Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Derek's voice came through all panicked and breathless. "Hey, babe." "You never texted me back last night. What's going on?" We were standing on opposite sides of this wide-ass street, each of us framed in our own massive window-felt like we were on different planets. Derek was being super careful, clearly trying to gauge my mood. "You pissed at me or something?" "Look, I can explain everything," he jumped in quickly. "When's your flight land? I'll come get you, yeah?" Through the window, I saw the girl slide her arms around him from behind. But he wasn't into it like last night. He peeled her hands off and shifted away, putting space between them. "Babe, talk to me." "Come on, don't freeze me out." That puppy-dog pleading in his voice hit my ears and landed somewhere in my chest. I stared at him through the glass, and the whole thing just felt exhausting. "Derek." "I'll be back soon." My voice came out flat and cold. "Hope you're still this chipper when you see me." He totally didn't catch my tone. Relief flooded his face as he rushed to agree. "Yeah, absolutely. Whatever you need." Here's what Derek didn't know, though. I was literally three rows behind him on the same damn train. Maddie had squeezed into the seat right behind them and was recording everything on her phone, feeding it straight to my earbuds in real time. The girl grabbed his hand then, her voice going all shaky and insecure. "You really love me though, right?" And just like that, he slipped into comfort mode. "Are you seriously asking me that?" "I mean... you know I'm not just screwing around with you." 16:19 Dear Hubby. Your Biggest Mistake? Thinking I'd Bea Instead of Burn 2.3 Chapter 4 Before she could spiral further, Derek cut in. "I just haven't figured out the best way to deal with her yet." "Jade," and there it was-that soft, intimate voice I thought belonged only to me, "I need you to be patient with me, okay?" "Just a little longer." "I swear I'll make this right. Give you everything you deserve." I could hear Jade quietly sobbing up ahead. Maddie and I stayed put in our seats, texting back and forth. Everything ready to go?] I typed quickly. [This needs to be flawless. I can't afford any mistakes.] Then I opened Derek's messages. He'd sent me a bunch while we were on the train. Babe, got us a reservation at that Italian place you're obsessed with.] Gotta celebrate you coming home!] Since Derek thought I was flying back tomorrow, he figured he had all day today to play doting boyfriend at Jade's grad school dinner The venue was already booked-and yeah, I'd arranged some special surprises for the happy couple. After Maddie and I got off the train, she wrapped up a phone call and squeezed my hand. Trust me on this." I won't let you down." Anyone messes with you," her jaw set hard, "I don't give a shit who they are-I'll tear their whole fucking life apart." Varmth spread through my chest. nodded, and we headed straight to the hotel. The moment we stepped into the ballroom, I spotted Derek playing the perfect boyfriend, working the room with Jade glued to his ide. They really did look good together. Guests kept stopping them with compliments. What a beautiful couple you make," Jade, girl, you scored big time," someone cooed. "This one's definitely a keeper." ade went all pink and shy, tucking herself against Derek's chest. He raised his glass smoothly and laid on the charm. "Nah, I'm the one who got lucky here." There was a time. When Derek held me exactly like that, told anyone who'd listen that I was his whole world, his masterpiece, everything he'd ever wanted. 16:19 Dear Hubby Your Biggest Mistake? Thinking I'd Bea Instead of Burn 2.5% Cheaper 4 Now here we were. The host called Jade up to give her speech. Derek escorted her to the stage like some rom com hero, hand on the small of her back. The second Jade grabbed the microphone, her face went ghost-white. Her note cards slipped from her hands and scattered everywhere. That's when Maddie and I made our entrance. All eyes turned toward us as we walked in. Derek's attention was locked on Jade, concern written all over his face-until I climbed those stage steps. I watched him go completely rigid, then bent down and scooped up the fallen cards with a bright smile. "Whoops, little jumpy tonight, aren't we?" I steadied Jade's elbow, my voice dripping honey. "You weren't shaking like this last night when you were riding him in front of those big beautiful windows." Jade's entire body started trembling. Pure panic flooded her eyes. Derek looked like someone had just hit pause on him. I turned to him, keeping that pageant-queen smile locked in place. "Honey, you didn't mention there was a party tonight. I would've loved to come support your... friend." walked toward hum nice and slow. Watched every drop of color drain from his face, then softened my voice to something almost tender. God, you look terrible, babe." "What's wrong?" I cocked my head, all innocent concern. "Not excited to see your wife?" Sweetheart-