Chapter 3

It wasn't until we were at the station that I found out the neighbors had filed complaints more than once.

Officers had come by twice to tell them to keep it down, but they hadn't bothered to listen.

"Who organized this party?"

After the officer's question, everyone looked at Mia.

But no one spoke.

Mia stepped forward, spread her arms wide, and shielded everyone behind her.

"It was me."

"I take full responsibility. Officer, this has nothing to do with any of them. If someone's getting punished, it should be me."

She said it like a hero, but her arms were trembling slightly.

Before the officer could respond, Ethan had already pulled her behind him.

"Officer, Emma invited us over. She's the one who lives there."

I stared at him in disbelief.

Ryan immediately backed him up.

"That's right. We were all there at Emma's invitation."

With the two of them leading the charge, the rest fell right in line.

I looked at Ethan, then at Ryan, and spoke slowly.

"You do realize that repeated late-night disturbances after multiple warnings could result in detention, right?"

Neither of them said a word.

Of course they knew.

That was exactly why they couldn't bear to let Mia take the fall.

So they needed an innocent person to take the blame instead.

In that moment, I was completely done with all of them.

"Officer, I have evidence."

I produced records showing I'd been at the office all evening, along with security camera screenshots and timestamped print logs.

After I left the station, I went straight online and submitted my paperwork on an expedited basis.

Then I booked a flight to Australia, departing in five days.

Back at the apartment, I listed the place on a rental agency's website, then started cleaning up the wreckage.

The room was full of little things Ryan had given me.

Aside from the engagement ring, I'd never accepted anything expensive from him.

I used to think each of these was proof of love.

Now they felt like slaps across my face, one after another.

Maybe the moment Ryan handed me a gift, he'd turn right around and open their group chat, giving everyone a live play-by-play of my reaction.

Telling them how gullible I was. How good I was at playing innocent.

The thought of it made me stuff everything into a garbage bag without a second look.

Just as I was about to head downstairs to throw it all out, the police showed up at my door again.

"Miss Emma Hart, based on multiple noise complaints on record, you are suspected of repeated late-night disturbances. If the allegations are substantiated, you may face detention and fines."

Completely bewildered, I followed the officers out.

It wasn't until I was in the car heading to the station that I learned the full picture. This wasn't the first time they'd thrown a party at my apartment.

Ryan had a spare key to my place.

Every time my relationship with him hit a new milestone, they'd sneak over to "celebrate."

Ethan's assistant had even put together an entire chain of evidence on the outside.

All of it designed to prove that I was the one who regularly invited them over for parties and repeatedly disturbed the neighbors.

When we arrived at the station entrance, I happened to run into the whole group clustered around Mia, about to leave.

When he saw me, Ethan walked over.

"Emma, sorry you have to go through this. After you're out, we'll get married."

"Mia's too proud. If she gets penalized, it'll affect her future, her career."

"But you're different. Once you're out, you'll be Mrs. Shaw. Quit your job if you want. I'll take care of you."

Mia let out a low whistle.

"Still gotta hand it to Emma. Five days in detention in exchange for a lifetime as a society wife. Worth it."

I didn't acknowledge any of them. I walked straight into the station.

Per procedure, I called Mr. Lewis and explained the situation.

He arrived at the station quickly and helped clear up the entire matter.