Tainted Love? I'll Pass

"Ian, do you have some kind of misunderstanding about me? Even if that's the case, you can't say something so hurtful. I'm your girlfriend!" Rene sobbed.

I was taken aback. "You still remember I'm your boyfriend? If anyone's being hurtful here, isn't it your actions that are more damaging?"

She sobbed, stumbling over her words as she tried to defend herself. "I haven't done anything wrong, so how can you say that about me? You don't understand—I had a reason for letting Joshua stay here.

"He failed at his startup recently and was hit hard. His mental state was terrible, and he couldn't even pay rent. You know I grew up with Joshua. My family was poor, and if it weren't for him supporting and encouraging me all these years, I wouldn't have made it.

"I couldn't just stand by while he faced that kind of hardship. I was afraid he might do something desperate. I had no other choice but to let him stay. Ian, you understand me, right?"

Tears streaked her cheeks as she looked up at me pleadingly.

When I remained silent, she raised a hand and swore, "I know it was wrong not to tell you beforehand. Don't worry, I'll make Joshua move out tonight."

I was skeptical. "Really?"

Rene nodded firmly. "I promise."

But in that moment, I wasn't sure I could trust her again.

She softened her voice and playfully coaxed me into a hotel. "Ian, rest here tonight. Tomorrow I'll take you out for something delicious, and we can go explore together."

Before I could respond, she smiled, kissed me, and left. That night, I tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

The next morning, I knocked on the apartment door again. Joshua, who should have moved out last night, appeared in front of me wearing only oversized boxers.

He rubbed his sleepy eyes, and a bandage was awkwardly plastered at the corner of his mouth. The moment Joshua saw me, he frowned, and impatience showed on his face. "Ian, don't you think it's a bit inconsiderate to come this early and disturb someone's sleep?"

He tried to pull the door closed. I could no longer hold back my anger, shoved him aside, and stepped inside.

The bedroom door was wide open. Rene hurriedly slipped on a nightdress. "Ian, what are you doing here again? Didn't I say I'd come to find you today?"

Her eyes flickered nervously, and she was secretly tucking something under the pillow. I grabbed her arm and pulled her off the bed.

When I lifted the pillow, the object I saw made my breath catch. I froze on the spot, stunned.