2#02

2

I grimaced, forcing myself to consume a few morsels despite my revulsion, quietly pushing the remainder aside with my utensils to avoid arousing suspicion.

"Honey, did you make any purchases today?" I inquired nonchalantly while eating.

After posing the question, I discreetly watched Dexter's reaction. His fork-holding hand hesitated momentarily, and a fleeting look of remorse crossed his face.

I surmised he must have been careless during the money transfer earlier. Typically, given his usual cautiousness, he would never have utilized the stored-value card registered in my name.

However, within an instant, Dexter composed himself, feigning calm as he acknowledged and elucidated, "Indeed, a friend was in dire need of funds. I was rushed and didn't realize I'd used your card until after the transaction."

He then added plaintively, "Sweetheart, you're not upset that I acted without consulting you first, are you?" He anxiously observed my response, his expression wary.

Feigning astonishment, I replied, "How could I be?"

Upon hearing my response, he exhaled quietly in relief.

I then casually inquired, "Which friend was it?"

It appeared he had a prepared answer, responding naturally, "Oh, an old friend from childhood. You're not acquainted with him."

I nodded, not pursuing the matter further and resumed eating. Peripherally, I noticed him exhale deeply, visibly relieved. I tightened my grip on the fork, experiencing a dull ache as if a weight pressed upon my chest.

Dexter could deceive me so effortlessly and naturally. This surely wasn't the first occurrence. Regrettably, it had taken me so long to realize it.

That evening, we reclined in bed together. Dexter removed his spectacles and leaned towards me, his intentions clear.

As he encircled me with his arm, my body involuntarily stiffened. The thought of those hands embracing another woman nauseated me.

When I turned my head slightly, his kiss missed its target. He paused momentarily.

I removed his hand from my waist and closed my eyes, stating, "I'm exhausted."

His expression grew complex. Though aware it was merely an excuse, he still said gently, "Alright, I won't disturb you. Rest well."

I once cherished being in his embrace, resting my head against his chest and listening to his strong, steady heartbeat. It always instilled a sense of security. But now, I longed only to distance myself from him as much as possible.

Shortly after, Dexter drifted off to sleep. His breathing became rhythmic and soft.

His phone lay beside him. He had never set any safeguards against me, and I'd never felt compelled to check it due to my faith in him. But tonight, I felt the urge to investigate.

I entered the password and his phone unlocked instantly. I scoured his WhatsApp, Instagram, and other applications, but found nothing incriminating.

The person he messaged most frequently was his assistant, Scarlett Donovan. Their conversations were strictly professional, normal, work-related, with no hint of impropriety.

Yet, I trusted my intuition. There was no way he lacked contact with that woman. I simply hadn't uncovered the evidence yet.

Just as I was about to set his phone down, something struck me as peculiar, my husband, who never engaged in online shopping, had installed the Amazon app.

I opened Amazon and checked the order center first, it was vacant. He hadn't made any purchases there.

As I was about to exit, I noticed a red '1' notification on the chat button. In that moment, my heart pounded furiously. I sensed I was on the verge of unveiling the secret Dexter had been concealing.

Indeed, in the chat list, there was only one profile picture, a woman's, and it matched Scarlett's WhatsApp profile picture precisely.