Chapter 6: Derek’s Play and Natalie’s Drift

All afternoon, I was in a foul mood, stuck between suspicion and trying to reassure myself.

But I didn’t expect to get slapped in the face so soon.

After work, Natalie and I left separately. As soon as I stepped out, a big, rough guy blocked my path.

Derek Evans. Usually in shorts and flip-flops, now dressed up in a suit, hair slicked back, a gold chain thick as a kid’s wrist—wannabe rich guy vibes all over.

He rolled his eyes at me, then went straight to Natalie.

He grinned, tossing a look my way: "Hey, Nat, told you that dress would look killer on you. Bet your boyfriend here can’t even spell Michael Kors."

I was stunned. "What do you mean? You bought the dress?"

He sneered, "If I didn’t buy it, did you? How much do you even make a month?"

Then to Natalie, with a greedy smile: "Heh, I told your mom not to tell you. I wanted to surprise you."

From Natalie’s face, it looked like she really hadn’t known.

I grabbed her hand: "Surprise? More like a shock. Natalie, let’s go to the mall and swap this dress out right now. Give it back to him."

Derek snickered, "Even if you return it, it has to be new. This one’s over $4,000—can you afford it?"

I was about to blow up, but a small hand patted me, trying to calm me.

"Forget it, Caleb. I’ve already worn it."

Then she turned to Derek, gentle: "It’s too expensive. Don’t buy me things like this again."

I couldn’t believe it. She wasn’t embarrassed or flustered at all.

"We’ve been neighbors since we were kids. No need to ruin our relationship over something like this."

Her voice was smooth, almost practiced. For a second, I felt like a third wheel in my own life.