I hurried back to the bedroom and answered the call to complain, "You're something else, huh? You left me hanging!"

"Something came up at work, so I was in a rush." Ivanna sounded tired. "I just finished settling it. That's why I'm calling you now. Why are you complaining? Do you think my life is as easy as yours?"

I hesitated to reply but couldn't hold back and asked her, "Um, you mentioned seeing Matthew two days ago. Where was he? What time was it?"

This question had been bugging me all day.

Ivanna paused on the other end before she answered calmly, "Honestly, I forgot the exact location. It was just a fleeting glimpse while I was driving."

"Oh." For some reason, her answer left me a bit disappointed. Although my heart dropped, I unclenched my fists and realized my palms were cold and sweaty. I chuckled and wondered whether or not I wanted to prove Matthew was having an affair.

I must admit he was my everything, and I feared losing him.

"I realize how obsessed you are with your husband. You seem to light up whenever I mention Matthew. Can't you prioritize yourself more? Since Ava is already in kindergarten, you should do something for yourself.

"Don't tell me you plan on being Matthew's accessory for the rest of your life. I think you're becoming a fool. You seem completely disconnected from the outside world because Matthew is the only person in yours," Ivanna mocked me.

I smiled awkwardly and sighed. "Matthew said..."

"See?! Matthew said this, Matthew said that. Was I wrong to say you’re obsessed with him? Your life revolves around him, and whatever he says goes. Will you jump off a cliff if he says so? Will you count the money for him if he sells you off?" Ivanna didn’t hold back.

"Ugh, you're such a jinx! Matthew will never sell me!" I retorted.

"Yeah, you're right. Your beloved Matthew will never sell you, but I will!" Ivanna sneered disdainfully. "The truth hurts sometimes, but you must have values. Your life shouldn't revolve around being a housewife and doing chores. That's not love. That's being a fool!

"It's only love if he cares about you. How can you keep his interest if all you do is stay home and do chores? Let me ask you something. Besides your child and husband, do you even know who you are anymore?"

Ivana babbled, and I had no time to refute.

She noticed my silence and softened her tone. "Chloe, I want to see your confident and radiant self again. You used to be a top student, my superstar! I just think it's a shame to see you wasting your time, slaving away at home like this."

"Enough. This is like giving me a pat on the back after slapping me. I don't know who got on your nerves, but you've decided to vent it on me."

We both laughed when I said that.

Still, I knew Ivanna always spoke her mind. Although she had mentioned similar things before, hearing them again today felt different. I didn’t know why I felt flustered and wondered if Ivanna was trying to imply something.

Just then, Matthew knocked on the door and walked in with a gentle smile. "Honey, it's time to eat!"

Ivanna heard his voice from the other end of the call and said, "All right, go have your dinner." Then she lowered her voice and advised, "Consider what I said. Take my words to heart, and don't get blinded by the shining things before you!"

With that, she hung up.

Matthew pulled me into his arms and kissed me. "Who was it?"

"Ivanna."

"What did she say? Was she nagging again?" Matthew smiled tenderly, seemingly casual. He knew how close Ivanna and I were because three of us were former classmates. "I haven't seen her in a long while."

My mind began to spin. Matthew said he hadn't seen her in a while, so Ivanna was far away when she saw him. I felt relieved and knew I was overthinking.

"What's wrong?" Matthew noticed my absent-mindedness and leaned down to look at me. He pinched my cheeks playfully with both hands and leaned in for a kiss, showing utmost concern.

Then he asked, "What's distracting you? What are you thinking about?"

His gaze was careful, and I snapped out of my thoughts. I smiled and said, "Nothing. Let's eat!"

Matthew pulled me close and kissed me again before we walked outside together. Even so, my doubts somehow grew heavier.