"They're not even in the same league." Nelson frowned. "Why not? Just 'cause Mr. Fields's a guy and Serena's a girl? Come on, it's 2024, ever heard of gender equality, Mr. Cooper?" Claire sat up straight and buckled her seatbelt. "And you just said a side piece is a side piece—doesn’t matter if it’s a man or a woman. So I've got a question that's been bugging me. Between me and Serena, who's the other person in your relationship?" The air in the car turned ice cold all of a sudden. Other than the hum of the engine, only their soft breathing could be heard. Claire wasn't expecting any answer from him anyway. She let out a bitter laugh. "The one who's not loved is the real side piece. You don't have to say it. I get it. And I finally figured it out—forcing love? Yea

