Chapter 2

I did not move, curious to see if she dared to take the next step.

"Jenson, help me. I... I can't undo it." Rachel's hands were shaking from nervousness, making her seem like an inexperienced young girl.

I was a man nearing forty who had experienced many things, yet she had seduced me to the point that I forgot I was married. I could not help grabbing her hand. It was soft and smooth, like a rare delicacy.

"Jenson, I want to kiss you." Rachel whispered shyly.

I was tempted to grant her wish, but as I leaned in, my phone rang suddenly, startling me. When I saw it was Queenie calling. I pushed Rachel away.

"Honey, miss me?" I greeted her, keeping my tone gentle.

Queenie responded just as sweetly, "I just wanted to check if you were betraying me."

With Rachel still by my side, guilt gnawed at me.

"How could I? You know you're the one I love most." I assured her.

Queenie chuckled, seeming pleased by my response. After a few affectionate reminders, she mentioned she'd pick me up tomorrow and ended the call.

The moment had passed, and I no longer felt the pull I had moments before. I told Rachel, "I'll take the tweezers to the counter if I find them. You should go back."

At my age, having a young woman look up to and depend on me was a rare experience. Tonight, her devotion stirred something in my otherwise lonely heart. If not for Queenie's call, I might have made a mistake. Though my wife has a fiery temper, she's always been loyal to me. I couldn't betray her.

"Jenson!" Rachel called, unwilling to let go.

However, I held firm.

"Is it because of Queenie?" Rachel's eyes were red, looking hurt and cautious. It made my heart ache and almost rekindled my desire.

When I nodded, Rachel suddenly lost her temper. "Do you really think Queenie is still a good wife?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, suddenly on edge.

Rachel answered, "Has she been working overtime a lot lately? Every time she comes home, she'll fall into a deep sleep after taking a shower. Jenson! Her job isn't so tiring that she'd be that exhausted after working overtime a couple of nights."

Her words lingered in my mind, sparking a sudden realization. Queenie never used to work overtime, but lately, she'd been staying late twice a week. Usually, she'd come home a bit tired, but recently, she was so drained she could barely lift a finger. It was as if something had completely taken it out of her.

A dark expression clouded my face as I pressed Rachel for more, but she wouldn't say anything further.

"Jenson, I believe you'll realize my worth sooner or later. I'll wait for you." She glanced lovingly at me before leaving.

I looked out at the night, feeling irritated. I wanted to smoke but did not have a cigarette. Fortunately, the on-duty nurse had dozed off at this hour, so I took the chance to sneak out. I finally smoked my cigarette, but I grew more awake, unable to forget Rachel's words.

Queenie's office was not far, so I stubbed out the cigarette and hailed a taxi. When I arrived, I quickly made my way to her office.

Inside, I saw the lounge's ensuite bathroom door was closed, and I could hear the shower running. As I got closer, I vaguely heard sounds of panting from inside. 'Is Queenie really betraying me?' I wondered, instinctively wanting to barge in.

Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Queenie stepped out alone, looking surprised.

"What are you doing here?"

Her calm expression caught me off guard, leaving me at a loss for words.

Queenie was furious. "Jenson, what's the meaning of this? Do you think I'm cheating on you? Are you here in the middle of the night to check up on me? We've been married for fifteen years. We even have two kids. How dare you suspect me?"

Knowing I was wrong, I blushed. However, I did not admit it.

"Honey, what are you thinking? I just missed you after answering your call, so I came to see you." I hugged her and kissed her hard.

"Hmph!" Queenie scoffed. She remained doubtful, her attitude cold.

I continued trying, whispering in her ear, "The doctor checked on me earlier tonight. I'll be fine as long as we're gentle." I was not that interested, but I felt guilty for doubting her, so sacrificing myself was necessary. I had been in the hospital for seven days, so she must want it too.

"Honey." I kissed her earlobe, but she pushed me away.

"Don't think I don't know what you're thinking. Jenson, you've disappointed me." Queenie's eyes reddened as tears welled up in her eyes.

My heart clenched. I was so regretful. It was only natural that Rachel, who liked me, would say things to slander my wife, but how could I have believed her?

Queenie did have a strong desire sometimes, but it was only for me. I followed her to the bedroom, coaxing her for a long time before I was finally allowed to get in bed.

Around three in the morning, I woke up to the sound of water running in the bathroom again.

'Didn't she already shower?' I wondered, a strange sense of foreboding creeping over me.

After what happened earlier, I didn't dare act on impulse, so I waited quietly by the door.

Queenie came out about ten minutes later. Her eyes were misty, and her cheeks flushed. She looked like a rose after a heavy rain, full and glistening.

"What are you looking at?" Queenie rolled her eyes at me, clearly in a great mood.

However, I could not smile at all. When she turned her head, I noticed a reddish patch on her neck. Judging by the level of redness, any man would know what had happened.