Chapter 1

(Cassie's Perspective)

I glanced at the clock and let out a deep sigh. My head ached as I continued to wait for Max at the dinner table.

The day before marked our fifth wedding anniversary, and I had hoped that at least on this special occasion, he would return earlier. But he didn't. And here I was, still awake and waiting at 3 AM.

For nearly a year now, he had been coming home late. I thought yesterday would be different. Sadly, it wasn't.

My eyes fell on the now-cold dishes I had lovingly prepared, just as my stomach rumbled with hunger.

Suddenly, I heard a vehicle approaching and instinctively knew it was Max.

Eagerly, I rushed to the entrance, but my heart sank when I saw Max enter with Violet, his longtime friend from childhood. She had returned from overseas a year ago. And since then, things had changed.

Although he assured me she was nothing more than an old friend, he had grown distant ever since her arrival.

"I've missed you terribly, darling," he said, presenting me with an extravagant $5000 floral arrangement and pecking my cheek. But I couldn't muster a smile. Instead, I felt sick to my stomach.

They both carried the same scent. Floral, feminine, and perspiration-tinged.

"Darling, please forgive me, okay?" he pleaded as he fastened an expensive necklace around my neck.

"I've been swamped with work, and had to unexpectedly leave on a business trip yesterday," he explained.

I nodded, forcing a smile onto my face.

"Max, can we discuss something in the study?" Violet interjected, grasping Max's arm.

My body trembled as I pushed Max away.

He seemed to want to explain further, but I didn't give him the chance and retreated to the kitchen.

I splashed water on my face, fighting back tears.

I was aware of their secret activities, but I had given him countless chances. Each time, it only led to disappointment.

My love for Max was so strong that I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him. But now...

Biting my lip, I prepared some snacks and drinks for them in the study.

I was about to knock when I froze, slightly opening the door instead.

I was drawn to the inappropriate sounds coming from within.

My heart raced as I witnessed Max and Violet... in a passionate embrace.

"Aren't you ashamed to face your wife after spending our anniversary night with her?" I announced my presence loudly. But can you believe his response?

"And aren't you bold to come in here?" Max retorted, continuing to kiss her. Right in front of me.

I felt the color drain from my face as I clenched my fists.

Max held her so tenderly. To an outsider, they would appear to be the couple, and I the household help.

No tears fell from my eyes. It was as if I had been anticipating this moment.

Yet my heart felt agonized, as if stabbed repeatedly, as I recalled our shared memories.

I hurried back to the kitchen, struggling to breathe.

I had known about their affair, but seeing it firsthand was devastating.

Why? Why did it have to end up like this?

We had been together for eight years, married for five. Max had professed his love for me a decade ago.

How did our marriage deteriorate to this point?

I wiped away my tears and chose not to confront them. I lacked the energy. The love had already faded, so what was the point?

Max continued to play the role of the perfect husband, and I didn't expose his infidelity.

The following morning, Max attempted to kiss my cheek as I came downstairs, but I recoiled.

I couldn't bring myself to love him the same after what I had witnessed the night before.

"What's wrong, darling? Are you alright?" he inquired.

"I'm feeling under the weather today," I replied indifferently.

"I wish I could stay and take care of you," he said, unsettlingly sliding his hand around my waist.

I forced a smile. "Could you come home early today?"

He paused momentarily before nodding. "I will."

Before leaving, he presented me with flowers.

This had become his daily routine. Initially, I thought I was the luckiest woman alive, but now all these gifts seemed like attempts to alleviate his guilt for his constant betrayals.

As soon as he left, I crushed my once-favorite roses underfoot and tossed them in the trash.