Chapter 4: The Ugly Truth

But do I really love Ethan? What is love, anyway?

Freud said: "Love is born from humanity’s longing for its own incompleteness."

Jung said: "Great souls are androgynous; so-called love at first sight is just falling in love with another version of oneself."

So, maybe when I fell for Ethan, it was just me chasing a more complete self. Then now, I must be complete.

The next day—When I woke up, Ethan was still asleep. His phone kept lighting up with messages—every sender had an influencer-style avatar and name. As for the content, I didn’t look. Considerately, I put his phone (almost out of battery) on the charger.

As I stepped over Ethan, he grabbed my ankle. Without opening his eyes, he pulled me down so I landed sitting on top of him.

"Do me."

His voice was still hoarse from sleep, deep and sexy as hell.

A year ago, I would’ve pounced on him without hesitation. But now—I awkwardly climbed off: "Babe, my department head is coming in today. I can’t be late!"

Ethan’s face darkened. Before I left, I reminded him, "Babe, I’m going on a business trip for three days. Take care of yourself!"

Afraid he didn’t hear, I sent it to him again on Facebook Messenger. But I still felt uneasy. Because I remembered—he’d set my messages to Do Not Disturb.

So, I messaged one of Ethan’s party friends:

[Going on a business trip for three days, please look after Ethan for me, thanks (smiley face)!]

I arrived at work on time. That night, I stayed late to work overtime.

The boss was extra considerate: "Natalie, since your business trip was postponed, don’t rush the materials. Go home early."

"I’ll leave after I finish this."

Even so, I didn’t leave work until 10:30pm. The janitor was mopping the linoleum floors as I finally packed up. Outside, the parking lot was empty except for my little Honda and a couple of staff cars.

At 10:30—Through the home security app I’d installed on my phone, I saw a woman knocking at my door at home. When the door opened, Ethan was only wearing a pair of sleep shorts. The woman seemed shy. Ethan looked her up and down, then stepped aside to let her in.

I almost floored the gas pedal. No rush, no rush. Ethan isn’t that quick.

At 11:00—I arrived at my door. My hand trembled as I entered the code, got it wrong once. When I opened the door, the house was a mess—lacy panties, torn stockings, a sight too much for an honest person like me.

But Ethan was even faster than I’d thought—the bedroom door suddenly opened. A naked woman was shoved to the door, whining to the person behind her:

"Ethan, I flew here for you, don’t kick me out so soon. If you want to try something else…"

She was answered by a piece of women’s underwear thrown out by Ethan.

"I’ve Venmoed you the airfare. Now get lost!"

Ethan drawled as he walked out.

The woman was still unwilling: "If you don’t like me, I have a girlfriend—she’s a knockout. Want to see a photo? She’s at a club nearby, let’s go party together…"

He glanced at the photo, didn’t even reply. Then he looked up and saw me—The woman instantly shut up. The room went silent.