Chapter 2

Even the most devoted spouse can be lured into infidelity.

As the door creaked open, he nonchalantly dabbed his hands on the apron he wore. He approached and gently pressed his lips to my brow.

The familiar aroma of his shower gel greeted me first, comforting and recognizable. But then another scent caught my attention—something crisp, delicate, and flowery. Not mine. My spirits sank, and my expression turned icy.

"What kept you out so late, honey? Didn't the chauffeur bring you home? It's chilly outside, so don't wander around, or you'll end up with a cold and another migraine."

He knelt down, and before I could respond, he was already removing my footwear and replacing them with house shoes. His hands lingered when they touched my frigid toes, and instinctively, he enveloped them in his hands to warm them.

I used to feel something during tender moments like this. Affection. Joy. But now? Emptiness.

"Just took a stroll around the area. It's nearby. I wasn't cold."

Once he was satisfied my feet were warm, he slipped on the slippers and stood up.

"Can you guess what I got for you this month?" he murmured, leaning in with a mischievous grin as if it were a grand revelation.

But I remained expressionless, simply replying, "A shoe company."

Because, naturally, he wasn't the type to just purchase presents.

He acquired businesses.

Thanks to his frequent so-called "treats," I now held shares in at least a hundred enterprises.

If I'd gazed at some advertisement or item for a moment too long, contracts would materialize the following day.

Previously, it had been stilettos.

He laughed, amused, and tapped my nose as if I were a child he cherished.

"Wow, my wife's becoming too clever! I'll have to be more secretive with surprises next time, won't I?"

I rubbed my nose, trying to erase the sensation of his touch.

"You've given me so many surprises—it's my turn to prepare some for you."

"Heather, it's been, what, two decades since we met? Gosh, feels like only yesterday..."

"I've got something for you, too. You'll receive it in three days. Don't forget to check."

The way his face lit up was almost unbearable. He embraced me, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.

"Oh, my wife has really matured. You're even going to give me gifts now, huh? Oh, you're going to make me emotional, darling."

"We've got so many more years ahead of us. I'm going to record every moment I spend with you, share it with our children, and maybe even inscribe it on my tombstone someday."

I remained silent. His sweet words echoed in my ears, but they felt distant.

Oh, Heather, there's no future left for us. Not another decade.

That evening, after our meal, he presented me with the contract for the shoe brand and asked me to sign it.

"Honey, I've already talked to the company. They have some exclusive designs this season, and I've asked them to reserve your size. Tomorrow, I'll take you to see them. They're all in your style."

His eyes gleamed with anticipation, the excitement evident on his face.

I signed the documents without looking up, my tone flat.

"Fine. Thanks."

He was engrossed in his phone, completely missing how my expression hardened.

"Heels are nice, but they're not exactly comfortable. Let the driver take you from now on, okay? Or if I'm home, I'll drive you myself," he said, absently scrolling.

"Heather, you don't have to do all this for me—"

He interrupted me before I could finish. "Shannon, you're my everything. I'll do whatever it takes to ensure your happiness."

"Besides, with how wonderful you are, if I don't pamper you, what if someone else lures you away?"

As he spoke, he met my gaze, his eyes intense.

His hair, streaked with silver from donating bone marrow for me, caught the room's light like a mark of devotion.

But none of it—none of these gestures, these gifts—were what I craved. And he'd never comprehend that.

Love had vanished. No need for anyone to steal me away. I'd depart on my own.

After staring at me for two seconds, his attention returned to his phone.

I forced a weak smile. "Still working at this hour?"