Chapter 4

Jennifer grasped my spouse's hand, directing it to the sash at her midsection, her flirtatious intentions unmistakable.

I struggled for breath as if submerged. No matter my efforts, I couldn't inhale.

I observed them entering together, completely absorbed in one another, and I fled. Cowardly, I rushed straight to our residence.

I remained sleepless throughout the night, eyes wide until daybreak, when Heather finally rang.

"Honey, are you awake? Work kept me late yesterday, didn't want to disturb you, so I stayed out. How about I come get you? We'll go on a shopping spree! My treat—choose anything!"

Heavens, how could this individual balance two relationships...

And still utter the same endearing phrases to me as if he meant them?!

I doused my face with chilly water to regain composure. By the time I descended, he was already waiting in his vehicle.

Upon seeing me, his visage filled with worry, as if my appearance caused him distress.

"Honey, why do you look so exhausted? Couldn't you sleep?"

"You know what, darling, let's skip it. I'll have everything delivered here. You can leisurely select whatever you fancy."

I clenched my jaw, declining his considerate proposal.

For this final present, I desired to witness firsthand the kind of "surprise" he had arranged for me.

At the shop, he had me sit on a sofa while he hurried about, returning with various beverages—bubble tea, coffee, all my previous favorites.

However, today, I couldn't bring myself to taste any of them.

When he noticed, he didn't become angry. Instead, he blamed himself.

"It's entirely my fault. I shouldn't have worked so late yesterday. I know you dislike the cold and darkness, yet I left you by yourself."

"Chastise me if you wish, honey. I'll accept it."

Then he seized my hand and attempted to press it against his cheek as if he wanted me to strike him.

But I withdrew my hand.

"I'm alright. I just don't feel like drinking."

The store manager was observing the entire scene and couldn't resist commenting as if envious.

"Mr. Walsh, you truly are the ideal husband! I've never witnessed a man doting on his wife like this! No wonder you're so accomplished!"

He chuckled and offered Heather a cigarette.

But Heather shook his head with a polite smile. "I don't smoke. My wife dislikes the odor—it disturbs her."

The manager smiled awkwardly in response.

"Very well, I'll have someone bring over the boxed shoes now."

Regardless of who was watching or what others thought—Heather disregarded them for my "happiness."

The staff gazed at us enviously, sighing at how reality could sometimes resemble a romantic tale.

When the footwear arrived, the staff brought over an enormous pile.

Heather rolled up his sleeves and knelt before me, exchanging each pair himself.

One after another, he assisted me in trying them on.

Each time, he couldn't resist praising me. "You look flawless in everything. Should we just purchase them all? You could wear a different pair every hour."

Just then, his phone chimed.

He glanced at the screen to check the caller ID, and his expression changed. Without a word, he stepped outside to answer the call.

Time passed. Too much time. But he still hadn't returned. Finally, I stood up, put on the shoes I arrived in, and followed him out.

The moment he saw me, he attempted to casually cover his phone screen with his hand.

"Honey, what are you doing out here? It's chilly! Go back inside, and continue trying on those shoes. I'll be right back."

"No, it's fine. You're occupied, and I'm not feeling well anyway. I'm heading home."

I departed so swiftly that he had no time to stop me.

But when I turned the corner, I halted. I remained hidden, observing everything in the boutique.

A few minutes later, I saw him end the call, hand the shoes over to the staff, and instruct them to send everything to the photo studio.

Then, in full view of everyone, he embraced Jennifer and kissed her. Not just a quick peck—a lengthy one. Passionate, too. It lasted for five minutes.

When they finally separated, my husband even playfully squeezed her bottom.

The same staff who were fawning over me earlier didn't even react.

As if they've witnessed it countless times.

So, apparently, I'm the only one who was unaware of my husband's infidelity.

The photoshoot commenced, and Heather remained there, observing his mistress pose throughout the entire session.

The manager smirked knowingly and jested with him.

"My goodness, she looks absolutely stunning! Where did you discover such a treasure?"