Chapter 2

She practically shrieked her refusal, then quickly realized her mistake and tried to salvage it.

"I mean... the restaurant, the restaurant might be closing soon..."

"How about this, I'll ask the client if we can wrap things up early."

"Alright, then hurry. I'll wait for your message."

Less than five minutes later, Serena came downstairs.

I looked up. The dress she'd worn, perfectly pressed earlier, now had a few barely noticeable wrinkles. The nude stockings she wore had a small tear above the knee.

A small patch of skin on her neck was flushed red, like she'd brushed against something, or perhaps been passionately kissed.

Her usually smooth hair wasn't as neat as when she left; a few strands had escaped their style, looking a little messy.

Most striking were her eyes, filled with obvious resentment and a hint of annoyance at having her fun interrupted.

I pretended not to notice, put on a warm smile, and walked towards her. "How was the client meeting? Did it go well?"

She didn't stop, walking straight out of the restaurant, her voice clipped and distant.

"It was fine. What else could it be?"

"I'm exhausted. Let's just go home."

I nodded, asked no more questions, and followed her to the parking lot.

All the way home, she stared out the window, her lips tightly pressed, not saying a single word.

The silence in the car was suffocating.

Back home, Serena kicked off her heels, tossed her bag onto the sofa, and walked straight to the bathroom.

"I'm going to take a shower first."

I said nothing. When she came out of the shower, drying her hair as she walked into the bedroom in her nightgown, I tried to sound as normal as possible.

"Honey, it feels like... it's been a while since we were intimate."

"Tonight? Can we?"

Her hand, drying her hair, paused. She didn't look at me, continuing towards the vanity.

"Not tonight, I'm too tired."

"I was busy all day at work, then had to entertain. I really don't have the energy."

I'd expected this, so I simply hummed in acknowledgment and didn't push.

Just then, her phone, lying on the bedside table, lit up.

I wasn't far, and I instantly saw the two words flashing on the screen.

Blake.

She immediately grabbed the phone, her finger sliding to answer, and said to me, "The company probably needs me for something. You go to sleep first, don't wait for me."

As she spoke, she hurried out of the bedroom, pulling the door shut behind her.

But it didn't close completely, leaving a slight gap.

I tiptoed to the door. In the living room, she was speaking in a hushed voice.

"...Mm, got it... He's not asleep yet... It's fine..."

Her voice held a softness and coquettishness I'd never heard before.

"...Oh, don't be impatient... It's not tonight... Mm, tomorrow, I'll definitely make it up to you, okay?"

"I'll wear my black stockings tomorrow... You can do whatever you want..."

"Don't worry, without your permission, I would never let him touch me..."

Her voice trailed off, interspersed with shy, quiet giggles.

I stood rooted to the spot, feeling none of the expected rage.

Only a chilling stillness, and a nearly cruel clarity.

About fifteen minutes later, I heard her hang up and her footsteps approaching the bedroom.

I immediately got back into bed, lying down with my back to the door.

Closing my eyes, I regulated my breathing, pretending to be fast asleep.

She gently pushed the door open, paused for a moment at the entrance, seemingly observing me.

Then, I felt the mattress on the other side slightly dip.

She carefully lay down, trying to make no sound.