Chapter 4

"Honey, are you unwell today? Why do you seem... a bit strange?"

Cristian was indeed perceptive.

He could easily notice even the slightest change in me.

Perhaps it also showed that I wasn't as good as him at being inconsistent in words and deeds and being two-faced.

I forced a smile and made up an excuse casually. "It's nothing. Maybe it's because you didn't come home last night, and I didn't get a good rest."

A trace of pity welled up in Cristian's eyes.

He roughly pulled me into his arms and planted a firm kiss on my forehead.

"I'm sorry, honey. I should have come back last night. I was just worried that I would disturb you if I returned late at night, but I didn't expect... Sorry. It's all my fault."

The thought of him passionately kissing another woman last night made me feel disgusted at his move.

Overwhelmed by a wave of physical revulsion, I hastily pushed him away.

"Honey, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing. The cold milk tasted fishy, and it made me feel sick."

Cristian quickly poured a glass of warm water and handed it to me, gently patting my back.

"If you're not feeling well, I'll skip work today and stay home to keep you company."

Some words seem to be spoken only to be contradicted, because just as he finished speaking, his phone rang.

Cristian promptly hung up the phone, saying, "I told you I'm going to stay home with you today. Nothing is more important than you."

But the caller was persistent and continued to call.

Cristian was annoyed and was about to hang up again, but I said calmly, "Answer it. Maybe it's something important."

"That's thoughtful of you, honey."

Even though he said that, Cristian answered the phone quickly. Along with that, he instinctively walked outside, deliberately creating some distance between us.

He had never avoided answering calls in front of me before.

Maybe it was because the house was too quiet, or maybe I had good hearing.

I heard that girl's voice, whining just like it had been last night.

The water cup that Cristian had handed me still had some warmth left, but my heart had already turned completely cold.

"Honey, I'm sorry. There's an urgent matter at the company."

I looked up at him, and the anxiety on his face looked so real.

"I promised to stay home with you today, but... It's the end of the year, and there are a lot of things going on in the company recently. Honey, I..."

"You can go. I'll be fine."

I forced a smile, suddenly realizing that I had worn such a smile countless times.

In fact, there had been signs before, but I just hadn't noticed them.

Cristian was obviously distracted, yet he still feigned reluctance to leave.

"Thank you, honey."

He leaned in again and kissed between my eyebrows.

"Rest assured, honey. I promise to come back early tonight. Wait for me at home, okay?"

And then he left.

He walked briskly to go and see another woman.

And I made an appointment for a medical checkup for myself.

If one failed to make a decisive decision when necessary, they'd only endure more suffering in the end.

I should sever all ties with him, both physically and emotionally.