Chapter 30 — The Ex-Boyfriend Revenge Plan
"That's more like it!" Max's familiar wicked grin spread across her face. "Now that your head's straight, it's time to do something that actually feels good. Hiding is letting him off way too easy."
Her eyes bounced between Ethan and Caroline. "Ooooh, I've got a perfect idea. Caroline — hook your arm through Ethan's and go out there pretending he's your new boyfriend.
A hot, rich, doctor boyfriend? That combo alone is enough to make every trash ex question his entire life."
"Just stroll past him. Act close. Maybe even throw in a kiss or something."
Ethan blinked. "Wait — what? Me??"
"Yes, you," Max said, smirking. "You've got that 'expensive professional' face. It was made for emotional damage."
She gave him a once-over. "Clean-cut looks, successful-guy outfit, and—damn it—great body. I almost believe you're her boyfriend myself."
Ethan hesitated. "But you and I dated. Wouldn't that be… weird?"
"Doctor, please," Max rolled her eyes. "Did your neighborhood just get internet yesterday? Weed's legal and you're still clinging to the 'Sacred Ex Constitution'?"
"I just don't want you to feel awkward. Or disrespected."
"Awkward?" Max grinned wide. "Making a trash guy cry to his mommy is respect in my book. GO, GO, GO!"
She physically shoved Caroline forward, then pointed at Ethan. "Move it, doctor. You're tonight's leading man."
"Max, you're a genius," Caroline said, confidence coming back. She looped her arm through Ethan's. "Please? Just this once."
Ethan sighed, half-smiling. "Guess I've been drafted."
Under Max's very intense go get 'em, Pikachu stare, Ethan let Caroline lead him out into the heart of the party.
---
Back in the party
Lights flashed. TLC's "Creep" filled the air.
They didn't overact — just stood close, arms linked. Ethan's calm, composed presence stood out among the loud '90s outfits. A few people even recognized him from Rayne Clinic, greeting him, which only made everything look more real.
And then came the perfect bit of irony — one of William's friends had actually been treated at Ethan's clinic.
Ethan became certain: William was the polished version of a scam artist. Real wealthy people didn't come to his clinic.
Caroline wore a graceful, effortless smile, while Ethan played the role of her "trophy boyfriend."
He thought linking arms was enough — until Max, behind the bar, made a throat-slitting gesture and mouthed, Do it.
Caroline lightly traced her fingers along his arm — the signal.
Ethan leaned in for a quick kiss.
Somehow, whether on purpose or not, Caroline didn't pull back. The brief kiss turned deeper.
The effect was immediate.
Across eras, across cultures — no man enjoys seeing his ex kissing someone else.
William's face shifted from pale to dark. Jaw tight, he shoved through the crowd and left without a word.
Behind the bar, Max nearly fell over laughing.
---
After
Ethan leaned against the bar, taking the water Max handed him, still a little dazed.
Back where he grew up, exes were a social minefield. A shared dish at dinner could spark family drama.
Here? Exes could be recruited into revenge theater, directed by their own best friend.
Was this social evolution — or moral collapse?
After twenty years in America, Ethan thought he'd adapted. Tonight, he felt like a foreigner again.
"Nice work, doctor," Max said, clinking her glass with his. "That kiss? Almost had me convinced."
Ethan managed a wry smile. "You really don't mind?"
She winked. "Welcome to the 21st century."
---
The next morning
Ethan woke sore and satisfied — then reached to his side and found only sheets.
Max was already gone.
He dressed and stepped out into the living room.
Caroline lounged on the couch with coffee and a knowing grin. "Morning, doctor. Sleep well? Or should I say — work out well?"
Ethan paused. The apartment walls were apparently decorative.
"Morning, Caroline."
She sipped. "That party kiss unlock some hidden ability? Because that late-night marathon? That broke human limits."
Ethan coughed lightly. "I just hadn't seen Max in a while."
"Three weeks," she said sweetly. "I understand."
She handed him coffee. "She left early to deliver cupcakes. Very… energized."
"Great coffee," Ethan said quickly. "By the way — how's the cupcake business?"
Caroline laughed. "That was the worst topic change I've ever seen."
"I'm serious," he said. "Could you convince Max to supply cupcakes regularly to the clinic? I love them, and patients could have some while waiting."
Caroline raised a brow. "How many?"
"Maybe thirty per weekday."
"Are you running a clinic or a birthday party?"
"Sugar helps anxiety."
She laughed harder. "I'll tell her. But she might think you're just inventing excuses to get close to her."
"That's why I'm telling you."
Caroline nodded. "Alright. I'll talk to her."
And just like that, life rolled on.