I Choose Him, Your Worst Enemy novel Chapter 3

Lorelei snatched the coffee from Wynette's hand and splashed it onto her own face.

Then she slapped herself.

Her frail body swayed—and she "accidentally" fell.

Her forehead hit the edge of the table. Warm liquid blurred her vision.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault. I shouldn't have clung to Noah. I apologize. If hitting me makes you feel better, then hit me. I won't fight back." Lorelei sat on the floor, shaking her head, sobbing through her words.

From a distance, Noah heard the commotion downstairs.

He rushed down. What he saw was Lorelei in a mess, her choked pleas ringing in his ears. His blood boiled instantly.

"Lorelei!" He ran to her side.

When he saw the coffee stains mixed with blood on her face—and the clear handprint—his expression darkened.

He glared at Wynette. "Wynette, have you lost your mind? Apologize to Lorelei."

Wynette met his eyes. "If I say it wasn't me, would you believe me?"

She waited. Waited for his verdict.

"You're telling me she poured coffee on herself, slapped herself, and threw herself to the ground?" Noah gritted his teeth.

He let out a cold laugh. "Wynette, I saw it with my own eyes. Do you think I'm blind?"

A few simple sentences. That was enough. He didn't believe her.

She had expected it. Still, hearing it out loud made her heart tighten.

For some reason, Noah caught the flicker of pain in her eyes. He felt a strange moment of panic.

"Noah, it hurts. Did my face get burned?" Lorelei staggered up and collapsed into his arms.

The coffee had been scalding. Small blisters were already forming on her cheek.

She grabbed him in a hurry, pulling his attention back.

He suppressed that brief hesitation. When he looked at Wynette again, his eyes were icy. "Apologize."

"Noah, forget it. If it makes Wynette feel better, I can handle it. It's fine." Lorelei looked up at him, pitiful and soft.

She deliberately turned the cheek with the handprint toward him, showing her wounded side.

His gaze at Wynette grew even colder.

Wynette watched Lorelei's performance. Especially after Noah had come home last night and blamed her without asking a single question. Her heart went cold.

She narrowed her eyes, a mocking smile curling at her lips. "Are you sure you want me to apologize?"

If he had listened carefully, he would've heard the sarcasm.

But all his attention was on Lorelei.

Even Lorelei thought Wynette was about to give in. Out of Noah's sight, she curled her lips and shot Wynette a smug, provocative look.

"Apologize," Noah repeated firmly.

Wynette smiled. Then she turned and walked into the kitchen.

She came back with a fresh cup of coffee.

Both of them stared at her, confused.

The next second, she gave them the answer.

Her face turned cold as she flung the coffee at Lorelei.

"Ouch—!"

Lorelei never expected Wynette to actually do it in front of Noah. The scalding coffee hit her face, and she screamed.

But Wynette wasn't done.

Wynette watched his retreating back, with eyes still filled with mockery.

She didn't take his threat to heart.

If this had happened before, she would've desperately clung to him, explaining herself and proving her innocence.

But...

Now she didn't care.

After truly letting go and finally putting herself first, she felt lighter.

She had been stupid before. Blinded by love. Swallowing her grievances over and over again. Not anymore.

Just as she was about to head out, she got a call from the realtor.

Someone was interested in the condominium. They wanted to come see it.

"No problem. Bring them over," she replied.

After hanging up, she sent the door code over.

She needed to go back to the Jewell residence.

To sell the place quickly, she'd listed it at the lowest price. The furniture was included. A complete package deal.

She wasn't worried about the viewing. She knew Noah wouldn't come back during the day.

When it came to Lorelei, he was always attentive.

Which worked perfectly for her.

She wasn't afraid of him finding out she'd sold the condominium.

She just didn't want to stay tangled up with him and Lorelei anymore.

She had let go. There was nothing left worth holding onto.