Chapter 1

On Valentine's Day, a hotel caught fire and called for emergency rescue.

I went to fight the fire, only to find my wife with another man.

Both of them were completely naked, wrapped only in a bedsheet.

The man asked Lucy:

"Aren't you afraid Ethan will find out? I heard he's a firefighter."

Lucy laughed coquettishly.

"He's away for training. He won't find out. I haven't had enough fun with you yet. Let's switch hotels."

The next second, my phone received a message from Lucy:

"Honey, I'm at the salon getting a hair treatment. I'll be home later."

At that moment, I finally let her go.

As soon as I got back to the station, my wife Lucy called.

"Honey, why didn't you reply to me?"

I used to reply to Lucy's messages instantly. Now that I hadn't replied, she called directly.

Thinking about how I'd call her and she'd only answer when she felt like it, or just ignore it—I'd been too much of a doormat.

"I was busy," I replied flatly.

On the other end, I could faintly hear a small voice: "Your husband doesn't suspect you, does he?"

Even though Lucy covered the phone, I could still make out her voice: "Impossible. I'm the one he trusts most."

The bed creaked and squeaked. She couldn't suppress the soft gasps escaping her lips: "Slower."

I felt disgusted. "Is there anything else?"

Lucy tried hard to steady her voice: "I made your favorite pizza. It's in the fridge. Remember to microwave it when you eat."

"Oh, and since your stomach isn't great, don't drink anything cold. I left medicine in the drawer for you..."

The assault on the other end intensified. Lucy was practically trembling as she said, "Ethan, wait for me to come home," before the phone fell to the ground.

"Aren't you afraid Ethan will find out?"

Lucy's voice turned cold: "You and I are just having fun. If you dare tell Ethan, we're done immediately!"

I had no interest in hearing about Lucy's love for me. After hanging up, I went home.

In our six years of marriage, I'd given her enough respect and love.

Looking at our wedding photo hanging prominently in the living room, I only felt mockery.

When Lucy got home, I was taking down the wedding photo.

The flush on her cheeks hadn't faded. Seeing me remove the photo, she only paused briefly.

Then she said naturally, "I've been thinking this photo looks outdated too. We should keep up with the times."

She came over and took my arm, her eyes bright: "Ryan just got me a discount package at his studio. Let's go take new photos together."

Without giving me a chance to refuse, she went straight to the kitchen to heat up food for me.

In the past, whenever I heard Ryan's name, I'd always ask questions.

But this time I said nothing, which made Lucy uncomfortable instead.

"Aren't you going to ask why he gave me a discount package?"

I paused writing my report. Without looking up, I said, "You two have known each other since college. I've helped him so much—it's normal for him to give you a discount."

This was the excuse Lucy used to brush me off before. Now that I said it, she actually thought I hadn't discovered anything and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Oh right, Ethan, go get your medicine from the drawer. You need to take it on time."

I had no reason to neglect my health.

Just then, her phone screen lit up on the table.

"Baby, is he satisfied with the food and medicine I prepared for him?"

My heart turned cold. So Lucy's thoughtfulness had all been an act.

Before I could look away, Lucy rushed over frantically.

"Ethan, we agreed to trust each other and not look at each other's phones!"

The pot she was holding pressed against my skin without hesitation, instantly burning it red.

I grunted. Just as I was about to turn and get some ointment, Lucy beat me to it and offered to take me to the hospital.

"I heard there's a doctor at the hospital who's really good at treating burns."

I looked at Lucy, but she avoided my eyes.

I clenched my fist, not exposing her lie: "Alright, let's go check it out."