Chapter 5

Sadly, there was no option for reconciliation, only departure.

Two weeks remained. In a fortnight, everything would start anew.

I made my way home in a confused state. As I prepared to leave, Bernard unexpectedly arrived.

His eyes were red as he confronted me: "Have you disposed of "Jane"?"

I replied calmly, "I planned to give it away."

He exhaled with relief. "The rest is unimportant, but "Jane" is yours alone. No one else deserves it."

He retrieved the elegant ring from its case and slipped it back onto my finger.

If my memory serves me, he had uttered similar words to another woman before.

In the days that followed, Bernard seemed to sense something was amiss. He cleared his schedule to be with me.

He dismissed the family cook and personally prepared an elaborate dinner for me.

As he presented me with the dish, his eyes gleamed with expectation.

"Taste it!"

But I refused. I stated, "This dish is unclean. I won't accept anything impure."

His expression changed instantly. "It's not unclean! Just clean it, and it's fine to use!"

As I watched him frantically scrubbing it, looking lost and distressed, I discreetly wiped away my tears.

That evening, he embraced me from behind. The tension in my heart caused my entire body to go rigid.

His phone kept lighting up, and I irritably said, "It appears the other person is urgent. Perhaps you should answer?"

He glanced at it, his expression slightly altering. "Nothing matters more than you!"

He spoke quietly into the phone. "I'm with my wife, stop bothering me!"

Then, he resolutely turned off the device.

I scoffed internally. I wanted to see how long he'd maintain this charade.

In the dead of night, I heard steady breathing behind me.

My phone vibrated.

Likely frustrated by her inability to lure him away, Kate sent a video.

I immediately recognized it as a gathering of Bernard's associates.

During a game of Truth or Dare, the bottle landed on Bernard.

Someone inquired, "Who's superior, Kate or Jane?"

The implication was obvious.

Bernard smiled faintly, as if relishing the moment. "How could a cultivated flower surpass a wild one in fragrance?"

Laughter erupted from the group.

"I told you, that little wildcat is captivating, didn't I?"

Kate's message followed: [They say men separate physical intimacy from emotion. You wouldn't foolishly believe his love for you remains untainted, would you?]

But she was unaware that Bernard's choice no longer affected me.

Before departing, I visited the hospital for a check-up prior to going abroad.

However, I encountered Bernard supporting Kate as they exited the maternity ward.

Kate suddenly noticed me, feigning surprise and raising her voice. "Mrs. Yvon, what brings you here?"

Bernard froze upon hearing this, quickly releasing her.

Upon seeing me, the typically composed man seemed to stammer. "Jane, Kate... she... she suddenly felt unwell, so I assisted her to the hospital."

Kate conveniently made a retching sound, her voice laced with smugness. "My apologies, Mrs. Yvon, I'm expecting and Mr. Yvon is simply being attentive to his employee."

It felt as though someone had gripped my throat, my voice tense and strained. "Why is my husband the one accompanying you? Where's the child's father?"

Kate smiled provocatively, her eyes filled with implication as she regarded me:

"The child's father is occupied with work and couldn't attend, but his wealth and affection are all with me!"

Seeing no reaction from me, she pressed on mercilessly. "Since we've crossed paths, why don't we invite the child's father to join us for a meal?"