Chapter 3

Because I disliked the antiseptic smell of hospitals, Julian Thorne took me home the next day.

If I hadn't seen through his demonic nature, Julian Thorne would have been a perfect husband.

He would personally cook for me, thoughtfully remembering every single one of my dietary preferences and aversions.

He even worried that I still harbored trauma from the accident, soaking my feet and massaging them every night.

It wasn't until the third day after we returned home that Julian Thorne finally left early, claiming he had company business.

I saw a message from Seraphina Duval on his phone screen, which he hadn't bothered to turn off yet.

【Julian, Leo keeps asking for his dad. I can't calm him down anymore.】

Seraphina's child wanted his dad, and Julian Thorne rushed to his side without a second thought.

My son, however, died on his way to see his dad.

I silently watched Julian Thorne leave, then went to the third floor and stood outside his study.

For five years of marriage, Julian Thorne had kept the study locked, citing the need for personal space in a marriage.

I typed in Seraphina's and Leo's birthdays. The lock clicked open.

Inside the vast study, all four walls were covered with photos of their family of three.

From Seraphina's pregnancy and childbirth, to Leo's milestones – his first month, his first tooth, his first steps – Julian Thorne had documented everything.

Yet, my son's entire four years, from birth to death, couldn't even fill a small photo album.

I then opened the diary on Julian Thorne's desk.

【May 20th: Seraphina told me she had a surprise for me. Even though I suspected it was news of her pregnancy, when she placed the pregnancy test in front of me, I couldn't stop the tears from falling.】

【January 23rd: I became a father. I named him Leo.】

【He was so tiny. When I held him in my arms, for a moment, I almost wanted to give them everything I owned.】

【But then the doctor told me Leo was born with a congenital heart condition.】

【September 30th: For Leo, I got married. The bride wasn't Seraphina.】

【Seraphina, I will be a good husband, a good father.】

The last sentence he wrote, the words almost piercing the page, spoke of a monumental decision.

I couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.

So, marrying me was such an agonizing sacrifice.

No wonder, five years ago, when I joyfully presented my pregnancy test results to Julian Thorne, he remained silent for a long time.

Then, as if checking off an item on his to-do list, he said, "Thank you."

When Noah was born, Julian Thorne didn't even hold him.

His first glance at Noah wasn't one of warmth, but a cold command to the doctor to run a full physical, especially on his heart.

On our wedding night, the room remained dark.

It was only by the moonlight filtering through the window that I could clearly see Julian Thorne's face.

Before, I thought he was just shy.

Now, it was clear: the person he wanted to marry wasn't me, and the face he wanted to see wasn't mine.

The diary entries were chaotic, all about Seraphina and Leo.

The latest entry was seven days ago.

【Maybe the dried herbs really do help with sleep.】

【I had a good night's sleep. I even dreamed of...】

Julian Thorne didn't finish the sentence, and I had no desire to read further.

I took photos of the diary content, sent them to the private investigator I'd hired, then put the diary back.

As I walked out of the study, Julian Thorne returned.

He saw me coming down from the third floor, and a flicker of panic crossed his otherwise composed face.

"Why did you suddenly go upstairs? Your injuries aren't healed yet, you need more bed rest."

I brushed off his automatic attempt to steady me.

"I got tired of lying in bed."

Julian Thorne stared at me, then, seeing my expression was normal, he subtly let out a sigh of relief.

He pulled something from behind his back.

"Honey, your favorite pastries from Henderson's Bakery. I made a special trip to get them for you."

It was true, I loved Henderson's pastries.

But five minutes ago, Seraphina Duval had posted a picture of the exact same pastries on Ins.

The caption read: "Just one wish from Leo, and *someone* drove two hours to get it."

She used to post these vague Ins updates often.

It was just that back then, I never would have imagined that 'someone' was my own husband.

Out of Julian Thorne's sight, I 'liked' Seraphina's Ins post.

I thought, I'll wait a little longer.

Once I had enough evidence, my relationship with Julian Thorne would be over.

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