"That's fine." I hung up.Daniel came back just then. Seeing me end the call, his expression immediately tensed. "Honey, who were you talking to?"I waved my phone. “Your secretary called me. She was worried I might misunderstand her relationship with you. Weren't you two photographed together, with people thinking she was me?"Hearing that Wendy had called me, Daniel's face darkened with anger.He absolutely didn't want Wendy contacting me directly, no matter what.He couldn't show his anger in front of me, so he came over to explain. "Honey, it's just a misunderstanding. I've already contacted the media company to clarify. I'll issue my own statement too. She could never be you—you're my one and only treasure."Is that so? I looked up at Daniel. He had those bedroom eyes that could make even a dog feel loved. His under-eye creases were beautiful, and his smile had that roguish charm I once adored.Now his expression was serious—he couldn't smile at all.If I discovered his af
After selecting a necklace, I drove to the place Melvin had mentioned—a private club I'd visited once a couple years ago. I used Daniel's name at the entrance and was granted access without question.I casually asked the staff, "By the way, which room is he in?""Mr. Smith is in Room 8," the employee replied, not suspicious at all.I nodded and headed toward Room 8.Melvin had already arrived. I watched him enter and gently close the door, sealing off the world inside.I approached the door, pressed my hand against its thick surface, and carefully pushed it open just a crack, silent as a shadow."I'm sorry, I'm sorry, Mr. Smith. I overstepped my boundaries..." Wendy's crying voice came through, full of grievance and fear.I couldn't see inside, but I listened quietly."Come on, bro, don't be angry. She definitely didn't mean it," Melvin's voice chimed in, playing peacemaker.Daniel shouted furiously, "Didn't mean it? She had the nerve to tell my wife she has a boyfriend who
I'd just gotten home when Auntie Lanny called again. I calmed myself before answering."Luna, your parents are coming back earlier than expected—they'll be home tomorrow. I wanted to let you know personally. Luna, parents always want what's best for their children. Things were so tense between you back then, but it's been so long now. If you make the first move, especially since you're so happy with Daniel now—proving your choice wasn't wrong—they'll surely forgive you," Auntie Lanny advised earnestly.She and my mother were close friends who worried about each other's concerns.When I cut ties with my family, she searched everywhere for me, trying to convince me to go back.I'd always remembered her kindness, though I was too ashamed to contact her first.I responded guiltily, "Okay, Auntie Lanny. I understand. Thank you for telling me.""Good girl. I just want to see you reconcile. I watched you grow up—you're like a daughter to me," Auntie Lanny said with emotion.We chatted
Daniel gave me a reassuring smile, came over to kiss my forehead, his eyes twinkling. "They can't be lost. I probably put them away somewhere safe, but I can't remember exactly where. Let me look for them when I have time."I nodded obediently and watched him leave.As soon as Daniel was gone, I got dressed, grabbed the gifts I'd bought yesterday, and drove to my parents' neighborhood.I sat in my car, watching my family's villa through the window. The gate was already open—Auntie Lanny was right, my parents had returned early.My heart raced with excitement and nervousness. I was terrified of walking in only to be met with cold faces, afraid they wouldn't accept me back.As I was building up my courage, a little boy about four or five years old ran out holding a basketball.“Peter! Peter, come back!” My mother ran after him. Though years had passed and she'd aged, that familiar loving expression remained on her face.Except that motherly love no longer belonged to me.My heart
When Daniel heard this, he immediately asked for my location and told me to stay in the car.I sat motionless like a mannequin, emotionally numb, letting the person whose car I hit yell and demand I get out.Half an hour later, Daniel arrived and settled the matter by offering double the repair costs.I opened my door and stepped out, my face rigid as I stared at him. "Why is Miss Luther still at the office? Does she need to answer your phone just to pick up something? Was what she left on your desk?""I just finished a meeting and left my phone in the conference room. She left her jacket there yesterday, and when she went to get it, she saw my phone and answered it for me," Daniel lied smoothly without blinking, quickly changing the subject as he checked me over. "Honey, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere? Let's go to the hospital!"I pulled my hand away. "I'm fine. Let's just go home."Daniel was visibly relieved when I stopped questioning about Wendy, not even noticing the
Susan and I were both art students in school, focusing on painting.We had similar interests and always had a lot to discuss about art.I wasn't bothered by Susan's annoyance and calmly explained, "I'm not feeling well, so I don't want to go.""You're so delicate—always feeling unwell somewhere. Daniel should take you for a full medical checkup. With all that money, why is he so stingy?" Susan replied irritably.She didn't ask what was wrong with me. Instead, she seemed annoyed that my "delicate condition" was preventing her from attending the exhibition.I changed the subject directly to the dress incident. "Susan, when you tried on my dress last time, wasn't it too small for you?"Susan paused for a moment before answering unnaturally, "No, it fit me just fine. Why?""My dress split at the anniversary celebration. The brand representatives said it happened because someone had stretched it, causing weak points. That dress was custom-made to my measurements and fit me perfectly.
Now my nervousness was mainly because I feared he'd see through how miserable and pathetic my life actually was."Here alone?" He walked up to me in a few steps. His light blue denim shirt was slightly wrinkled but fit him perfectly, paired with casual black jeans that looked elegant on him.He glanced at the painting I was carrying—one I'd purchased earlier today."Yes. What brings you here?" I asked, feeling awkward."Your parents are back. As their neighbor, I thought I'd buy them a painting as a gift," Nick replied casually.As a child, I spent more time at Nick's house, but his relationship with my parents was equally close.My father especially liked Nick, always praising him for being smart and level-headed—someone destined for success.I fell silent, reminded again of the little boy called “Peter.”Nick stood with his hands in his pockets, looking relaxed. "I remember you were an art student in high school, studying painting. Why don't you help me choose something?""O
I looked utterly surprised. "Nick Peterson? You saw him?""Stop pretending. I saw you two on a livestream," Daniel said darkly. "If Susan hadn't told me, I'd still be in the dark. When you chose me back then—do you regret it now?"Looking at his unpredictable expression, I could see his insecurity and obsession showing through. He was all too aware that his background couldn't compare to Nick's. I had struggled alongside him, and he feared I might have regrets.If I had chosen Nick, my life truly would have been smooth sailing.I did regret it, but I couldn't say so.Daniel's background and experiences had left flaws in his character. He could never accept the truth.That would make it even harder for me to leave."Show me your chat with Susan," I held out my hand.Daniel opened his conversation with Susan. Apparently, someone was livestreaming the exhibition. Susan couldn't attend, so she watched from home and spotted Nick and me.But Nick and I had walked one behind the othe
The housekeeper looked at me in surprise. In the past, Susan would often instruct them to prepare certain dishes, and I never objected—I'd even ask them to make extra for Susan to take home.This was the first time I'd ever refused her request.Susan finally realized what was happening. She stood up and glared at me. "What's your problem? I can't even have a meal at your house now? Is this about that stupid dress?"Stupid dress? I sat down on the sofa and replied coolly, "That 'stupid dress' you're referring to was custom-made. It's the only one of its kind in that style and color globally, worth around a million."Susan's face flushed red. She snapped, "But I told you, I didn't damage it! If a million-dollar dress is that poorly made, you should take it up with the brand, not suspect me. Besides, Daniel is so rich and so generous with you. It's his money anyway, and if he doesn't care, why are you being so petty?"Her words revealed not just impatience and embarrassment, but the
"We're fine. You don't need to worry," I interrupted Melvin.He cautiously probed, "Really? I'm worried you're angry, and that would make Daniel miserable again."Being with Daniel was my willing choice, but I was young and had never been in a serious relationship before, so I occasionally had emotional moments.In Melvin and Leon's eyes, I was the treasure Daniel held in the palm of his hand.I smiled lightly, "Really. You know our relationship has been through so much. Of course we have basic trust."Melvin fell strangely silent for a few seconds on the other end. I couldn't tell if he was pitying me or mocking me.Then he sighed with relief and answered cheerfully, "That's good. I'll get going then!""Okay."After hanging up, I took my medication and sat on the sofa, not wanting to go upstairs.I'd barely slept last night watching Daniel, and now drowsiness overcame me. My eyes quickly grew heavy. I wasn't even aware of when Daniel came downstairs or when he carried me to b
As he finished speaking, he seemed to remember something and immediately looked at me nervously. "Honey, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been drinking with Miss Luther. I was wrong, and I promise it won't happen again!"Looking at his Oscar-worthy performance, I was astounded.I knew he was faking being drunk last night—he hadn't slept that deeply. I knew his alcohol tolerance too well. Besides, coming here with Wendy was clearly for intimate activities, so why would he allow himself to get completely wasted?He was just improvising after seeing me at the door.He did eventually fall asleep on the sofa—alcohol does have some effect, after all.“Miss Luther brought you here. You gave her the door code?" I stared intently into Daniel's eyes.He scratched his head, seemingly trying to recall something, then nodded. "Yes. Since we had that disagreement, I was feeling nostalgic about our time living here. I wanted to spend the night here. Melvin and Leon were also drunk, so I had to troub
Wendy's eyes flashed with surprise, then her lips involuntarily curled into a slightly smug smile.Such a meaningful apartment, yet he'd given it to her. She must think she was about to replace me completely."By the way, Miss Luther, could you speak with building management for me? I need access to the security footage. I suspect someone's been living here," I said abruptly, fixing her with a piercing stare.Wendy's smile instantly froze, terror returning to her eyes.I was like a magic pen, able to rewrite her expressions at will.She stammered, "W-what? Mrs. Smith? Why would you th-think that?""Daniel and I haven't lived here for a long time, but when I checked the utility bills today, there's been normal usage every month. I suspect someone's been squatting here or stealing utilities," I explained with complete seriousness.Earlier, when I suspected Wendy was living here, I'd specifically checked the utility bills, confirming my suspicions.Wendy was genuinely panicking no
Me: Yes, he really is a good man.Then she sent me a video: They're close to us, but we have to leave now so we won't disturb them. Let's get together sometime.Me: Sounds good.I opened the short video Elaine had casually recorded. In those brief five seconds that panned across Daniel's area, I didn't focus on the men drinking. Instead, I immediately spotted Wendy walking toward their group through the crowd.I tightened my grip on my phone as humiliation and anger rapidly swelled inside me.A few cold words from me this morning weren't enough to upset Daniel to the point of needing to drink away his sorrows.He was just using an excuse to avoid coming home, using Melvin and Leon as cover to meet Wendy.In that moment, I suddenly realized he truly loved Wendy. I had been with him too long, we had been through too much, and he simply refused to admit his change of heart.He wanted to prove to everyone who had mocked us and opposed our relationship that he, Daniel Smith, wasn't
Daniel was obviously confused by my reaction. He got up too. "How can you say I don't care? If I didn't love you or didn't want you anymore, could you accept that? This is a normal reaction—I'm not trying to force you. Why are you suddenly angry?"He reached for my hand, trying to calm me down.Men who stray always become extra patient and accommodating with their wives at home. It helps ease their conscience a little."I'm just irritated and in a bad mood. Go to work—I'm going for a run to clear my head!" I refused to soften my attitude, maintaining this inexplicable anger as I changed into workout clothes and left.Daniel didn't follow me. I jogged around the track again and again, enjoying the feeling of sweat pouring down my face. Only when I figured he'd probably left for work did I return home for breakfast.Around noon, Melvin called me. “Did you and Daniel have a fight?""Why do you ask?" I was relaxing with a face mask on, my voice slightly muffled."He just called me t
"She offered to give me her dress, and you didn't notice?" I looked incredulous.Daniel laughed helplessly. "Honey, you were so beautiful that day—how could I pay attention to any other woman? She probably bought a knockoff. Those shouldn't be expensive."I pretended to have a realization. "You're right, it must have been a fake. And since I realized I don't like wearing clothes others have worn, I threw it straight in the trash."Daniel's brows furrowed slightly. The dress was expensive, and it was a gift to Wendy. He was clearly bothered that I'd thrown it away.What if Wendy demanded compensation from him?His attraction to Wendy was mostly physical. He could give her money, but definitely within limits.This was something he'd confessed to me in my previous life after I discovered his affair."Well, if it's gone, it's gone. If she needs compensation, I'll just pay her," Daniel clearly wanted to end this topic. He tossed the invitation aside and looked at the painting I'd bou
I looked utterly surprised. "Nick Peterson? You saw him?""Stop pretending. I saw you two on a livestream," Daniel said darkly. "If Susan hadn't told me, I'd still be in the dark. When you chose me back then—do you regret it now?"Looking at his unpredictable expression, I could see his insecurity and obsession showing through. He was all too aware that his background couldn't compare to Nick's. I had struggled alongside him, and he feared I might have regrets.If I had chosen Nick, my life truly would have been smooth sailing.I did regret it, but I couldn't say so.Daniel's background and experiences had left flaws in his character. He could never accept the truth.That would make it even harder for me to leave."Show me your chat with Susan," I held out my hand.Daniel opened his conversation with Susan. Apparently, someone was livestreaming the exhibition. Susan couldn't attend, so she watched from home and spotted Nick and me.But Nick and I had walked one behind the othe
Now my nervousness was mainly because I feared he'd see through how miserable and pathetic my life actually was."Here alone?" He walked up to me in a few steps. His light blue denim shirt was slightly wrinkled but fit him perfectly, paired with casual black jeans that looked elegant on him.He glanced at the painting I was carrying—one I'd purchased earlier today."Yes. What brings you here?" I asked, feeling awkward."Your parents are back. As their neighbor, I thought I'd buy them a painting as a gift," Nick replied casually.As a child, I spent more time at Nick's house, but his relationship with my parents was equally close.My father especially liked Nick, always praising him for being smart and level-headed—someone destined for success.I fell silent, reminded again of the little boy called “Peter.”Nick stood with his hands in his pockets, looking relaxed. "I remember you were an art student in high school, studying painting. Why don't you help me choose something?""O