Chapter 4

In the dark living room, only a mute dog kept Jack company.

Seven years ago, on their way to get their marriage license, Jack and Rachel had found this mixed-breed dog.

Rachel said its first half of life as a stray had been too bitter, so she named it Sugar Bean and said they'd raise it like their child.

But just two months ago, behind Jack's back, she had Sugar Bean's vocal cords removed.

All because she came home late one night and was annoyed that the dog disturbed her while she was catching up on sleep during the day.

It seemed that both Jack and the dog had fallen out of her favor.

Jack hugged Sugar Bean, lying on the couch, refreshing someone's video account page over and over again.

Sure enough, he had updated.

"Which tie do you think looks best, babe? I've got a big client meeting tomorrow."

Ethan had posted three different outfit styles.

He was either pulling at the tie around his neck with his shirt wide open, exposing his Adam's apple and chest muscles,

or using the tie as a prop, tying his hands behind his back or blindfolding himself.

So this was the type Rachel liked now?

She must have been having too much fun to notice the time. She didn't return home until after 6 AM the next morning.

She was surprised to see Jack sitting in the living room waiting for her.

"You... didn't sleep last night?"

"Well, I was afraid you might still be angry yesterday, so I crashed at my friend's place for the night."

Rachel continued to spin her lies, but Jack didn't want to play along anymore.

Expressionlessly, he tossed a pregnancy test in front of her.

"Care to explain?"