He carried his luggage downstairs, and Zoe, with delicate white fingers, gently tugged at the hem of his shirt. She was on the verge of tears.

Mason had no intention of relenting. After all, he didn't love Zoe.

Despite her pleas, he got into the car and left. He spent about a week in Hucksburgh, during which time Lilith underwent her first leg surgery. It was also the week when the media exposed Mason's relationship with Lilith, leading to the first rumors of an extramarital affair.

Upon his return from the business trip, Zoe made no mention of her family matters. She attended to him as she used to, packing his suitcase and preparing a bath.

After Mason bathed, he slept with her twice. It was the quietest intimate encounter they had had since marriage. Neither of them made a sound, and Zoe buried her face in the pillow, suppressing her body's pleasure, reluctant to make a sound.

She felt guilty.

After the lovemaking, Mason sat at the edge of the bed, smoking silently. Zoe softl