บท 18: Confessions and Chaos

Dylan's sharp eyes darted toward Ethan, a smug grin playing on his lips. The unspoken message was clear: I'm better for her. Ethan, however, seemed oblivious, engrossed in a conversation with a group of high-tech entrepreneurs.

Emily, standing awkwardly by the bar, nervously sipped on her wine, hoping it would calm her nerves. Unfortunately, the drink had the opposite effect, her mind growing foggy and her emotions bubbling to the surface.

Suddenly, the party took an unexpected turn. The lights dimmed, leaving only a spotlight focused on Emily and Ethan. Gasps rippled through the crowd as a familiar voice filled the room.

It was Rosa, Ethan's cousin. She stepped into the light, microphone in hand. "Ladies and gentlemen," Rosa announced with a radiant smile, "please join me in congratulating my dear cousin Ethan and his wife, Emily!"

Emily froze, her head spinning from the alcohol. The words struck her like a thunderbolt. Her emotions, raw and unfiltered, erupted.

"Why are you hurting me?" Emily's voice trembled as she stepped toward Ethan, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. "Don't you know that I love you?"

The room fell into stunned silence. Dylan, Magna, and every other guest stood frozen in place. But no one was more shocked than Ethan himself.

For a moment, Ethan stared at her, his heart pounding. Then, without hesitation, he closed the distance between them and kissed her. It wasn't just a kiss—it was a declaration, a promise that spoke volumes to everyone present.

---

Meanwhile, Dylan wasn't handling the scene well.

Anger simmered beneath his calm façade, his fists clenching. Before he could storm toward the couple, someone tugged at his arm. Startled, he turned to find Magna standing there, her gaze intense.

"Dylan," she whispered, leaning closer. Before he could process her words, she kissed him passionately. His vision blurred, and the next thing he knew, he was in a bed he didn't recognize.

Dylan sat up abruptly, his jaw dropping as he realized Magna was lying beside him, draped in sheets.

"What the hell is going on?" Dylan muttered, running his hands through his hair.

Magna stirred, opening her eyes with a sly smile. "Good morning," she said softly, her voice teasing.

"This—this can't be real!" Dylan exclaimed, attempting to get up. But Magna grabbed his arm, pulling him back down.

"Dylan," she murmured, leaning in for another kiss. Despite his confusion, Dylan found himself unable to resist. Once again, he lost control, swept up in the moment.

---

Back at Ethan's home, the morning after was no less dramatic.

Ethan gently caressed Emily's hair, his heart brimming with happiness. He replayed the events of the previous night in his mind—her confession, her vulnerability, and the kiss that cemented everything.

Emily stirred awake, her eyes fluttering open. The moment she realized she was bare under the sheets, her cheeks turned scarlet. She caught Ethan staring at her, his expression unreadable.

"You pervert!" she shrieked, slapping him across the face.

Ethan remained calm, unfazed by her outburst. "To be honest," he said with a smirk, "you were the one who made the first move."

Emily's eyes widened in shock. Memories of the night before rushed back to her—her confession, the kiss, and... everything after.

"I-I was drunk!" she stammered, her face burning with embarrassment.

Ethan chuckled softly. "You know, people tend to reveal the truth when they're drunk. So, thank you for finally admitting you love me."

Emily glared at him, her mind racing. This man, she thought, is insufferable.

Before she could respond, Ethan leaned closer, his expression softening. "It's your day off, right? Let's go on a trip together. Just one day. No contracts, no business. Just us."

Emily hesitated, but the excitement in his eyes was contagious. He looked like a child waiting for a treat, his smile brimming with joy.

"Okay," she said finally, unable to resist smiling back at him.