Chapter 2

Back home, I drank alone.

Seven years of love, three years of marriage, and a lifetime of plans ended like this.

When Nora came home, I was nearly drunk.

Seeing me with the drink, she asked anxiously, "Declan, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

As she approached, Jasper's cologne still lingered on her.

Nausea hit me, and I pushed her away, rushing to the bathroom.

Her eyes flashed with panic for a moment.

I vomited violently into the toilet.

She followed me closely, gently patting my back.

"Don't drink so much; it's bad for your stomach. It pains me to see you like this."

Switching from one man to another, how could she change so quickly?

"I'll make you some hangover soup."

When I came out, she had already prepared the soup.

She stirred it with a spoon, hoping it would cool faster.

Sitting on the couch, she fed me spoonfuls.

I noticed her ring finger had a ring very similar to her wedding ring.

But on the palm side, there was a small "Lin" engraved.

She threw away her wedding ring and wore someone else's.

Fine.

Love's wounds are like skinning flesh. The more thoroughly they're drawn out now, the less it will hurt when I leave.

Noticing my gaze, she spoke with concern, "Am I neglecting you? Work has been hectic. I'll accompany you tomorrow to order a suit. Our third anniversary is coming up. Let's celebrate then."

She took a warm towel and wiped my face.

When she lowered her head, her neckline was too loose, exposing the hickeys all over her chest.

I grabbed her and tried to pull her clothes.

She quickly covered herself with her hands, "Declan, you've had too much to drink. This is bad for you. You need rest, okay? Be good."

After a brief panic, she switched to a gentle tone.

I just wanted to see how she hid the marks on her body, but she thought I was looking for intimacy.

In the past, her words would have made me feel how considerate and caring she was.

But today, I knew she just didn't want me to discover the hickeys.

While she cleaned the bathroom, her phone received a message: "You wildcat, you drained me today."

I didn't move, staring blankly at the phone screen as it went dark again.

After cleaning the bathroom, she helped me to bed.

Gently changing me into pajamas.

Tucking me in carefully.

She even took my clothes to wash.

Beside me, she still played the role of the dutiful wife.

If she were to compete for the Best Actor Award, the gold medal would surely be hers.

The next day, at the suit tailor's, I was getting measured when she received a call from Jasper.

"Wildcat, I want to devour you. Come find me."

She sneaked a glance at me, thinking I couldn't hear.

But I was once an excellent scout; my hearing is unmatched.

My hands clenched unconsciously, my body tense and stiff.

As she approached, she pretended to act casually and naturally.

But the blush on her face showed her eagerness.

"Declan, something came up at work. I'll have to go. After you're measured, go wait for me at the River View Restaurant's penthouse. I've reserved a table. We'll eat together."

I held her hand, "Can't you stay? You promised to be with me today."

Though I decided to leave, watching her go and be with another man still hurt deeply.

She pried my hand away, "Work is important. I'll be back soon. Wait for me."

She hugged my waist quickly and left.

I waited at the restaurant until the sun set, the city lights up, and the whole city fell into darkness, but she never came.

I called five times, but each time was unreachable.

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