Chapter 1187:
Starwood, renowned for its luxury and reputation, had always been a symbol of dreams for her. Back when she still believed in a future with Felix, she had emptied her savings to purchase this place, hoping to turn it into their shared home.
Fingers trembling, Linsey punched in the passcode and pushed the door open. Her voice echoed through the condo as she called out, nerves on edge, “Felix? Are you here? Felix?”
A sultry voice drifted out from the bedroom, its tone unmistakable. “Mmrn… Stop teasing…”
The sound rooted Linsey to the floor, her wide eyes drawn straight to the closed bedroom door, shock freezing her in place. Confusion and disbelief warred inside her. Why would a woman’s voice be coming from their condo? And why did it sound so much like Joanna? Joanna—Felix’s so-called childhood friend—had always hovered at the edges of their relationship.
Over the five years she had spent with Felix, arguments between them were rare, except for one persistent cause: Joanna.
No one could match Joanna’s talent for playing the innocent. She wore her sweet, harmless mask for Felix but never missed a chance to needle Linsey when his back was turned. Every special date, from birthdays to anniversaries, became another excuse for Joanna to insert herself, either dragging Felix away or insisting on being involved in their plans.
More than once, Linsey had voiced her suspicion that Joanna harbored feelings for Felix, gently urging him to keep some healthy distance. Yet Felix always brushed her off, dismissing her worries as unfounded and insisting that Joanna was nothing more than a cherished friend.
Thoughts swirling, Linsey pressed closer to the bedroom door and twisted the handle with a shaky hand.
A familiar silhouette met her eyes the moment the door swung open. Felix sat right there, perched on the edge of the bed.
Memories of those suggestive sounds echoed in Linsey’s mind, and a faint pallor crept across her cheeks. Her voice faltered, raw and accusing. “What’s going on here?”
Felix looked up at last, surprise flickering across his features. Rising, he tried to explain, “I hurt myself, and Joanna just happened to be nearby. She was helping me take care of it. That’s all.”
Linsey’s eyes snapped to Joanna, searching for any hint of innocence. Clad in a fiery red dress that hugged every curve, her makeup flawless and inviting, Joanna sat with an almost hypnotic allure. A cotton swab and a bottle of iodine dangled from her fingertips.
Their eyes locked, but before Linsey could say a word, Felix turned to Joanna, his tone suddenly dismissive. “Joanna, now that Linsey’s here, you don’t need to stay. Thanks for the help—you can go home.”
Reluctance flickered in Joanna’s eyes, but she kept her tone agreeable. “Fine, I’ll go.”
She set the swab and iodine aside, then let her fingers glide slowly through her tousled hair, smoothing it as a subtle fragrance lingered in her wake.
The soft scent caught Felix’s attention, and for a moment, he couldn’t help but watch her, his gaze lingering, throat tightening.
Pausing at the threshold, Joanna glanced over her shoulder, catching the look Felix gave her. A playful smile curled her lips as their eyes met in silent understanding.
