Independence

Matthew looked bewildered. “It was just in my hand a moment ago. How could it suddenly disappear?”

As he spoke, he bent down to search for the missing creature. He wouldn’t be able to explain himself if he hadn’t found the spider.

Tracy raised her eyebrows as she said, “Stop pretending. What are you still searching for?

“There couldn’t possibly be a spider in such a clean office. You’re just looking for an excuse, aren’t you? I knew you were a pervert!”

Matthew continued searching as he said, “There really was a spider. There’s no need for me to lie to you about this.” Rachel’s face flushed with anger as she crossed her arms and coldly stared at Matthew.

Tracy shouted sharply, “Ever since you undid her third button when you first met Rae, I knew you were no good. “Rachel even defended you, saying the button popped open on its own. Now the truth is out. Stop looking, there’s no spider. If you find a spider, I’ll eat it!”

Matthew raised his hand mid–air just then, a transparent thread trailing from it. A spider hung beneath the thread. After finally finding the spider, he recalled Tracy’s words. Raising his right hand above his head, he swung the thread and showed the spider to Tracy. “I found it. Go ahead and eat it!”

She couldn’t believe that Matthew had found the spider.

Tracy stared at it in shock. She took a few steps back, visibly embarrassed. “Take it away, quickly. I–I’m scared!”

Upon hearing that she was scared, Matthew took a few steps forward and placed the spider directly in front of Tracy. You have to follow through with whatever you said earlier, no matter what.”

Tracy hurriedly called out to Rachel, “Rae, hurry and do something about him. I’m really scared.” This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

Rachel looked apologetic as she said, “Matthew, I’m sorry, we misunderstood you. Tracy was just looking out for me. Don’t hold it against her.”

Matthew’s expression darkened. “You’re my girlfriend. I have the right to touch you, don’t I?”

Rachel’s face turned red in disbelief at what he was saying.

Upon seeing Rachel’s expression, Matthew continued, “Even if we sleep together, I’m with my girlfriend, right?”

Rachel blushed in embarrassment, feeling the urge to pinch Matthew for his nonsensical remarks. She retorted, “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Matthew smirked. “Rough words, but it’s true. That’s just how it is. But she’s acting like I’m some kind of pervert,” he said.

“Do I really need her permission to touch my girlfriend? She owes me an apology!”

Rachel looked at Matthew, unable to find words. It seemed like he had a point.

Tracy clenched her fist in anger and said, “Fine, maybe you’re not a pervert after all!”

Matthew inched the spider forward again, almost reaching Tracy’s face. “What do you mean by ‘maybe‘?” he asked.

Tracy’s face turned pale with fear. “I was wrong. I apologize. Quickly, take it away!” she said urgently.

Matthew smirked and walked to the window, throwing the spider out.

Tracy clenched her right fist and raised it in front of Matthew. “Don’t mess with me,” she warned. “I’ve had training

before.”

Tracy then turned on her heel and stormed out.

2/20

Matthew shook his head slightly, feeling z not the least bit threatened. He was soon left alone with Rachel in the office. Still feeling awkward after what just happened, Rachel coughed and changed the subject. “Did you need something from me?”

Matthew nodded and said, “Yes, I need to take another day off today to help a friend with the opening of her clinic.” Rachel suddenly remembered something and said, “You can’t take the day off.”