My Aries Ex

I made arrangements to meet Marcus at a cafe.

However, his face tightened the moment he saw Ashford beside me. "He... Who is he?"

Before I could answer, Ashford stepped forward and slipped an arm around my shoulders. "Mr. Gibson, I assume? I'm Ashford White, Zoey's fiancé. I came with her today so we can clear up everything."

Marcus's eyes lingered on Ashford's hand for a moment before he looked away. "Zoey, I didn't know things would turn out like this."

His voice sounded dry. "I was just drunk that day, and I complained to Rachel about you liking that post. I didn't expect her to go that far…"

Marcus sounded sincere, but one couldn't miss the prejudice in his words. "Rachel was only being a little too impulsive. But fighting her head-on won't do anyone any good. I know you never cheated on me, but her career is just starting to take off... Can you… Can you just admit to it? I'll pay you whatever you want for emotional damages!"

I almost chuckled from the ridiculousness.

Rather than coming to mediate, Marcus had revealed himself as the true source of this cyberbullying. "Marcus, your apology is worthless, and your attempt to mediate is even more ridiculous."

I cut off his act coldly. "Do you think this is still three years ago, when you got to play judge over those petty fights? What she did was a crime. Defamation, harassment, doxxing, intimidation. My dad is still lying in the hospital right now. Tell me, how am I supposed to calm down? By letting her destroy my reputation while I just watch in silence?"

"That isn't what I meant…" Marcus's voice trailed off.

I took a deep breath, my voice firm and final. "I have nothing to discuss with you or Rachel. I'll see you in court!"

"…Zoey!" Marcus's voice came after me from behind. "I'm doing this for your own good, too. Do you know Rachel spent a fortune hiring a lawyer who specializes in lawsuits in the entertainment circle? He's so skilled, he can make lies sound true. There is no benefit for you if you go head-to-head against us like this!"

He glanced at Ashford and continued. "No matter how good your fiancé is, there's a conflict of interest here. He can't defend you at all! Zoey, stop being so stubborn. It's just admitting you were wrong. Why make things difficult for everyone?"

I could not take it anymore. I raised my hand and slapped Marcus across the face.

The sharp slap made the entire cafe fall silent. "Get lost!"

Marcus clearly had not expected me to hit him. He stared at me in disbelief, and the last trace of his act fell away. "Fine! If you won't take the chance I'm giving you, I'll see you in court!"

After Marcus left, I was so angry I couldn't help shaking. Ashford immediately took my hand and checked it carefully. "Getting physical before the trial can easily give them ammunition to use against you..."

Before he could finish, he met my tear-filled eyes and changed his words. "But it's fine. Even if I can't personally act as your attorney, I still have plenty of ways to ruin them completely!"

As he spoke, Ashford's phone suddenly vibrated.

He answered the call, his tone respectful. "Yes, the chain of evidence is thoroughly prepared. Don't worry. You can have as much fun as you like with this case!"