They all woke up around noon.
By then, the house was already filled with guests–my mother–in–law had invited many neighbors over.
Maddox was enthusiastically playing hostess, completely assuming the role of the lady of the house.
When our eyes met as I came downstairs, her gaze carried a subtle hint of contempt.
I understood that look perfectly–See? The man you’ve been protecting as your treasure? I can have him anytime I want.
I pretended not to notice, smiling back pleasantly.
Suddenly, Ryder hugged me from behind. “Babe, we were up pretty late drinking last night. Don’t be angry–you know you’re the only one I love.”
I frowned, instinctively peeling his hands away.
Ryder froze momentarily before quickly trying to appease me. “Don’t be upset, it was just Christmas fun. I won’t drink with them anymore, okay?”
He embraced me again just as Maddox called from across the room: “Hey, Ryder! Stop being all lovey–dovey and come take photos!”
“Coming!” Ryder called back, tugging at my hand. “Please, babe, just give me some face right now. When we get home, I’ll buy you that Prada bag you wanted.”
He pulled me toward the group, but I suddenly suggested, “Why don’t I take the photo? I’m not photogenic anyway.”
Ryder hesitated, but Maddox immediately rushed over, squeezing in next to him.
“Great idea!” She chirped, throwing her arm around Ryder’s shoulders and flashing me a peace sign.
I took five photos in succession before suggesting we create a face–to–face group chat to share the pictures with everyone in the neighborhood.
As the group swelled to over 30 members, including the partners of the two other friends, I promptly shared the photos.
But I didn’t stop there.
12:32
I Canceled Our Wedding for My CEO Childhood Crush. Zero Regrets!
34.2%
I also uploaded clips from last night’s security footage.
To make sure everyone got the full picture, I’d carefully edited the most damning moments together.
Within seconds, a shriek erupted from the couch: “Phoenix, what did you just send?!”
“Delete it now!”
A loud slap echoed through the crowd.
After watching the video, Ryder’s face instantly turned ashen as he rushed toward me.
“Babe, we were just drunk… There’s nothing between Maddox and me, I swear nothing happened! Trust me, Babe!”
He paced anxiously, pleading with me: “Please take down the video–it doesn’t just involve me, but Ash and Maddox and everyone else.”
“Phoenix, not here. Please.”
Maddox came sprinting over. “You did this on purpose, didn’t you?!”
“How could you be so devious and underhanded? It was just friends playing a game, and you kept
evidence? Delete it now!”
The living room descended into chaos.
But I appeared even more panicked than they were: “I didn’t mean to! What should I do? Damn, it’s past
the time limit – now I can’t recall it…”
12:32
