ManyWriters

The fire consumed half the city. Vivienne messaged me to pick her up from the airport and bring her home.
Risking my life, I made it halfway through the blaze when she called:
"Never mind, I'll be staying at Xavion's place for a while."
I gripped my phone tightly, but ultimately replied "Okay."
Less than two minutes after hanging up, Vivienne's junior posted a video on social media.
In it, Vivienne's cheeks were flushed red, her eyes crinkled with laughter as she leaned into his embrace.
Outside the window, dazzling fireworks lit up the sky.
The caption read: "After the world ends, will it still be you? @Vivienne"
I casually liked the post, but Vivienne suddenly called to demand what I meant by liking it.
I coolly replied: "It means goodbye."

Pushed Into a Great Fire By My Wife and Her Lover

I looked at her with some confusion, wondering what she meant.


Vivienne returned my gaze with a tender look.


Just as she was about to say something, Xavion's pitiful cry came through the phone:


"Vivienne, I... I accidentally broke my leg. It hurts so much. I'm scared. Can you come take me to the hospital?"


Hearing this, the previously composed Vivienne became flustered.


"Zoran, Xavion has hurt his leg. I need to take him to the hospital. Wait for me here. I'll be back by midnight at the latest, I promise!"


I remained silent as Vivienne's face flashed with hesitation, but she ultimately bit her lip and left.


I shook my head and gave a self-deprecating smile.


This was the Vivienne I knew all too well.


Only she would blindly believe such a clumsy trick from Xavion.


I turned and left the hotel, returning to my temporary rental room.


Having drunk quite a bit, I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.


At five in the morning, I was woken by my phone ringing.


Chapter 9