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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