Chapter 44 Playing the Part
The manager of the VIP room quietly set down a tray with ice cubes, clean towels, and a plate of fresh fruit and small pastries before slipping out and closing the door behind him.
I sank into the plush leather sofa, my heart still pounding against my ribs. Beside me, Lily dabbed at her mascara-streaked cheeks with a tissue, her shoulders shaking with occasional hiccups.
"Are you okay?" I asked, offering her a glass of water. "He hit you pretty hard."
She took the glass with trembling hands. "Yeah... I think so." Her voice was thin, the slur from earlier now replaced with shock. "My head hurts, but I'll live."
I placed some ice in a towel and handed it to her. "Here, put this on your forehead. It'll help with the swelling."
We sat in silence for a few minutes,. I watched Lily as her breathing steadied, wondering what the hell I'd gotten myself into by answering her call.
Finally, Lily wiped away the last of her tears and looked at me with renewed curiosity in her bloodshot eyes.
"Liv, what does your boyfriend do?" she asked, leaning forward. "Those guys practically shit themselves when they heard his name."
I tensed, choosing my words carefully. "He's in business. He knows a lot of people in LA."
"What kind of business? Is he like, in the mafia or something?" Her eyes widened, a hint of excitement replacing her earlier terror.
I couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped my lips. "No, nothing like that. Just... family enterprises."
"How did you two meet?" she pressed.
Instead of responding, I turned the question around. "How did you end up in LA, Lily?"
Her face fell slightly at my deflection, but she quickly recovered. "My boyfriend—well, ex-boyfriend now—lives here. I came to visit him last month and stayed at his place for a few days. Then I found out I was pregnant." She twisted the tissue in her hands. "I came back to ask him to go with me to the clinic tomorrow, but when I got to his apartment, he was in bed with some other girl. He said he didn't even remember me."
"How long were you together?" I asked, though I already suspected the answer.
"Not long... we got together last month, but we've been talking online for like six months," she admitted. "He watched my livestreams and kept sending gifts. At first, I ignored him, but he became my top donor, so I added him back. He seemed so nice online."
I nodded silently, not knowing what to say.
"But enough about me," Lily said, her tone brightening artificially. "How did you meet that super hot guy? He looks way older than you."
I shifted uncomfortably. "We met near UCLA. And the age difference isn't as big as you think."
Lily leaned in, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Come on, give me the details! Is he as intense in bed as he looks? I bet he's—"
"Lily," I cut her off, my voice firm but not unkind. "I don't really like discussing my private life. Can we change the subject, please?"
She recoiled slightly, hurt flashing across her face. "Sorry, I just... I thought we were close."
I took a deep breath. "Look, I'm happy to help you tonight and tomorrow at the clinic if you need someone there, but after that, we should probably go back to our separate lives." I paused, choosing my next words carefully. "I came tonight because I knew that no matter what situation I walked into, Ethan would make sure I was safe. But that doesn't mean I can be your emergency contact going forward."
Lily's face fell. "Oh. I just thought... in high school you were always so nice to everyone."
"I try to be kind to everyone, Lily. But being kind doesn't mean we're close friends." I softened my tone. "I hope you understand."
She nodded slowly, her eyes downcast. "I get it. I'm sorry for dragging you into my mess."
I felt a pang of guilt but pushed it aside. Boundaries were necessary—something I was still learning myself.
"I should check if we can leave now," I said, pulling out my phone. I dialed Ethan's number, my fingers still trembling slightly.
He answered immediately. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, we're fine. Can we come out now?" I kept my voice steady, conscious of Lily watching me.
The call ended, and I turned to Lily. "Someone's coming to get us. Wait for my signal before you follow me out, okay?"
She nodded, her eyes wide with renewed anxiety.
A minute later, a knock came at the door, and one of Ethan's security men entered. He nodded to me. "Miss Reed, Mr. Bennett is waiting."
I stood up, smoothing down my dress, and gestured for Lily to follow. We were led through a back corridor that bypassed most of the club's main area. When we emerged, I spotted Ethan sitting in a premium booth, his posture rigid and commanding. Even from a distance, I could see the slight discoloration on his right hand's knuckles.
Without thinking, I hurried toward him, deliberately letting my eyes fill with tears. "Ethan! You're hurt!" I exclaimed, reaching for his hand. "Did they hit you? Are you okay?"
Ryan started to explain, "No, Miss Reed, he—" but a single sharp look from Ethan silenced him mid-sentence.
I knew the truth: Ethan hadn't been hit—he'd done the hitting, and hard enough to bruise his own knuckles. But I had to play my part.
I gently brought his hand to my lips, placing a soft kiss on the reddened skin. "Promise me you won't risk yourself for me again," I whispered, my voice deliberately trembling.
Ethan pulled me onto his lap, his thumb gently wiping away a tear that had escaped down my cheek. "Don't cry," he said, his voice suddenly tender. "I'm fine."
I leaned into him, resting my head against his shoulder, playing the role of the relieved, adoring girlfriend to perfection. From the corner of my eye, I saw Lily watching us with a mixture of awe and discomfort.
"Can we go home now?" I asked softly. "I'm still a little shaky."
Ethan nodded, his arm tightening around my waist as he stood, effortlessly lifting me with him. "Of course."
He carried me out of the club, past the wide-eyed stares of patrons and staff alike.
Only when we reached his car and the doors closed behind us did that image shatter.
"Why didn't you tell me where you were going?" Ethan's voice was ice cold, all tenderness vanished as if it had never existed.
I reached for him, trying to maintain the connection we'd had moments before. "Ethan, I—"
He caught my wrist, stopping my touch before it could land. "Answer the question, Olivia."