Chapter 4

"Look at this paper rose—the first thing you ever gave me," Killian remarked, delicately holding the delicate memento. "Though 'gave' might be an exaggeration. You just folded it and left it on the table, and I picked it up."

He laughed softly, a touch of self-consciousness in his voice. "I remember offering you 999 roses back then, but you turned them all down. I convinced myself that this paper rose was your way of reciprocating. Foolish, wasn't it?"

His eyes softened, a wistful glimmer in them, and for a moment, his attractive features radiated affection—the kind that once made my pulse quicken.

I wanted to be touched, to trust in the genuineness of the moment. But my eyes were drawn to his collarbone, where faint marks were visible on his skin.

I gestured, my tone calm but sharp. "Killian, why is your collarbone red?"

His response was immediate—alarm crossed his face before he hastily buttoned his shirt completely, his fingers clumsy. "Oh, that? Probably just a mosquito bite. My neck's been itchy all day, so I must have scratched it without realizing."

I remained silent, observing him as he awkwardly stumbled through his explanation.

The scent of alcohol lingered on him, and he announced his intention to shower. But before he could leave, I stopped him.

"Killian," I said, my voice unwavering, "do you recall the vows we exchanged at our wedding?"

He looked surprised. "Why are you bringing this up now?"

Nevertheless, he recited them flawlessly. "As husband and wife, we are united in this life. Between us, there is no betrayal, no change of heart, and no deception."

He hadn't forgotten. For a brief moment, I almost wondered if he still meant them.

Killian moved closer, gently kissing my forehead. His eyes, seemingly filled with love, met mine. "Don't worry, my wife. I will never betray or deceive you. This is my promise to you."

His words hung in the air, heavy with irony. Shortly after, he disappeared into the bathroom, leaving me alone in the living room.

Soon after, the doorbell chimed.

I opened it to find his assistant, Anastacia, standing there.

Anastacia entered the room, her emerald jewelry shimmering under the lights. She wore emerald earrings that caught the light with every move, three necklaces adorning her neck, and emerald bracelets that sparkled on her wrists. The large emeralds on her fingers added to the display of opulence. As expected, the jewelry purchased for 900 million was truly stunning.

Upon seeing me, she made a show of lifting her hair, subtly allowing the jewelry to glitter before me.

With a sugary smile, she spoke in a tone dripping with insincerity. "I'm so sorry, Miss Penelope, for disturbing you at this hour. Mr. Barnes left a crucial document at the office, and I need to deliver it to him."

As she handed over the document, the sweet, overwhelming scent of her perfume filled the air. It was the same fragrance Killian wore—an overpowering, feminine sweetness that made me feel nauseous.

I felt repulsed, but said nothing. Instead, I kept my voice steady. "He's showering. You can come in and wait."

I stepped aside to let her pass. As she walked by, she didn't try to hide her smug expression. She probably thought I hadn't noticed, but I had.

Once inside, she casually placed the takeaway bag she was carrying on the table.

"Oh, and there's this," she added offhandedly. "Mr. Barnes didn't eat much tonight. I brought him a late-night snack."

She emphasized the word "do," a barely perceptible smile tugging at her lips, her eyes gleaming with an unmistakable challenge.

The logo on the takeaway bag caught my attention, and my heart sank—it was from the French restaurant Killian had promised to take me to.

Anastacia wasn't being subtle. She was practically flaunting the fact that they had spent the evening together—at the restaurant I was supposed to visit, in the car that was meant for me, and now, she had even brought him a midnight meal.

In the past, I'm certain I would have lost my composure. I would have been enraged, perhaps even crying, demanding answers, throwing the food at her and ordering her to leave. I might have dragged Killian out to confront him immediately.

But now, I just felt empty.

I had reached a point where I wouldn't waste energy being upset or angry about something like this. I had made my decision: I was prepared to leave.

"Oh, how considerate of you," I said calmly, my voice revealing nothing.

Anastacia was about to say something else when suddenly, Killian peeked out from the bathroom.

"Honey, why does it feel like there are a lot of things missing in the bathroom? Where's your bottle of woody-scented shower gel? I can't find it, and I was planning to use it."

His words lingered in the air. Of course, things were missing—because I had been packing up my belongings.

I didn't respond, and then, in an instant, Killian's expression turned cold.

"Anastacia? What are you doing here?"

His eyes widened, and his voice rose in panic, sharp and shrill.

Anastacia pressed her lips together in a feigned pout, her eyes brimming with false innocence. Before she could speak, I answered for her.

"You forgot the document, so she came to deliver it."

Anastacia nodded eagerly. "Yes, that document is for tomorrow's meeting. It's very important."

Killian, now in his bathrobe, stormed out of the bathroom, his wet hair dripping onto his shoulders. His expression was clouded with frustration.

Without hesitation, he turned to Anastacia, his tone harsh. "Take your documents and come upstairs with me to the study."

Then, his gaze softened as he turned to me. "Wife, it's late. You should go to bed first. I'll handle this and come back."

I nodded quietly, following his suggestion, and walked into the master bedroom. I even turned off the lights as I lay down.

Meanwhile, I could hear Killian and Anastacia walking into the study. The soft click of the door locking echoed through the quiet house.

The curtains were drawn, and everything was sealed off.

I stared at the study, now concealed behind closed doors and windows, and couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.

Did he really think I was oblivious to what was happening?

What he didn't realize was that I had installed a camera in his study long ago.

I turned on the computer and accessed the camera feed from the study. What I saw on the surveillance screen almost made me sick.