happened.[]

    I always thought something was wrong with my body.]

    And he was so sweet, so caring when he told me:[]

    “Babe, it’s okay. Let’s just be childfree. Just the two of us forever–you’re all I need.“[]

    Turns out I’m the biggest joke of all.

    Ivy’sughter still echoes in my ears:

    “Having a good bro is like ten thousand times better than getting married. I don’t have to be some boring housewife, and I get all the benefits. God, what did I do right in my past life?“||

    Enough. I’m so fucking done.]]

    I stand up, refusing to watch another second of that nauseating lovefest, and walk away.

    After copying the security footage, Kai and I head to thew firm to submit evidence and prepare for my final negotiation with

    Daxb. /b

    Right as we leave thewyer’s office, my cop friend calls.]]

    He lives next door to us–we’re pretty tight.[]

    When he picks up, his voice sounds… weird.]]

    “Has Dax been acting strangetely?”

    This ominous feeling creeps up on me: “Just tell me straight up, Jimmy.“[]

    “Some girl got hit on at the mping site–guy was probably being a creep–and Dax went ballistic, smashed a bottle over the dude’s head. They brought him in for mediation.“[]

    sil media nding

    “I can’t really exin it over the phone. I’m sending you the station’s security footage…“[]

    My phone buzzes with a message notification.[]

    My hands shake as Lopen the video.]

    On screen, Ivy’s holding a banged–up Dax, tears streaming down her face: “Dax, I’ve been holding this in forever, but I have to bsay /bit today.“]

    “I love you. I’m so in love with you!“]

    b“/bIf Ember hadn’t gotten in the way, I should’ve confessed first!“[]

    b81.8/b%

    The moment she finishes speaking, Dax cups her face and kisses her deeply.[]

    Like star–crossed lovers who’ve finally found each other after crossing mountains and seas.[]

    And I’m the homewrecker.

    Tears ssh onto my phone screen as my hands shake so badly I can barely hold it.[]

    Jimmy’s next message: [After mediation they went to the hotel next door. Sending you the address.]]]

    Along with the address, a text from Dax pops up.]

    [Babe, this project’s moreplicated than I thought. Noting home tonight, get some rest early. Love you ~][]

    Seeing my white–knuckled fists, Kai looks worried.[]

    “Ember, you okay?“]

    “What’s the move? Just say the word and I’m there.“]]

    I wipe away my tears, thest trace of warmthpletely draining from my eyes.]

    “Obviously we’re gonna show everyone what these ‘bros‘ really get up to in hotel rooms.“]

    Dax loves his reputation more than anything–so I’m gonna destroy it in front of everyone.

    Outside the hotel.]]

    I start a livestream with the title: “How Close Are My Husband and His Girl ‘Bro‘?“]

    A handful of viewers trickle into the stream.]]

    [Probably just paranoid drama again!]]

    [Pure friendship getting twisted into something dirty.]]

    …]

    Reading the skeptical, mockingments, I smile and nod.]

    “You’re absolutely right I probably overthink things–I even fought with my husband’s girl bro over it.“[]

    “So here I am, bought her favorite mango cake to apologize to my husband’s bestie!“[]

    After getting a recement key card using Dax’s bID/bb, /bI stride toward the room.[]

    I push open the door.

    On the messy bed, Dax is shirtless, tangled up with Ivy.]

    I smile and hold up my phone:[]

    “Look everyone–this is what ‘bros‘ who are close enough to share a bed look like!“[]

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