Chapter 2

Louise pulled her hand away from his palm. “Maybe I lost it when I went out today,” she said casually. Curtis immediately reached for his phone. “I’ll call someone to look for it right away.” Louise shook her head. “No need. Let’s just consider it gone.” “How can you just let it go? That ring is our wedding ring—our symbol of love.” A symbol of love? Their love had long been disfigured by his repeated betrayals. Louise smiled faintly. “It’s just a piece of jewelry. It can’t guarantee love.” Curtis protested, “Diamonds are the hardest substance. They represent my unwavering commitment to you.” “What if, one day, you betray me?” “That’s impossible.” “I mean, what if?” Curtis looked at her with earnest eyes, his expression solemn as he made a vow. “If I ever betray you, may I be pierced by a thousand arrows and suffer a terrible death.” Louise turned her face away, unwilling to look at his feigned sincerity. In the past, when she still loved him, hearing such a serious vow from him would have made her rush to cover his mouth. She might have even felt guilty, thinking she had driven him to such extremes. But now, she didn’t love him anymore. His words sounded like a joke. “Louise,” Curtis said, wrapping his arms around her from behind, his tone slightly aggrieved. “I feel like you’ve been acting strange lately, like you’re distant from me.” “No, I’m not.” “You are,” Curtis insisted. “Louise, is it because I’ve been too busy lately and haven’t had time for you? Are you upset with me?” “I said no. Now let go of me…” “I won’t.” Curtis held her tighter. “Next week is our fifth wedding anniversary, Louise. I’ve prepared a surprise for you…” Just as he spoke, his phone rang. Curtis immediately let go of her and pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen. From Louise’s angle, she saw him smirk playfully, his expression turning instantly suggestive as he looked at the screen. He quickly typed a reply, then turned to Louise with a slightly apologetic tone. “Louise, there’s an urgent matter at work. I have to go.” Louise clung to a shred of hope. “When will you be back?” Curtis wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her on the forehead. “I might not make it back tonight. I’ll bring you your favorite pastries tomorrow morning, okay?” Curtis left. His tablet was still on the living room sofa. Louise picked it up and saw a new message. Two minutes ago, someone named Little Pony had sent him a photo. In the picture, a woman was dressed in a provocative bunny costume—fishnet stockings, bright red heels. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes seductive, and she provocatively licked her fingers. Curtis: In the mood again? Little Pony: Master, the nights you’re not here feel so empty and lonely. Curtis: Didn’t I wear you out earlier? Seven times today wasn’t enough? Little Pony: Master, are you coming over? Little Pony is all yours tonight. Do whatever you want… Curtis’s reply was just two words. Curtis: Wait there. Louise turned off the tablet, closing her eyes in pain. She had thought she no longer cared. But seeing those messages hit her like a brutal blow, leaving her breathless. Tears streamed down her face, hot and relentless. She didn’t know when she drifted off to sleep, but her dreams were filled with images of entangled bodies—a man and a woman. The man’s face was Curtis. Buzz— Her phone vibrated. She opened it to find a video. The scene in the video matched the images in her dream exactly—passionate, intimate, and overwhelming. Curtis’s face, twisted with desire, filled her with disgust. Zoe Roach: Have you seen this side of him? He says he can only be this free with me. The video, just a minute long, replayed on a loop. Louise watched it over and over, as if punishing herself. She wanted to burn every last shred of love she had for him, to carve his deceit into her heart and drive him out of her life for good. She had already asked her lawyer to draft the divorce agreement. Drying her tears, she placed the divorce papers into an elegant gift box and tied it with a ribbon. Curtis didn’t return until noon the next day, carrying a box of pastries. “Sweetheart, I keep my promises. Here’s your favorite treat. Aren’t you happy?” Louise responded with a perfunctory “Mm.” Curtis cupped her face, kissing away her tears. “Why were you crying? Who upset my darling? Tell me, and I’ll make them pay.” The lingering scent of his recent escapades—mixed with perfume and sweat—made her stomach turn. Louise pushed his hands away, putting some distance between them. “Nothing. I just watched a really emotional movie last night.” Curtis hugged her tenderly. “Don’t watch alone next time. Wait for me to watch with you.” Watch with her? He spent every waking moment with Zoe Roach. Louise almost laughed. She wanted to ask, Do you even have time for me anymore? Curtis noticed the gift box on the coffee table and lit up with excitement. “Louise, is this for me?” Louise nodded. “You mentioned a surprise for our fifth anniversary. I’ve prepared one for you, too.” Curtis beamed, holding the box like a treasure. “Can I open it now?” “Why don’t you wait until our anniversary next week?” she suggested.