3#03

3

I was overwhelmed with a sense of emotional detachment. Recollections from our university years came flooding back. During one incident, I was struck with a persistent high temperature. Lester, anxious to assist, waited by the street attempting to flag down a taxi. When none appeared, he hoisted me onto his back and carried me the entire distance to the medical center.

I could have reached out to Danica for assistance, but in that instant, his genuine concern was too compelling to disregard. That extended walk through the tranquil night was a moment shared solely between us.

"There's no need to worry, Amelia," he reassured me, his voice unwavering. "I'll remain by your side, no matter the circumstances."

His gaze radiated resolve, his attire drenched in perspiration. I could detect his robust, consistent heartbeat. His solid physique, the fresh scent of laundry detergent on his clothing—it all led me to reflect. What an honest and remarkable individual. How content I would be to share my life with him.

However, I now understood he could extend that same level of care to another. I was no longer his exclusive focus.

Abruptly, my mobile device vibrated with an incoming message from Enzo.

[Boss, I can't endure this any longer! I've shut down my business—I must trail him to uncover what's transpiring!]

Suspecting he was merely using this as a pretext to indulge in some real-life drama, I swiftly responded.

[I'll accompany you, but refrain from any impulsive actions!]

With Danica in tow, I made my way to the hospital. En route, I obtained Lester's most recent medical evaluation from his check-up.

"Examine these triglyceride readings," Danica remarked. "If we were to cook his liver, it would turn crisp in an instant."

I concurred. "It appears his unhealthy dietary habits are finally showing their effects."

We located him outside the children's clinic. Lester resembled the epitome of fatherhood, cradling Samantha's feverish young daughter, while his other hand grasped an older boy. Samantha leaned against his shoulder, her eyes reddened and fatigued, her vulnerability evident.

Enzo, who had been observing the scene, hurried over and pulled me—disguised behind sunglasses—into a secluded spot.

"Boss, you missed a crucial moment! That scoundrel kissed the other woman on the forehead!" He thrust his mobile device at me. Indeed, the evidence was captured on video.

"Ugh," Danica expressed her disgust. "Men are unreliable. Money is the only dependable thing."

"Sis," I muttered through clenched teeth, "they're progressing too slowly. At this rate, when will I be able to finalize my divorce? Let's give them a slight scare."

With her approval, I approached them confidently.

Feigning astonishment, I exclaimed, "Lester! What brings you here?"

He visibly recoiled. I raised my voice even louder. "And who is this woman? Have you been secretly fathering illegitimate children behind my back?"

His face flushed crimson. Hastily, he returned the little girl to Samantha's arms. "Amelia, it's not as it appears! This is all a misunderstanding! This is a coworker's child—she's a single parent, and her child has a fever. She doesn't own a vehicle, so I merely offered my assistance."

"No car? What about summoning a cab?" I retorted. "So this is what you meant by 'urgent work matters'? You've even learned to deceive me now!"

My voice escalated to a frantic pitch. Witnessing my rage, Lester became anxious. "Amelia, let's not create a commotion. I'll provide a full explanation later, alright?"

"Very well! Then accompany me now. I forbid you from remaining with her!" I gestured accusingly at Samantha, whose complexion had turned ashen.

Glowering at her, I hissed, "You home-destroying witch! Cease your attempts to seduce my husband! As of tomorrow, you're terminated. Take your two unsightly offspring and vanish from my sight!"

Samantha's eyes welled with tears as she held her children close, while Lester positioned himself between us, his expression cold. "Amelia, they're merely children. Don't cause trouble for a single mother. Show some empathy!"

The two children erupted into tears, their wails so shrill they irritated my ears. They gazed at me with their swollen faces and shouted, "You're a mean lady! Mean lady!"

Samantha, her eyes reddened, regarded me with a mixture of resentment and supplication. "We're both women. Why can't you allow me a means to survive? Nothing transpired between your husband and me!"

Although I had anticipated this reaction, witnessing Lester defend her still caused me deep pain. My throat constricted, and for a moment, I felt completely vanquished.