Chapter 2

Caught off guard by Blaire's sudden appearance, Evan's brow furrowed for the briefest second before his usual careless smirk returned. He tightened his arm around Cora's waist.

His friends reacted fast, forcing awkward smiles as they jumped in to smooth things over.

"Don't overthink it, Blaire. Evan's just having one of his episodes again. Don't blame him. He's been trying his best, but this isn't something he can control."

"She's just a promotional model from the club. It's their first time meeting. Evan would never betray you."

"Enough." Evan cut them off lightly. "Why are you explaining so much to her? It's not like she gets to tell me what to do."

One of the guys laughed nervously. "You've lost it, Evan. When you're back to normal, she's going to kick you out of house. I'd dial it down if I were you."

"Yeah, exactly. The weather's bad anyway. Let's skip the mountain run. Just head home with Blaire and make it up to her. You're newlyweds. No need to ruin the mood."

Blaire listened to their back-and-forth without a flicker of emotion.

She had seen this performance too many times.

Whenever Evan had one of his so-called episodes, his friends turned into matchmakers, lining up to plead his case in front of her.

That had been one of the reasons she kept going back.

Only because Evan appeared so deeply in love would the people around him sincerely regret their separation.

She had heard it all so many times and never once realized they were all in on the lie.

Cora slipped free from Evan's arm and strode over in her heels until she stood in front of Blaire.

"So you're the woman who divorced Evan three times and still refuses to let go? What is this, playing hard to get? Got bored and decided to remind him you still exist?"

One of the guys paled and grabbed her arm. "Cora, have you lost your mind? Who gave you the nerve to talk to Blaire like that?"

"Evan did." She looped her arms around Evan's neck and kissed him deeply, then tapped his chest twice with deliberate force.

"Does your promise still stand, Mr. Everett? One kiss for you risking your life on the death track." She glanced back at Blaire. "Or are you too busy running home to comfort that wife of yours who keeps crawling back and still isn't worth anything?"

Blaire never spoke. Her gaze rested quietly on Evan's face as she waited for his answer.

The next second, she heard him reply as if it were only natural. "You've already given me the prize. If I don't race, won't you be upset?"

Blaire lowered her eyes, hiding the bitterness rising in her chest.

Even now, he was still acting.

Evan put on his helmet and pinched Cora's cheek with indulgent affection. "I like you. Of course I don't want you upset."

The faint glimmer of hope in Blaire's eyes-one she hadn't even realized was there-was doused in an instant.

A person only had one heart. But for Evan, one had never been enough. He had split it in two-one half cherishing Blaire above all else, the other offering the same rehearsed devotion to anyone else.

Sensing the blade-sharp weight of Blaire's stare, Evan finally looked up. Through the visor, his eyes met hers. His lips still curved in a smile, but his voice had turned cold.

"What are you staring at? Whoever married you can deal with you. It's got nothing to do with me."

Nothing to do with him?

Blaire had thought she was already numb. Yet her heart still felt as though it were being carved open.

She took a slow breath and smiled-this time, sincerely. "Fine. Then I hope you get exactly what you want."

Her voice was light, like a breeze too fleeting to hold. Unease stirred inside Evan, sharp and sudden, and it worsened as Blaire turned and walked away without hesitation.

Just as he nearly called out to stop her, Cora spoke softly. "Tonight, you only get to choose one. If you pick her, don't ever come see me again."

Her voice dipped almost into a plea. "At least tonight, I'm not your mistress."

Evan sighed and gently ruffled her hair. "You hardly ever ask me for anything. How could I say no? Don't frown. Tonight, I'm yours."

Blaire never looked back. She walked away, step by steady step.

Not just tonight. From now on, Cora would no longer have to be the mistress.

Blaire was giving them her blessing.