Chapter 3

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 is unfortunate we can't have children, but Daniel says he loves me most and that won't change whether we have kids or not."

Susan: "Haha, sure."

I put my phone down and closed my eyes to sleep. There was a ninety percent chance Susan wouldn't reply again—if she did, she'd just be asking for trouble.

When I woke up, Daniel was already dressed and ready. As he adjusted his cuffs, he said softly, "Why not sleep a little longer? Be good and get more rest."

He used to be the one who couldn't get out of bed, wanting to cuddle with me. Since getting involved with Wendy, he'd been going to the office earlier and earlier.

I knew he was eager to see his mistress.

They must have made love countless times in his office. There was a rest area there—originally just a sofa and a tea table, but later, a large bed and bathroom were added.

Daniel's explanation was that sometimes he got too tired at noon and wanted to take a shower and nap there.

Ridiculously, I believed him. It wasn't until later, when he admitted his affair with Wendy, that I learned it was their little love nest.

"I can't sleep. I had a nightmare," I sat up, looking exhausted.

"What nightmare?" Daniel bent down and stroked my head.

I answered, "I dreamed you were cheating on me, with that secretary of yours."

Hearing my words, Daniel's face changed dramatically, as if he'd seen a ghost.

Fortunately, his mental resilience was strong. He quickly recovered and laughed, "Honey, why are you overthinking things so much lately? Even in your dreams? How could there possibly be anything between me and Miss Luther? If you don't trust her, I'll fire her today and hire a male secretary instead. Surely you won't worry about me being gay?"

He took out his phone, ready to call Wendy.

I got up and grabbed his hand to stop him. "It was just a dream. Don't actually fire her, or everyone at the company will think I'm a jealous wife."

Even if he fired her, he'd find a way to keep her as his mistress somewhere else. It would just be in a different location.

Better to keep things where I could see them clearly.

"I knew you would trust me, trust in our relationship." Daniel's relief was genuine. He placed a kiss on my forehead. "I'm going to work now. Feel free to check on me anytime."

After Daniel left, I got dressed and headed out.

I drove to the old villa district in the suburbs. This area was once home to only the wealthy and powerful—and it's where I was born.

From childhood, I was raised in comfort and luxury. My parents were educators—one a university professor, the other a high school teacher—an intellectual family.

Then I met Daniel, and for him, I transformed into a rebellious troublemaker. My parents finally gave up on me and cut ties.

I hadn't been back since.

My mother secretly sought me out once, begging me to break up with Daniel and apologize to my father. They promised to send me abroad to study since I couldn't get my high school diploma or attend university locally. They would secure my future.

When Daniel found out, he left me a suicide note and went to the seaside alone.

His extreme behavior, which I now see as manipulation, seemed like profound love to my younger self. I refused my mother's offer and bet her that Daniel and I would make something of ourselves and be happy.

After that, my parents left the country, truly leaving me behind.

Standing at my old home's entrance, I looked up at the peeling walls. Memories of our happy family life flashed through my mind, and tears streamed down my face.

"Luna? Is that Luna?"

A surprised voice came from behind me. I quickly wiped my tears and turned around.

"Auntie... Auntie Lanny?" I asked in disbelief.

Auntie Lanny had been our neighbor. Years had passed, and fine lines now framed her eyes and mouth, with strands of gray in her hair.

She and my mother had been close friends, and I often went to her house to play.

"It's been so long! Come, have dinner at my place. Nick is back from abroad today too. Remember him? You two used to do homework together and play badminton..." She was as enthusiastic as ever, taking my hand and leading me toward her house, chatting away.

Nick Peterson?

Hearing that name again felt like being transported to another lifetime.

Before meeting Daniel, Nick and I were childhood sweethearts. We grew up together, and he was my first crush.

After I got together with Daniel, Nick tried to stop me, but I ignored him. Eventually, he blocked me on everything and we lost contact completely.

I only heard about Nick occasionally through old classmates—he got into a top university, went abroad, and built his life step by step along the path of academic excellence.

I should have walked toward that bright future with him, but instead chose a completely different life.

Looking back, I gave up everyone I cared about for Daniel.

Those who remained in my life were all two-faced people wearing masks.

At Auntie Lanny's doorstep, I suddenly lost my nerve and stopped, afraid to go in.

"What's wrong? Come on in!"

Auntie Lanny urged me.

I shook my head. "Auntie Lanny, I'll visit you another time. Today I have to—"

Before I could finish, her phone rang. She answered it.

"You're not coming home today? You have a gathering?"

"I already bought all the ingredients!"

"Fine, fine. I was just about to tell you that I ran into—"

She didn't get to finish either. The person on the other end had already hung up.

I guessed it was Nick.