**Chapter 21: A Lamborghini** The air was thick with tension as Janet turned at the sound of a mocking voice, her gaze settling on a pristine white BMW idling by the curb, just a stone's throw away. Inside, bathed in glimmers of sunlight, was Jocelyn, her cat-eye sunglasses perched stylishly on her nose and a figure-hugging strapless dress accentuating her form. Beside her, Steve fidgeted awkwardly in the driver's seat. Jocelyn peeled off her sunglasses, smacking her gum with unapologetic audacity as her eyes swept over Janet and Ethan, the disdain in her voice palpable. "What, do you want a ride or something?" she drawled, the corner of her mouth curling into a taunting smirk. “Sure, that’s fine,” Janet replied coolly, “but make sure you wipe your shoes before you step in. I’d hate for you to dirty my babe’s brand-new ride.” Her words dripped with sarcasm, masking the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. Janet couldn’t resist the impulse to document this moment; she pulled out her phone, stealthily capturing the car's license plate as she made her way around it. Straightening up, she pointed at a nearby no-parking sign with an unwavering determination. “You do know you’re not allowed to park here, right? Move now, or I’ll report you to the traffic enforcers.” Steve could feel the heat rise to his cheeks. He had intended to leave the scene promptly, not wanting to escalate things with Janet, but Jocelyn had insisted on staying. With a dismissive huff, Jocelyn crossed her arms defiantly over her chest. “Go ahead, report us. We can afford the fine, no matter how steep it is. Unlike you, who probably can’t even scrape together enough for a taxi. Aren’t you just out here begging for scraps? It’s like watching our dog do the same.” Her words sliced through Janet like a sharpened blade. Teeth clenched, Janet forced her gaze downward, staving off the bitter curse that threatened to spill forth. After all her struggles to rise above her past, Jocelyn's cruel mockery rendered her spirit frail, as if she had regressed into that helpless girl from years ago. Fists clenched so tightly her nails dug into her palms, Janet fought back the tears that threatened to betray her. No one could see her break; she wouldn’t allow it. In a swift but tender motion, Ethan pulled her close, enveloping her in the warmth of his embrace, her forehead pressed against his broad chest, where she found a moment of solace amidst the chaos. But then, like an unwelcome thunderclap, the sound of a roaring engine pierced the air. A sleek Lamborghini barreled down the highway with a ferocity that turned heads, screeching to a halt mere feet away from the BMW. “Whose car is this?” Steve's voice cracked with disbelief, his eyes wide as he took in the luxurious vehicle. “It’s a limited edition!” he exclaimed. Jocelyn leaned forward, her jealousy palpable as she stared at the object of envy. Very few could afford such a treasure—not just in the city, but across the nation. The BMW now appeared mundane in comparison, shrouded by the allure of the Lamborghini’s streamlined elegance. The door swung open, and out stepped a sharply dressed driver. He approached Ethan with an air of deference, bowing slightly as he spoke, “I apologize for keeping you waiting, sir. Please, get in the car.” The shock was evident on Jocelyn's and Steve's faces as they processed the revelation: the punk, who had seemed so ordinary, actually owned the Lamborghini? The implications unfurled like a flag in the wind. Ethan, eyes steady and unwavering, nodded at the driver and placed a reassuring hand on Janet's shoulder. “Let’s go home,” he urged softly. Jocelyn’s expression twisted into a scowl as she bore witness to this unfolding spectacle. What kind of man had Janet married? Her heart raced as she saw Janet nestled against Ethan, their connection evident and palpable. As her gaze flitted to the Lamborghini, Jocelyn's breath hitched, rendering her momentarily speechless. “Ethan…” A single word, filled with disbelief, slipped from her lips. Meanwhile, Ethan remained unfazed, gently guiding Janet into the backseat of the striking car. They drove off into the distance, leaving Jocelyn and Steve to stew in their reactions. Steve cast a forlorn glance at Janet, a pang of regret washing over him. He had never cared about who Janet had chosen to marry; it was his own folly and immaturity that had cost him her love. But he couldn't suppress the sorrow that swelled in his heart watching her disappear. Jocelyn, her jealousy a living entity, noticed the tenderness in Steve’s gaze and felt a surge of anger. She had courted him with the intent to steal him away from Janet, not because she cared for him, but to claim victory. Yet now, reality crashed in—Janet seemed indifferent to the loss; Steve, too, couldn’t shake off his attachment to Janet. The entire scenario was maddening. Reeling from her thoughts, Jocelyn turned to Steve, her disgust evident. “Let’s break up.” Steve’s reaction was a momentary blank stare, disbelief coloring his expression. “Steve! I said I want to break up with you!” Jocelyn’s voice escalated, tinged with irritation. Shaking off his stupor, Steve retorted, “Didn’t you say you were pregnant?” Her anger flared—a fuse lit by how little he understood. “That was a lie! I didn’t want to marry an illegitimate child of the Lester family, you moron! I’m not pregnant, okay?” A wave of relief washed over Steve as the weight of false responsibility lifted. “Alright then, let's break up. You can get out of the car now.” Jocelyn’s fury flared as she realized Steve was serious. “Why would I do that?” With a cool, steadfast demeanor, he opened the door for her. “We’re broken up. This is my car. Get out.” Contorted in rage, Jocelyn had no choice. She stepped out, fury flashing through her as the door slammed behind her—the sound heavy with finality. As Steve pulled away, the car’s tires splashed through a puddle, sending a wave of dirty water cascading over her feet. Seething, Jocelyn planted her feet, struggling to contain the torrent of expletives that surged within her. Why couldn’t she compete with Janet? The answer eluded her. As the Lamborghini glided through the streets, Janet luxuriated in the plush interior, the unsettling events outside slowly fading into the background. Yet, truthfully, her mind was in turmoil, the reality of the situation crashing in. Finally breaking the silence, she whirled to face Ethan, confusion, anger, and a hint of fear flaring in her eyes. “Ethan! What the hell is going on?”