An Unexpected Call

He hesitated for a moment, but seeing the determination in my eyes, he reluctantly answered the phone, quickly saying, "Fiona, I'm discussing something with your sister-in-law. Can we talk tomorrow?"

"Ah! Then I'll call you tomorrow!" It was indeed Fiona's voice.

George looked at me, his expression one of innocence.

I paused, momentarily unable to respond to this outcome. Angel's cries for her mother made it unreasonable to continue this confrontation. I stood up, took my daughter into the bedroom, and slammed the door shut.

"…Grace! Grace…"

As the door shut, I too broke down in tears.

It felt like I was just one step away from unmasking him, but he managed to wriggle out of it. It must have been Fiona covering for him. His sister could definitely pull off something like that; we've always disliked each other, and she's been my nemesis.

At that moment, George seemed so alien to me, as if I never really knew him. His cunning and ability to fabricate stories struck me with terror. The man who had shared my bed for so many years seemed to have been living a different dream all along, while I clung to my original hopes.

He called out from beyond the door for a long time, but I didn't open it.

That night, I held my daughter, haunted by the image of her falling. My remorse was agonizing, and I couldn't sleep at all.

In the morning, George had prepared breakfast and stood outside our daughter's room, calling us to wake up.

I got our daughter ready and carried her out of the room. He immediately embraced both of us, his face full of remorse, "Grace, please don't be angry anymore, I'm sorry! I was wrong!"

His face pressed against Angel's little face, "Daddy is even sorrier, baby!... Daddy deserves to be punished!"

His eyes focused on Angel's wound, his fingers gently touching it, his eyes reddening

It was apparent he truly felt pain, especially seeing Angel's still swollen lips, a result of his negligence.

"Grace, believe me, I would never betray you. Don't think too much about it; it hurts me to see you like this. I reflected on myself last night. Perhaps I've been neglecting you recently; it's all my fault! How about this weekend we all go to S city for a vacation? What do you say? We can go to a children's amusement park and then to a spa…"

Seeing his ingratiating manner made me feel stifled, but I reminded myself not to scare him off. His behavior was precisely why I needed to secure the greatest fairness for my daughter.

I composed myself.

"Sure, you better go eat and get to work! Yesterday, it was Fiona's words that upset me, so… let it be!" I took the opportunity to bring up Fiona.

George cheered as if he had been granted a pardon, hugging and kissing me nonstop, "I knew my wife was understanding. Don't take Fiona's words to heart! Honey, I can't live without you. You don't know, I didn't sleep at all last night. No more wild thoughts, okay? I love you too much to keep up with!"

Ha! Understanding! So understanding that he dared to indulge in affairs.

I forced a smile, "Let's eat!"

Despite her young age, our daughter was observant. Seeing both of us smiling, she chattered away, hugging me and then her father. Breakfast seemed blissfully harmonious.

Yet, Angel's still swollen lips constantly reminded me of the irreparable damage this increasingly distant man had caused to both me and my daughter. I was plotting how to find out more about that woman as soon as possible.

After breakfast, George, having placated us, went to work.

Unexpectedly, just after George left, another unexpected call came in. I stared at the incessantly ringing phone, unsure how to feel. The timing was uncanny — just after George left, she called, obviously briefed by George after he stepped out.

I calmly answered the phone, "Hello! Monica!"

"What are you up to? Is Angel okay?" Monica's voice was notably cheerful, as if she were in a great mood.

I thought bitterly, why wouldn't she be? My troubles with George surely played into her hands.

"You're free today? Calling so early in the morning!" My tone was laced with sarcasm.

"I'm not a robot; even I need to recharge and get oiled up!" she laughed. "Can I come over?"

"Angel's not going out; I'm keeping her home to play!" I replied coolly. "Ah?... That's great. Bring her out, I miss her so much. Last time you were upset, I didn't dare to stay long!" she teased.

I pondered for a moment. It was a perfect opportunity. Since she was making the offer, it would be remiss not to take advantage of her enthusiasm.