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
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
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
"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
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
"Daniel, you're amazing. I love you!""Baby, wrap your legs around my waist.""..."I sat quietly in the living room, listening to the intimate sounds coming from the bedroom.Today was my wedding anniversary with Daniel. He'd called earlier to say something came up at work.After hanging up, I drove alone to this apartment.They were so lost in each other they didn't even notice me come in. Clothes were scattered across the floor in a mess, and an empty blue condom box sat in plain sight.They hadn't even closed the bedroom door.I got up and walked to the TV cabinet where a pair of small clay figurines stood. Daniel and I had made them together at a street fair when we first started dating. They were supposed to represent us.I picked them up and put them in my bag."You're so naughty! Don't touch me there—it tickles! Hee-hee...""Does it make your heart race? Do you know what day it is? Wearing those black stockings to tempt me... I still have to go back to my wife, so you'd
In my past life, this was the deepest pain between Daniel and me.I used to wonder countless times if having a child together would have prevented his betrayal.Later, he put Wendy’s child under my name, asking me to raise the baby as if it were our own.I tried my hardest to love that child as my own. From the moment he was born until he could run and jump, I was the one who cared for him every step of the way.But the boy would secretly call Wendy "Mom" and sneak into her bed at night to cuddle with her.I saw Daniel taking them out as a family, saw their happy photos together. My place in our home grew smaller and smaller until eventually, I became practically invisible."Honey, we can adopt. I love you—with or without children, I'll always love you. You're the most important person in my life," Daniel held me tightly, his voice breaking slightly.He'd lost both parents as a child and was raised by his grandfather, who passed away a few years ago. I was now the closest person
Susan: "So, how does it feel seeing all these comments? Even happier now?"I gave a cold smile and replied: "Yes, being with him is my greatest happiness."Seeing my response, Susan probably gritted her teeth so hard they cracked.She'd been secretly in love with Daniel for years, but he only tolerated her because she was my friend. Every time I showed off our relationship, she was consumed with jealousy.She thought I didn't know, but I'd known all along. I genuinely considered her a sister and didn't want to fall out over a man.Susan: "That's right, seeing you happy puts my mind at ease. If you two could have a child, it would be absolutely perfect."She knew perfectly well I couldn't have children, yet she deliberately brought it up, using a tone of fake sympathy to reopen my wounds.Seeing the word "child," I couldn't help feeling a sharp pain. I touched the scar on my stomach—was it worth it?For Daniel, I had paid such a high price, yet he betrayed me.I continued: "It
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