Chapter 2

Night gradually fell, and I paused at my doorstep.

Before I could even insert my key, I heard Justin opening the door.

"Chloe, you're back! You seem a little late today!"

Justin skillfully took my bag and handed me slippers.

He was as considerate as ever. Even though I'd told him not to be so overly humble, he always said he couldn't bear for me to be tired.

But this man, who supposedly loved me so much, seemed to love Brittany just as much.

Noticing I was distracted, Justin gently touched my forehead.

"Chloe, are you feeling unwell?"

Justin helped me to the couch, then went to the kitchen to pour me a glass of warm water.

Watching Justin busily moving around, I started to doubt my own instincts.

Maybe the chandelier in Brittany's villa was just a coincidence.

Taking the warm water Justin offered, I thought for a moment, then cautiously probed, "Justin, the crystal tea set you mentioned today, I saw it..."

Before I could finish, Justin smiled and interrupted me.

"I was just about to tell you about that. I don't think that tea set really matches."

The more I listened, the more uneasy I felt. A cold sweat started to break out on my back.

"This afternoon, I saw a crystal decorative sculpture that would match our new home's chandelier even better. It's a bit pricey, but I think only something like that can truly complement you."

The brighter Justin smiled, the more terrifying he seemed.

I tried my best to control my slightly trembling hands as I took the picture Justin handed me.

The picture was of the exact crystal sculpture I had discussed with Brittany earlier today.

All the facts were laid out before me. Brittany's "husband" was Justin.

Suppressing the anger in my heart, I forced out a bitter smile.

"This weekend, my parents plan to come see our new place. Let's get everything ready. After all, it's their wedding gift to me, so we should entertain them well."

"This weekend?"

Justin stammered for a long time, unable to give an answer.

This weekend was when Brittany had scheduled her party. Clearly, Justin already knew.

I pretended not to care and slowly stood up.

"I'm tired. I'm going to take a shower first. Tomorrow, I'll find someone to clean the new house and check on the renovations."

Through the crack in the bathroom door, I saw Justin dialing a phone number, his face anxious. His expression was stern during the conversation, as if they were arguing.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, I saw a message from Brittany in the company group chat.

"Colleagues, can we reschedule the weekend party? I'd like to find some cleaners to thoroughly clean the place and properly host everyone."

Without giving anyone else time to think, I quickly replied,

"No worries, we can help you with some simple cleaning. We can't just inconvenience you, and besides, we've already cleared our schedules..."

A colleague who usually enjoyed making sarcastic remarks also chimed in:

"Could it be that you're not actually in charge of this villa?"

Brittany, already seething with frustration, had no choice but to reluctantly agree.

When I returned to the room after my shower, Justin put on a disappointed look.

"Chloe, the company just assigned me a seven-day business trip this weekend. How about we ask your aunt and uncle to come next week instead? I'll make sure to entertain them well then."

I smiled knowingly and nodded.

Oh, I'll definitely prepare a surprise for you then.