Chapter 3

"What's wrong? Did something happen? You haven't contacted any of us since you got married."

I lowered my head somewhat ashamed.

"Liam, I wanted to ask if your project training still has openings. I can pay double the price to join."

"Talking about money hurts our friendship. As long as you're willing to come back, our doors are always open. You're welcome to return anytime."

Before graduation, Liam was researching a new energy project.

He invited me to participate, and I agreed. But after graduation I had to prepare for my wedding with Blake, so I had no choice but to withdraw from the project research.

Later, Blake told me he didn't like me being too close with Liam---it made him feel insecure.

When Liam asked me to come back, I politely declined.

Contacting Liam again, I felt really embarrassed. My face turned completely red.

But I had to fight for myself somehow.

Blake couldn't bear to let me do anything, so at home I was pampered into a spoiled little princess. Every day all I did was shop and play. Blake never said a word against it.

As a result, now I couldn't do anything.

With just a bit of my previous knowledge, I thought the only chance I had to learn was to rebuild my foundation with Liam.

Liam agreed, but this project required going abroad for training for a period of time.

Perfect. During this cooling-off period, going abroad would be good.

I wouldn't have to face Blake.

After hanging up the phone, I returned to the bedroom. I'd been tossing and turning all night and was exhausted. I needed to get some good sleep before planning my next steps.

I had barely fallen asleep when I felt warmth on my cheek.

Blake had come home and kissed my cheek lightly.

Unlike before, now I only found his kiss disgusting.

"Tori, you're awake. I brought you a birthday cake."

He was as considerate and thoughtful as always.

Completely different from last night's disdainful tone.

I looked at the birthday cake through sleepy eyes and laughed coldly. Did I still need it?

He looked at me apologetically. "I'm sorry, Tori. The company had something urgent come up last night. By the time I finished it was already dawn. I was afraid of disturbing your sleep if I came home, so I didn't. But I'm making it up to you today, aren't I?"

Making it up to me? This late? Did I still need it?

"I don't want to eat it. It looks disgusting. Just throw it away."

My expression was weary. I planned to go back to sleep.

But Blake panicked.

"Honey, I'm sorry. Last night was an accident. I promise it won't happen again. From now on, no matter how late I work, I'll come home, okay?"

I imperceptibly dodged away from him.

I said softly, "I'm a bit tired and want to sleep. You go do what you need to do."

I didn't need his fake concern. It was all an act.

Blake said quietly, "Then rest well. I won't go out today. I'll stay home and keep you company."

I ignored him. Only after the door closed did I open my eyes.

A friend sent me a photo.

[Tori, that bastard Blake even buys flowers on a buy-one-get-one-free deal. Who is he sending that other bouquet to?]

I knew who it was for.

For that girl who was taunting me through messages.

I slept until noon. When I came out, I saw Blake arranging flowers.

"Tori, you're awake."

I looked at that bouquet, remembering the photo my friend sent me---clearly one large and one small, buy one get one free.

So I was the freebie.

This was the eighth year of our marriage, and Blake had finally bought me a bouquet of roses after such a long time---and it was the free one.