Chapter 2

All Jonas said was, “Wait here for me and reflect on yourself, Jeanine.”

After a brief pause, I said, “Go ahead. Your work comes first.”

Celine turned around and smirked at me, her expression smug and piercing.

Before this, I would have stopped them, saying, “No! Jonas is mine. I can’t let him leave with another woman.”

I used to think our marriage of eight years would last forever as long as I continued to contribute in silence, giving him all my patience and understanding.

In order to keep our marriage afloat, and to show Jonas my irreplaceable love for him, I tolerated everything.

However, I was wrong. In return for my sacrifice and understanding, he took me for granted and hurt me with abandon.

Back then, he would tell me in advance whenever he had to kiss someone on-screen.

Now, all he said coldly was, “Don’t make a fuss.”

I remained on the spot and scrolled through my phone. All I saw were articles of their relationship announcement.

“Only an idiot would date me. I’m an idiot.”

I liked one of the posts and left. When I reached home, I saw Celine’s social media post at exactly midnight.

The caption was, “Thank you for celebrating Pudding’s birthday, Daddy! Mommy and Daddy will always love you.”

In the picture, I saw Jonas’ hands cutting a cake, while Celine hugged a cat, smiling blissfully.

Pudding was the cat.

I was not angry or disappointed.All I could think was, ‘I knew it.’

I no longer held any hopes for him. I took off the wedding ring I had treasured for so long and put it in the drawer.

Just before I left, I mused for a second and left Jonas a post-it note. It said, “I’m going outstation for work.”

I used to prioritize being a good wife and mother, so I never accepted any outstation work requests. Now, however, I did not want my life to revolve around Jonas anymore.

Before long, the plane landed. As soon as I turned on my phone, I saw that Jonas had called me dozens of times.

The next second, he called again. His tone was cross. “Jeanine, why didn’t you ask me before going outstation? Without you, who’s going to cook my meals for me?”

I gave up so many things for him — promotion offers, my wealthy family, and countless high-quality suitors.

He had digestive problems, and he was picky, refusing to eat takeout. As a result, I cooked every meal with him, diligently putting in 110% effort.

I cared for him like a mother, loving him unconditionally.

Even so, I had no obligation to do any of those things for him. I could choose simply not to.

“You could always call for delivery or ask your beloved Celine to cook for you.”

My flippant tone had him stunned for a second. He seemed surprised that I was not as bothered about Celine as before.

After a long while, he finally recovered his voice. “What are you saying? You want Celine to cook for me?

“Don’t be absurd, Jeanine. Buy a return ticket right now and come cook—”

“My boss is calling me.” I hung up on him.

On my fifteenth day outstation, Jonas’ manager Ivan suddenly texted me. [When are you coming back, Jeanine?]

That was when I knew Jonas had finally given in.

He always did this. He would start ignoring me and then wait for me to placate him. He was always the one who decided when our fights were over.

This was his first time reaching out to me first, even if he had to do it through his manager.

[Half a month.] I replied.

[That long? Jonas had to drink at too many parties lately. With you gone, his stomach started hurting again.]

[I see. Gotta go for a meeting now.]

[Okay, then go ahead…]

Back in the room, Ivan sounded confused. “That’s straight. Jeanine always put Jonas’ health first and forthmost. Why is she acting so cold now?”

A young girl said quietly, “She must still be angry. If my husband publicly announced he was dating another girl, I’d be furious.”