Chapter 2

That night, I sat on the couch in a daze, watching the daylight fade into darkness.

My mind was a mess. After all these years together, I still couldn't bring myself to believe he was cheating on me.

But that photo had hit me like a thunderbolt, forcing me to see clearly that he had fallen in love with another woman.

That woman was Vivian Lowell, the piano teacher I had personally chosen for our son.

Matthew and Matthias came home at midnight. He turned on the lights, then stopped in surprise when he saw me.

"Honey, why are you still up?"

He quickly approached me, looking me over with concern. "Are you feeling unwell? You look so pale."

He bent down to carry me on his back. "Come on, I'll take you to the hospital."

The worry on his face seemed genuine. His brows were tightly furrowed, and it was as if I was the only person in his eyes.

It should have been a heartwarming sight, but all I could think of was that photo, and a dull ache spread through my chest.

The next second, I caught the faint scent of bluebell perfume on him.

It was the same perfume I had personally given Vivian as the welcome gift.

My lips trembled. Holding back my emotions, I spoke each word slowly, "Matthew, find Matthias a new piano teacher. I don't like her."

Matthew paused, then frowned and studied me seriously. "Honey, what's wrong? Haven't you always liked Vivian?"

"You were the one who recommended her in the first place. If we suddenly replace her, Ms. Lowell will be hurt."

But I hadn't recommended her so I could watch the two of them get together.

My throat tightened. I looked at him, unable to utter a word. A wave of helplessness suddenly washed over me.

Matthew had changed. The man I once knew would never have argued with me like this.

As long as I wanted someone replaced, he would do it immediately. He wouldn't even ask why. All that mattered to him was keeping me happy.

But now, the first thing he cared about was Vivian's feelings, not mine.

At that moment, something inside me quietly shattered.

I forced a smile. "I'm not thinking straight. Just forget I said anything."

Matthew looked tense. He tilted his head up and gazed at me. "Honey, did you see the photo and get jealous? Don't worry. I promise you, Matthias and I will always put you first."

Our son ran over too and nodded obediently. "That's right, Mom. I have a piano competition in a few days. When I win, I'll give the trophy to you."

Watching their hopeful faces, I suddenly felt like telling about the divorce. But in the end, I held it back.

There were seven days left until the divorce. After seven days, we would never see each other again.

Matthew, completely oblivious, went on with relish. "We'll all go cheer him on. If he wins first place, we'll take him on a trip."

Our son's face lit up. "Really? I want to go abroad. Can we travel overseas when I grow up?"

Matthew answered easily, "Of course. But we'll talk about all that later. Right, Honey?"

He looked at me.

I nodded numbly, knowing in my heart that there would be no later between us.

Before the competition, I made one request to Matthew.

"I don't want to see Vivian that day."

Until I left, I didn't want to see her at all, not even once.

He paused, seemingly confused. He looked at me like he wanted to say something, but in the end he nodded.

But on the day of the competition, I received a message from Vivian. [You don't really think Matthew would keep me from showing up, do you?]

A quiet warning stirred inside me. I had a bad feeling, but I quickly forced it down.

Matthew always kept his promises. He would never lie to me.

But when our son's turn came, I saw Vivian appear on the stage as his teacher.

She smiled at me and reached out to pat Matthias' head. He stood beside her, looking up at her with unmistakable affection.