Johnson was our company’s Marketing Director. He greeted us warmly and playfully pinched Ava’s cheeks when he saw us. In a way, Johnson took my role by taking charge of the company’s marketing department.I was the one who brought him into the company, and he worked under me for over a year. Back then, the marketing department focused mainly on sales, consisting of just five people.Johnson was a quick-witted college graduate who was a natural at marketing. He had a silver tongue that could convince anyone of anything. He took over my position when I got pregnant while Matthew nurtured him.I knew Johnson frequented this place because he arranged a private room for us with the restaurant manager’s help. It was evident he was much more considerate than Matthew.Melanie was also familiar with Johnson as the two exchanged glances while Johnson ordered the food. Meanwhile, I didn’t pay much attention to the order and went straight into the private room since I knew Matthew wouldn’t let
The footsteps sounded like someone was getting pulled. I was about to open the door and leave when I heard a man’s voice, “Hey there, beautiful. I finally caught you. I’ve been missing you like crazy!”I froze when I realized the voice belonged to Johnson and quickly withdrew my hand from the door handle. I never expected Johnson to be so audacious. He had a pretty wife, so I never imagined he would cheat.It seemed there was no such thing as a good man anymore.“Don’t even say you missed me. Don’t you have another lover?” a woman spoke bitterly, “Why were you so friendly to her at the door just now? You were never enthusiastic with me, and you say I’m important to you? Bullshit! Your words are empty!”“You’re spouting nonsense. You’re the one who’s always seducing others.”Immediately after, I heard a rustling sound.“Good girl. Let me kiss you. I…” Johnson’s words were daring, making my face blush, and my heart ache. “That man is my boss, so how could I not be polite toward him
Melanie didn’t take kindly to what I said. Her displeasure was evident as she retorted, “Chloe, don't be unappreciative of what you have. You know how my brother treats you, right? He's the one out there working hard, and you dare to be choosy? Don't be so overbearing."I glared at her, saying, "Oh? Do you feel bad for your brother? When did I ever need your two cents in conversations with him?"Melanie rolled her eyes, "I—"I didn’t let her continue and interrupted, "What's wrong with being a full-time housewife? It seems like you've got a bone to pick with that. No wonder you were desperate to experience a housewife’s life at Galar Tower. You enjoyed that, didn't you?"My gaze was intense as I stared at Melanie. My past submissive behavior made her think I was an easy target."You think your brother is the only one hard at work? Ask your brother if he dares to say that to me," I didn't give Melanie a chance to speak and continued, "Don’t you or your family remember me looking fo
Ava had fallen asleep before we could reach home. After parking the car, Matthew went to pick her up and carry her to the room. Once he tucked her in, I got ready to bathe.Meanwhile, Matthew’s phone kept buzzing, and he would glance at it before hanging up. He seemed uneasy; I knew it was because he wouldn’t dare answer it when I was around.I took a change of clothes and my phone to the bathroom. After placing my things aside, I turned on the water and left the door slightly ajar to listen for any movement outside. As expected, I heard Matthew speaking into the phone hushedly.Since that was the case, I called Ivanna and only heard the busy tone. It confirmed my suspicion that Matthew was talking to her on the phone.My hands trembled with anger as I showered hastily and left the bathroom. Matthew heard my footsteps and quickly disconnected the call. He entered the room from the balcony and feigned ignorance, saying, “Hey, honey, are you done?”He faked a smile and took the towe
The phone call shocked Matthew and me. His eyes narrowed, while mine grew sharper as I looked at him and demanded, “Answer it!”Matthew froze again.“You will answer this call in front of me if you have any conscience left. I’ll give you one last chance!” I stared at him, holding my still-crying daughter close.After a while, I straightened up and continued, “I used to believe my husband would never betray me, even in a world full of lies. You’ve let me down.”I finally uttered the words I never wanted to face. I never expected the concept of betrayal to affect us too. I cried as the words left my mouth. My cries mixed with Ava’s in a symphony of heartache and brokenness.Matthew slowly took his phone, and the ringtone was even more jarring in the tense atmosphere. I looked at my motionless husband staring at me. Gradually, his fingers clenched into a fist as I growled through gritted teeth, “Answer it!”Matthew glanced at the phone and said, “I-It’s Melanie.”"Answer it!" Regar
I glanced at the incessantly ringing phone, unsure how to describe my emotions. The timing was impeccable because she called just as Matthew left. I knew he must’ve called her and reported the situation as soon as he left.I calmly answered the call, "Yes, Ivanna?""What are you up to? Is Ava okay?" Ivanna sounded like she was in a great mood.Of course, she would be in a great mood. She must be taking advantage of last night’s argument between Matthew and me."It seems like you're free today to call me so early in the morning. " There was a hint of sarcasm in my tone."Well, I'm not a robot. Even I need to recharge and maintain myself!" Ivanna laughed. "Let's go out.""Ava isn't at school yet, so I'm just playing with her at home," I replied."Oh? That's great. Bring her along so I can spoil her a little. Since you weren't in a good mood last time, I didn't dare to talk to her for long," Ivanna teased me.After some thought, I figured the opportunity was too good to pass up. S
After touring around her house, I felt a bit disappointed. There wasn't even a pair of men's slippers in her place.I suspect she had tidied up since it took her two hours to come and pick us up. It was enough time for her to hide any evidence. I figured she had thought things through.Ivanna prepared a few snacks for Ava, perhaps because she sensed how distracted I was. She then turned on the TV, played a cartoon, and sat beside me. Soon after, she began to scrutinize me, making me feel uncomfortable. Then, she patted my hand, saying, "Let it out."My heart raced, and I looked at her defensively while withdrawing my hand. "Let what out?""Share what's on your mind," Ivanna encouraged as if trying to coax me.I sneered before saying, "What's on my mind? What do you mean?"I saw her mouth twitch. After a moment of silence, she stood up abruptly. "You stay here and play with Ava. I'll make something for you two to eat."After removing her coat and changing clothes, she went into
I was in disbelief because the two keys didn’t match. I doubted myself then and wondered if I had wrongly accused Ivanna. Was Matthew seeing someone else, or did he have another trick with those keys?I didn’t expect this or know if I should feel relieved or frustrated. My mind went blank as a strange feeling crept into me. I suddenly felt the need to turn around and was startled as Ivanna calmly stood behind me.“Did you find what you were looking for?” She sounded like she had planned this whole thing.My lips trembled as I looked at Ivanna and felt I could no longer read her. Of course, I was embarrassed when she exposed me. Still, I stood tall and locked eyes with her, saying, “What are you trying to say, Ivanna? Why did you lie to me? What’s going on between you and Matthew?”Her calm demeanor caught me off guard, provoking my anger and embarrassment."I've never lied to you. I know what you're referring to. You want to talk about that day I saw Matthew at the teahouse." Ivan