“You’re here so late—what for?” Ethan asked, standing akimbo and glaring at Bella.
As a man who had dealt with countless types of women, Ethan didn’t have a specific type. It was simple—if he liked her, they could be together. Unfortunately, Isabella was a special case. They should have never crossed paths again after Bella became someone else’s wife.
“I had a fight with my husband.” Bella slid into Ethan’s arms.
“And so—why come here, Bel? We can’t keep doing this anymore. You’re putting my life on the line by doing this,” Ethan replied, not returning her embrace out of irritation.
Everyone could call him a bastard if they want, but even bastards have their limits. Bella’s muffled sobs against his chest were driving him insane—too melodramatic for his taste. Yet, Ethan found himself unable to push her away, not when she wielded her tears like a weapon. All he wanted was to get rid of the troublesome woman.
“I’m pregnant,” Bella said, gazing up at Ethan.
“W-what?” Ethan froze, feeling as though a spear had pierced his chest. This couldn’t be real. “We… when was the last time? How could you suddenly be pregnant? Don’t lie to me.”
Ethan’s anger flared, and he gripped Bella’s shoulders, staring directly into her eyes. “Answer me. Whose child is it, Bell?”
“Fine, I lied. Happy now? I said that so you wouldn’t kick me out.”
“What’s wrong with you? You’re insane!” Words failed him as frustration bubbled over. He had no choice but to shove Bella out. Ignoring her tantrum, Ethan guided her to the door. Just as he pushed her outside, he saw Rica.
“Rica,” Ethan muttered without thinking.
The two paper bags Rica held slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor. Without a word, she turned on her heel and stormed off toward the elevator. Ethan immediately dropped Bella’s arm. When she grabbed him again, he yanked his hand free, anger boiling inside him. Bella’s selfishness had gone too far.
“Bella, I hate being rough with women, but you’ve crossed the line this time.”
“Oh, so that’s the ‘Princess’ you’ve been chasing after?”
Ethan ground his teeth, clenching his fists in barely contained rage. If Bella weren’t a woman, he might have lost control already. Without wasting another second, he bolted after Rica, desperate to fix this.
The elevator doors shut before he could reach them. There was no time to wait for another. He took the emergency stairs, sprinting like a madman, panic propelling him forward. He couldn’t let Rica misunderstand. Losing her wasn’t an option. Rica was far too valuable to let go, and Ethan could see a bright future with her.
At the fifth floor, he pressed the button to open the stairwell door, silently praying Rica hadn’t yet reached the lobby. Illogical as it seemed, he clung to the hope for a miracle. Rica couldn’t cry. Rica couldn’t hate him. They still had a chance.
Ding!
To his relief, Rica was alone inside the elevator. She stared at Ethan blankly, then turned away as though he didn’t exist. Ethan, still panting from his sprint, stepped inside and tried to plead with her. Rica refused to meet his gaze, her silence cutting deeper than any words.
“You’ve got it all wrong, Ca. She’s just a friend.” Ethan reached for Rica’s hand, trying to hold it.
“Let go, Mas! I don’t want to!”
“Please, forgive me. I swear, she means nothing.”
Ethan pulled Rica into his arms, holding her tightly even as she pushed him away again and again. He stroked her head gently, hoping to calm her tears. Apologizing over and over, Ethan explained that Bella was just a friend—someone else’s wife who only came to his place out of boredom.
“So, she’s the one you sleep with? Your FWB?” Rica asked.
Her piercing stare caught Ethan off guard. How did she know about that? Had Indra spilled his secret to ruin his chances with Rica? That conniving bastard.
“What are you talking about, Ca? You’re imagining things.” Ethan forced a laugh, trying to play it cool.
***
What was it with today? Everything had been perfect after dinner with Inka. Then Bella showed up crying about her husband, Rica caught him with Bella, and now this? Three women in one night. Ethan’s head throbbed from the stress of it all.
“Mas, help,” Rica said, pouting as she held up a bottle of mineral water.
They had gone to a nearby café, yet Ethan still hadn’t addressed Rica’s accusations. Like hell he would admit anything about Bella. That would destroy the trust Rica had in him. Let her assume whatever she wanted. Ethan wasn’t in the mood to discuss the annoying woman anyway.
“So spoiled,” Ethan grumbled, taking the bottle and opening it.
“Thank you,” Rica replied with a cheeky grin.
As he sat there, lost in his thoughts, a question suddenly came to him. How did Rica know where he lived? She only knew the name of the apartment complex, not the exact floor or unit number. Ethan had been careful not to share those details.
“How did you find my floor?” Ethan narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
“Mas Indra told me,” she said casually.
“Can we go one day without mentioning that guy’s name?”
Rica rested her chin on her hands, gazing at Ethan with an expression so sweet it made him squirm. He gulped down his iced coffee, unnerved. What was with that look? Why did it make him want to drag her back to his apartment? Too bad he couldn’t risk Rica bumping into Inka. Ethan’s philosophy was simple: if he could have both, why settle for one? Everyone wins.
“Jealous much?” Rica teased.
“Jealous of what?” Ethan scratched the back of his neck.
“Because Mas Indra’s too perfect.”
If Ethan were honest, yes—he was envious of Indra’s charmed life. That’s why he wanted Rica as his official girlfriend. Assuming, of course, that Rica had moved on from the cop. Ethan suspected her feelings were still in a gray area, open to persuasion.
“What were you doing at my place anyway?” Ethan tried to steer the conversation away.
“Missed you.”
“What?”
She said it so casually, as if missing him was the most natural thing in the world. Ethan chuckled, watching Rica’s playful expression. Of course, no woman could resist his charm. He couldn’t help but feel a little smug.
“My mom knows I’ve been hanging out with you, Mas. I ran here because I didn’t know where else to go. I didn’t want to cry alone in a hotel.”
Oh, for crying out loud. First Bella, now Rica. Both running to him as their escape. Ethan’s irritation flared. He stared at Rica for a long moment, his frustration simmering. What was he, a dumping ground for other people’s problems?
“So, your mom doesn’t approve of us?”
Rica lowered her gaze, disheartened. “Because Mas Indra told her you’re not a good person. But I don’t care. I feel comfortable with you.”
"Rica, don't cry. I'm sick of it."
“Ugh, you’re annoying!” Rica threw a crumpled tissue at his face.