My feet felt icy cold, and my heart felt like it had been pricked all over by tiny needles.

In his eyes, I wasn't just tainted; I was also physically flawed.

His bestie kindly warned. "Lucie's almost here; tone it down!"

Aidan released Birdie from his grasp, allowing her to sit next to his bestie.

Birdie muttered discontentedly, reluctantly getting off his lap.

I composed myself, took a deep breath, and walked in as if everything was normal.

Aidan blew a smoke ring and patted the seat next to him, gesturing for me to sit down.

"Lucie, you're the star tonight. Why are you so late?"

I smoothed out my soaking wet hair, looking quite disheveled.

Aidan's million-dollar luxury car was parked at the hotel entrance, with Birdie's lipstick deliberately left on the front passenger seat.

He went to pick up Aubree but didn't come to pick me up.

Aidan's teased. "Lucie, did you fall into a ditch? Why do you look like a drowned rat?"

I met his gaze squarely. "I took the bus here. I can't compete with those who come in chauffeured cars."

Aidan lazily raised his eyes and pulled me into his arms. "Why are you speaking so sourly? Who upset you?"

Aubree sized me up, her eyes full of jealousy and resentment.

I broke free from his embrace and said seriously, "Aidan, I can't control what you do outside, but don't bring people in front of me."

"I'm narrow-minded and hurt when I see another girl."

Aidan was well-known for playing around in his circle, and his attitude towards Aubree made me feel threatened.

Birdie's eyes were slightly red, as if deeply aggrieved, tears falling heavily.

"Mr. White, I've made Lucie angry. I shouldn't have come tonight..."

Aidan patiently comforted her. "Aubree, you're here because I brought you. No one can make you leave."

When Birdie looked at me, there was a hint of provocation and disdain in her eyes.

I stepped forward and slapped her. "Do you know your place, you bitch?"

Turning to Aidan, I said firmly, "Either break up with her or break up with me."

Aidan furrowed his brows, his voice still casual. "Lucie, are you deliberately making things difficult for me?"

3

The room fell silent.

Aubree stepped forward, ripped off my hearing aid, and threw it hard on the ground.

"I'm Mr. White's true love. You're just occupying the title of girlfriend. Have you no shame? Those who aren't loved are the third wheels!"

Birdie spoke boldly, steadfastly defending her so-called love.