1#01

1

The scientists on our team frequently asserted that Rocco Ferrari was deeply, irrevocably enamored with me.

I suffered from an uncommon ailment; my body reacted strongly to physical contact, was susceptible to allergies, and conceiving was nearly impossible. To protect me from discomfort, Rocco took extreme precautions. During our intimate moments, he always insisted on dual protection, unwilling to jeopardize my wellbeing.

The idea of me experiencing the torment of fertility treatments was unbearable to him, so he made a daring public announcement, declaring himself sterile and uninterested in parenthood. This was his method of shielding me from scrutiny and conjecture.

Rocco harbored lofty aspirations in research, but lacked the financial means to realize them. Meanwhile, I had my own agenda: to collect information from this time period.

Thus, I concealed my true identity and became the anonymous sponsor of his entire team, financing every project and ensuring his vision remained unimpeded.

One day, while bringing Rocco his lunch, I overheard a conversation that stopped me in my tracks. His colleagues were chuckling, their teasing words cutting through the air.

"Rocco, did you conduct last night's online meeting while using Avery? Your voice even altered; was it that pleasurable?"

Rocco laughed, giving his coworker a friendly push, a self-satisfied grin spreading across his face.

"Don't exaggerate. But yes, the sensation without it is incredible."

Those words devastated me. My chest constricted as my heart crumbled to dust.

Later, with shaking hands, I contacted my team in the future.

"I want to return."

A familiar voice replied, calm and reassuring.

"Understood. The time-travel vessel will be waiting for you at the foot of Liora Cliff."

"The planned departure is in five days."

...

Rocco slipped his hand under Avery's top, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

"Cold hands? Allow me to warm them up."

The office heating had been malfunctioning for days, leaving most employees clinging to their hot water bottles. Yet, Rocco seemed to have found his own solution, earning envious glances from others.

"Lucky guy. I wish I had someone to warm my hands like that."

Avery Conti released a surprised laugh, her face turning crimson as she sat comfortably on his lap. She leaned back, yielding to his touch, clearly savoring the moment.

They were so engrossed in each other that they failed to notice me standing just outside the window, rooted to the spot. The scene burned itself into my memory like a cruel painting.

Desire overtook Rocco as he pressed Avery onto the chilly lab table, his movements deliberate and fervent. Avery wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness.

"Rocco, you're making me cold. Is this how you warm your wife at home?"

Rocco's expression immediately darkened, his voice as sharp as ice.

"I've told you before, don't mention Valerie when we're doing this. Her name doesn't belong here."

"Valerie hates the cold. Do you think I could ever treat her this way?"

Avery pouted, but Rocco's lips curled into a wicked grin. His grip tightened, his tone now mocking.

"You, on the other hand, are large and warm, like a cow. But I wonder... do you have any milk?"

"Why don't you find out?"

Others cheered beside him.

Rocco actually leaned in, a predatory glint in his eyes.

My hands shook as I raised my phone and captured the unfolding scene. Each moment felt like a knife to my heart, but I forced myself to video call Rocco.

He answered promptly, his upper body filling the screen as he straightened. The slight tremor of the camera betrayed his movements, his breaths faint but unmistakable.

One of his hands was firmly pressed over Avery's mouth. Yet, his expression on the screen was warm, as if everything was normal.

"Hello, Valerie. What's the matter?"

Could he not even bear to leave her for a moment? A wave of disgust churned in my stomach, the urge to throw my phone almost overwhelming.

"Nothing," I said, forcing composure into my voice. "I just wanted to see what you were doing."

His smile widened, his happiness like a knife twisting in my heart.

"Do you miss me? The office is freezing, so I'm doing some exercise to warm up."

His gaze sharpened as he noticed my unfamiliar surroundings. His demeanor changed, tension etching into his features.

"Valerie, you're not at home? Where are you?" His eyes darted toward the door, his concern poorly concealed by his usual charm.

I leaned against the cold, white wall, forcing a mask of indifference onto my face. My voice remained steady as I spoke into the phone.

"Didn't you say you wanted braised pork last time? I'm at the supermarket fire exit—it's too loud inside."

Rocco exhaled, relief softening his voice, and smiled like a carefree child.

"Valerie, your braised pork is the best. I'll come home tonight."

As the call ended, I watched him pat Avery, murmuring something about changing positions. My stomach turned as their laughter mingled with the others.

It was as if our years of love had been reduced to a cruel joke. My heart felt shattered into countless pieces.

The others chuckled, moving aside to give them more room. I turned away before anyone noticed me, my legs carrying me out of sight. The lunchbox in my hand suddenly felt unbearably heavy, and without hesitation, I tossed it into the nearest trash can.