26/08/2025
My husband, Matthew Murphy, was supposed to be on a three-day business trip in Canta, yet I just saw him on the live broadcast with another woman in his arms.
I hurriedly video-called him. The phone rang for a long while before he finally answered.
Matthew’s camera shook slightly, and his handsome face appeared. He greeted me warmly, “Hey, honey!”
"Where are you?" I asked urgently as my eyes scanned the footage from his end. He looked like he was in a corridor of a restaurant, and he was wearing a white shirt. However, the figure I saw in the live broadcast wore a gray windbreaker.
"I'm having dinner with a client. What's up? Is there something wrong? Is Ava asleep?" He asked.
"Are you in Canta?" I sidestepped his question and asked again.
"Of course I am. Why?" He looked at me seriously through the camera, full of curiosity.
"Oh! It's...nothing!" I mumbled absent-mindedly, then asked, "When are you coming home?"
"Soon... I'll be back once I wrap things up here. " Matthew smiled affectionately at me, "Go to bed early, okay? I still have things to attend to. Bye!"
He blew a kiss to me and then hung up the call.
I held my phone, stunned and annoyed at myself for being suspicious. Matthew was an extraordinary, handsome, and doting husband, even though he was just a pauper when we first met.
After graduation, I used my parents’ house as collateral to start a supply company with him and stayed by his side. Fortunately, the company grew and began thriving.
When I was expecting, I decided to entrust the company to my husband while I focused on raising our child and managing our home.
Ava, our daughter, had turned four. We led a comfortable and well-off life as a family of three, which people were envious of.
Matthew felt so guilty that we didn’t have a wedding ceremony that he promised to provide for me and make up for any grievances I suffered.
How could such a husband cheat?
I pursed my mouth and smiled, realizing I had watched too many TV shows. When I laid back in bed, I still thought about the fleeting figure on the live broadcast.
I must have been thinking about Matthew too much. Also, the windbreaker looked familiar as it was the one I had ironed for him before his business trip. That meant the man in the live stream wore the same one, which confused me.
Matthew returned early the following day. He hugged us both affectionately, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. I rushed to the kitchen happily to prepare several of his favorite dishes as a reward.
Matthew glanced at me as we sat to eat and casually said, "There's a strong smell of oil here. Why don't you go take a shower?"
I calmly sniffed, then smiled proudly, saying, "That's the smell of good food. Don’t you like it?"
He chuckled as he lovingly ruffled my hair. Then he stuffed some food into my mouth and gave Ava a piece too. "All right, my sweethearts. Let's all eat!"
After dinner, I quickly put Ava to bed and then showered. I inched closer to Matthew and flirtatiously asked, "Do I still smell like oil?"
Matthew smiled and affectionately pinched me. "I've missed you so much, sweetheart!"
He pulled me toward the bed right away without giving me a chance to respond. Also, he seemed particularly enthusiastic today.
When we finished, I smiled and watched his tall figure approach the bathroom. As I was about to clean up, his phone on the bedside table flashed, indicating he had received a WhatsApp message.
I glanced at it and froze.
Chapter 2 A Substantial Amount of Information
I was about to pick up the phone to see who the sender was when Matthew hurried into the room and took the phone. He glanced at it hastily, then looked back at me.
"It's Mel!"
"What's the matter? Are you afraid that I'll find something?" I looked at him suspiciously and felt uneasy as if something was wrong.
The message had only four words. "Did she find out?"
It was enough for me because it implied the other person feared I’d find out about something.
Matthew chuckled casually and threw the phone back on the bedside table. Then he pulled me into his arms and kissed my face, saying, “You’re overthinking! It’s my sister, Mel. She’s using me as a cover to scam Mom for money.”
Mel was Matthew’s younger sister, Melanie Murphy. She had been weak and sickly since childhood, so her family always pampered and spoiled her.
Melanie was in her twenties but never took anything seriously. She didn’t even go to school and only traveled and had fun.
Scam your mother for money? Where do you think her money comes from?” I snapped.
Matthew smiled, bent down, and lifted me in his arms. Then he nibbled on my earlobe as he approached the bathroom. “Yeah, yeah, it’s all your money. That’s what happens when I marry an amazing and understanding woman like you.”
I appreciated his words. Throughout the years, I had never been stingy regarding his family.
Our second round in the shower washed away my doubts and grievances. It made me happy and content as I lay in Matthew’s arms.
The following day, just after dropping Ava off at the kindergarten the following day, I received a call from my best friend, Irvanna, saying she wanted to meet at our usual spot.
Of course, I immediately responded and took a cab to the location.
Ivanna and I were close, just like sisters. We could talk about anything, but it was rare for her to call me. After all, she was a busy woman who worked as a talent manager in a media company.
When I entered our favorite dessert shop, I saw her sitting in the corner, typing away on her laptop.
She waved at me as I approached, and I sat down before playfully asking, “Why are you so free today? You even had time to ask me out so early in the morning.”
Ivanna rolled her eyes at me and replied, "Can't I be concerned about you?"
"Haha, sure you can!" I sat down and sipped the coffee she had ordered for me. "But aren't you always busy while I'm always free?"
"Ha! Aren’t you ashamed of that? Now, all I see is Matthew spoiling you. Don't say I didn't warn you, but don't get too comfortable. It's easy to become a fool!" Ivanna said, looking at me intently.
For some reason, her words made my heart pound. I looked at her and casually asked, "What do you mean? There's more to your words, isn't there?"
She lowered her gaze, looking at the computer screen, seemingly trying to hide something. "Oh, nothing! I'm just teasing you a little."
After some thought, she looked at me and said, "I saw Matthew the day before yesterday."
Chapter 3 Anxiety
"Two days ago? Where?" I asked, feeling a little anxious.
Ivanna noticed my reaction and retorted, "What’s with that look?"
"Where did you see him?" I couldn't care less about bantering with her and continued pressing for answers.
However, Ivanna's phone started ringing. She glanced at the screen and hushed me before answering the call. After a few sentences, she straightened up, glanced at me, and said, "What?! I'll be right there!"
Immediately after, she closed her laptop and stuffed it into her bag. "I have to go. Let's meet up another time!"
"Wait... You..." I had more questions, but she ignored me and left.
She said she saw Matthew two days ago, but he was supposed to be in Canta then. Where did she see him?
I shrunk back into the seat silently. I was helpless, but a strange sense of fear filled my heart. The video kept playing in my mind, but I wasn’t sure if it was Matthew.
Was he lying to me?
I sat alone in the cafe with my mind in turmoil. Despite the warm sunlight shining on me, I couldn't stop shivering. I wondered what I should do if Matthew had an affair and what would happen to Ava.
I was so absent-minded the whole day that I forgot to pick Ava up. Fortunately, Matthew returned early today. He quickly comforted me and left for kindergarten.
Once he left, I forced myself to get up and started cooking. Before Matthew returned, Melanie walked in unexpectedly. She had a key to our place and treated it as her own home.
Although I disliked this, Matthew indulged her. When she saw me in the kitchen, she put down her bag and came over. She leaned against the door and asked, “Why are you cooking? Where’s my brother?”
I was washing the vegetables as I replied, "He went to pick Ava up."
“It’s already late, and he’s only going to pick her up now?” Melanie’s tone carried a hint of reproach. She always acted pampered and arrogant, as if she was the boss of the house.
Just then, Ava's tender voice echoed from the doorway. "Mommy, I'm back! Why did you forget to pick me up today?" She ran up to me, looking at me with her head tilted.
Although I felt guilty, I smiled and pinched her nose. "I was busy. I promise I won't forget my baby next time."
Matthew came in with our daughter's little backpack and looked at us dotingly. Meanwhile, Melanie approached the doorway and greeted him, "Matt!"
"Why are you here?" Matthew asked as he entered the kitchen and wrapped his arms around me. The next second, he removed my apron and put it on himself. "I got this, honey. You can go play with Ava."
Melanie stared at her brother and sarcastically remarked, "My brother is such a good husband. I want to find someone like him in the future!"
Matthew snapped, "Just leave the kitchen and wait for the meal."
"I don't want to!" Melanie spoke playfully, then squeezed into the kitchen. "I want to experience being a supportive wife!"
I sighed at her words and thought she was shameless. I knew she was only ingratiating herself with Matthew to ask for money again. She was practically a parasite yet unapologetic and still dared to be carefree.
I took my daughter's hand and left the kitchen. If Melanie was out of sight, she was out of mind. Just then, my phone rang, and when I looked, it was Ivanna.
Chapter 4 The Truth Hurts
I hurried back to the bedroom and answered the call to complain, "You're something else, huh? You left me hanging!"
"Something came up at work." Ivanna sounded tired.
I couldn't hold back and asked her, "Um, you mentioned seeing Matthew two days ago. Where was he?"
This question had been bugging me all day.
Ivanna paused before she answered calmly, "Honestly, I forgot the exact location. It was just a fleeting glimpse while I was driving."
"Oh." For some reason, her answer left me a bit disappointed. Although my heart dropped, I unclenched my fists and realized my palms were cold and sweaty.
"I know how obsessed you are with your husband, but can't you prioritize yourself more? You seem completely disconnected from the outside world because of him, will you even count the money for him if he betrays you for money?" Ivanna mocked me.
"Matthew will never do that to me!" I retorted.
"Yeah, he will never do that, but I will!" Ivanna sneered. "The truth hurts sometimes, but you must have values. Now you're just being a fool!"
Ivana babbled, and I had no time to refute.
She noticed my silence and softened her tone. "Chloe, you used to be a top student, my superstar! I just think it's a shame to see you slaving away at home like this."
"Enough. This is like giving me a pat on the back after slapping me."
We both laughed when I said that.
Still, I knew Ivanna always spoke her mind. Although she had mentioned similar things before, hearing them again today felt different. I couldn't help but wondered if Ivanna was trying to imply something.
Just then, Matthew walked in with a gentle smile. "Honey, it's time to eat!"
Ivanna heard his voice and said, "All right, go have your dinner." Then she lowered her voice, "Take my words to heart!"
With that, she hung up.
Matthew pulled me into his arms and kissed me. "Who was it?"
"Ivanna."
"What did she say? Was she nagging again?" Matthew smiled tenderly. He knew how close Ivanna and I were because three of us were former classmates. "I haven't seen her in a long while."
My mind began to spin. Matthew said he hadn't seen her in a while, so Ivanna was far away when she saw him. I felt relieved and knew I was overthinking.
"What's wrong?" Matthew noticed my absent-mindedness and leaned down to look at me.
His gaze was careful, and I snapped out of my thoughts. I smiled and said, "Nothing. Let's eat!"
Matthew pulled me close and kissed me again before we walked outside. Even so, my doubts somehow grew heavier...
Melanie didn't stay long after dinner. She pouted at Matthew and asked, "Matt, can you give me a ride?"
I rolled my eyes at her and glanced her way, but she feigned ignorance as she clung to Matthew's arm.
Matthew looked at me helplessly. I was honestly sick of Melanie, so I waved him away. "Take her where she wants to go. I can handle the dishes myself."
He promised to come back early and left to drop Melanie off.
Melanie held onto her brother's arm, glancing back at me with a mysterious smile, but I couldn't be bothered.
Matthew returned late that night, but I didn't ask much. Since he was a dutiful son, I assumed he chatted with his parents before coming home.
He woke up early the following day, took Ava with him and dropped her off at kindergarten to save me the trouble.
Matthew was always so considerate, leaving me nothing to complain about.
I tidied up the clothes he had changed out of and checked the pockets before washing them. Still, I didn’t expect to find something.
I was shocked and horrified by what I held. It provided undeniable evidence for all my doubts. It was a packaged private thing.
After giving birth to Ava, I had an IUD inserted, so we had no reason to have such a thing. I threw the disgusting thing away, and my heart shattered. I knew he was cheating on me!
I felt helpless as I knelt on the floor and held my head. Images of him and another woman swirled in my mind, adding to my heartache.
I had given everything to him and this family, yet he treated me like dirt. After my initial shock, I mumbled to myself repeatedly, "Chloe, calm down. You can't afford to lose everything you've worked so hard for."
I needed to give myself a clear and definitive answer. Once I recollected my emotions, I washed up and took a cab to the company building.
Chapter 5 Another Mrs. Murphy
I had only visited Tanum Corporation once when they first relocated to Galar Tower. Matthew took me there, and we rented an entire floor.
That day, he held me as we stood by the floor-to-ceiling window in his office and said affectionately, "Thank you for changing my life. Believe me, my love. It won't be long before I give this building to you."
I chuckled at his words. Now, he was about to tear it all apart.
When I entered the building, the young and attractive receptionist asked me who I was looking for. When I mentioned Matthew's name, she gave me a quick once-over and said with a smile, "I'm sorry, madam. Mr. Murphy is not in. He went out with his wife."
My head buzzed when I heard that. I tightened my grip around my handbag, but my voice turned somewhat sharp despite my efforts to control my emotions. "What did you say? Are you sure?"
She looked at me in puzzlement and replied, "Why, yes. You asked for Mr. Matthew Murphy of Tanum Corporation from the 10th floor, right? He left early this morning with his wife."
Her certainty sent shivers down my spine. I felt tempted to ask who Matthew’s wife was. If another woman was his wife, who am I?
However, I held myself back and clenched my teeth. Then I turned and left Galar Tower. I wanted to leave with dignity and hoped the receptionist had made a mistake.
Ultimately, I called Johnson Link from the company's marketing department. My hands shook, but I calmed myself before asking, "Hey, John, is Matthew done with his meeting? I've been trying to call him, but he's not picking up. I'm starting to get a little worried."
Johnson was one of the high-ranking executives at Tanum Corporation, so he would know if there was a meeting. Upon hearing my question, he seemed a little puzzled. "Meeting? There's no meeting today, Mrs. Murphy. Mr. Murphy is out."
"Oh," was all I managed to say before hanging up.
At that moment, a sense of powerlessness washed over me. My tense nerves collapsed, and I felt my knees buckle. My hand that held the phone shook uncontrollably.
I couldn't even muster the courage to call Matthew and ask where he was. Was there even a need to ask? He would just lie to me again.
He shamelessly paraded around Galar Tower with another woman, making everyone believe the other woman was his wife. That woman could freely enter and exit, step into the company I had built independently, and enjoy privileges that should have been mine.
I felt lost as I stood on the street among the crowd, and he was nowhere in sight. He resembled sand, slipping through my fingers. The more I tried to grasp him, the faster he slipped away.
After thinking things through, I found out who this "Mrs. Murphy" really was.
With that idea in mind, I gathered the strength to move my trembling legs and hailed a cab. Once I reached home, I went to the nearby market and bought many of Matthew’s favorite dishes. I even picked out some pineapples that Ava loved.
I was going to wait for him to come home.
As I busied myself with chores, I thought about my next step.
I always thought time passed too quickly, but this time was different as it seemed to drag on endlessly. When evening arrived, I gathered my courage to call Matthew and ask where he was before telling him to pick Ava up.
He readily agreed.
Chapter 6 Looking for Evidence
I had almost finished preparing the food when Matthew returned with our daughter. Ava ran in, exclaiming in her sweet and childish voice, “Mommy, I’m back!”
Her adorable voice brought tears to my eyes, but I suppressed my emotions. "I got you some pineapples. Your favorite, right?"
"Oh! Mommy, you're the best!" She ran out and headed to Matthew, saying, "Daddy, I want to eat pineapples!"
"Just a small piece. You can have more after dinner, okay?" Matthew washed his hands and fed our eager little girl. Then he squeezed into the tiny kitchen and hugged me from behind. "Why did you make so much food?"
I felt terrible because this once-happy family of three was now on the verge of collapsing.
"You just came back from a business trip. You must be tired." I forced a smile and asked, "Were you busy today?"
He hummed a reply, and my heart immediately sank. I playfully nudged him with my elbow. "Go set the table."
His intimate attempts made me sick. I wondered if he thought of the other woman whenever he held me. When I finished cooking, I smiled and asked, “Do you want a drink? It’s been a while, and I want a glass of wine.”
Mathew looked at me questioningly. "Why do you suddenly want to drink?"
"No reason." I asked as I turned to get the wine. "Since I made so many dishes, we need to celebrate."
I knew Matthew couldn't handle wine well, so I poured him a little to avoid arousing suspicion. Then I poured myself half a glass and toasted with him.
Once we started drinking, we became excited and talkative. I pretended to be in high spirits as I reminisced about our college days, starting the business, and our current life.
Matthew noticed how cheerful I was and poured himself another glass of wine. Ultimately, he was drunk when I helped him onto the bed.
Afterward, I put Ava to bed before beginning my mission. My heart was pounding as it was my first time looking through his things in so many years. I finally realized how innocent I was to trust him.
I searched through his pockets and bag but found nothing valuable.
Finally, I found his phone, but it had a fingerprint lock. I quietly approached him, trying to grab his hand, but he suddenly turned and caught me, staring at me with unfocused eyes. My heart was about to jump out of my chest.
"I need water," he slurred at me.
I ran out to pour him a glass of water and fed it to him. Then he collapsed back onto the bed, fast asleep. I unlocked and looked through his phone but found no suspicious names in the call history. I recognized most of them, and it seemed like very few were female, so I ruled them out.
Then I checked his WhatsApp only to realize he hadn't been messaging many people. I opened the conversation of the first contact and saw the message from the day he returned.
"Did she find out?"
It was just those four words with no additional information. I clicked on the woman’s profile picture and wanted to see her posts, but there were none.
I couldn't find any clues about who the sender was. It seemed like this person was cautious. Matthew told me it was Melanie, but I needed to verify it.
His photo albums included pictures of Ava and me and two of Melanie. Besides that, his phone was clean. I even scanned the phone with an app, but nothing suspicious was there too. I tossed and turned that night, wondering how there could be no traces.
I figured the woman wasn't someone from the company or the building. Otherwise, the receptionist wouldn't have called her "Mrs. Murphy."
I wondered who that other woman was or if I’d ever interacted with her.
Chapter 7 Unexpected Company
I forced myself out of bed the following day. The dark circles around my eyes were horrible, and Matthew noticed them. He asked in surprise, "Are you sick, Coco? Why do you look so pale?"
"You kept me up all night," I retorted, not in the mood for pleasantries.
He was stunned but hugged me with a shy grin. "No more drinking for you. Exercise is better instead since it helps with sleep."
I didn't know why, but my stomach churned when I heard his words. I rushed to the bathroom, vomiting and crying.
Matthew rushed in behind me and patted my back. "What's wrong with you? Maybe I should take you to the hospital."
I pushed him away and lied, "It's nothing. I just didn't sleep well. You should take Ava to kindergarten. I'll be fine once I rest a bit more."
He lifted and laid me back on the bed, pulling the blanket over me. "Then get some sleep while I send Ava to school. If you don't feel well, just call me, okay?"
I nodded and listened to my husband and daughter’s chatter get softer as they left. Finally, they closed the door behind them, and I left the bed to run to the window. I watched Matthew enter the car with my excited daughter.
I didn’t look away until Matthew drove out of the gated community. My eyes teared up as I wondered if only everything could return to how it was before. Afterward, I changed into my jeans and t-shirt before slipping on a cap.
Then I went to the cafe across from Galar Tower and found the most strategic spot facing the entrance. I knew it was not smart, but I thought it was the most efficient way.
However, I returned home empty-handed for three consecutive days. I couldn’t even see Matthew because I overlooked one crucial detail. He often used the underground parking, which had a direct passage to the lobby.
I only realized this on the fourth day.
Just as I thought I was at a loss, I saw Matthew hurrying out of the building with his phone. He seemed to be talking on the phone as he headed toward Crowne Square. My heart raced as I followed him from a distance.
He crossed the road at an intersection ahead and entered a cafe with quaint decorations and an elegant environment. It was the perfect palace for elites in the surrounding commercial district to hang out and discuss business here.
I guessed Matthew was meeting someone there and glanced at the floor-to-ceiling windows, wondering if I should follow him inside.
Just then, I saw someone sitting by the window on the second floor. The person wore a stunning rose-pink professional pantsuit, looking bold and graceful. It was Ivanna. She looked more beautiful than usual today.
I chuckled and thought it was a coincidence that she was there too. It meant I wouldn’t have to put in much effort since Ivanna could see who Matthew was with. With that thought in mind, I picked up my phone and called her.
I saw Ivanna pick up the phone, but I was surprised to see Matthew at the window. I watched as Ivanna signaled Matthew to stay quiet before her voice came through the phone, “Are you bored or something?”
Those words struck my nerves. If this had happened in the past, I might’ve considered it playful teasing between friends, but now I detected mockery behind her words.
It hurt more than seeing her with Matthew.
I asked, "Where are you?"
"I'm in a meeting at the office. I'll call you back later." I saw Ivanna gazing at Matthew as she spoke. Her answer left me speechless. After all, I never expected my best friend to do this to me.
Chapter 8 Misfortunes Come in Threes
I smiled bitterly, replied, “Okay,” and then hung up.
I finally realized how unpredictable people could be. No wonder she tried to probe me by claiming to have seen Matthew. It became evident that it was because of her guilty conscience.
Matthew had said it had been long since he saw Ivanna. I felt heartbroken that he had deceived me like that. I invested myself in Ivanna and Matthew in this unfamiliar city, and they betrayed me. I didn’t know who to trust anymore.
I kept staring at the window before calling Matthew. As I suspected, his response matched Ivanna’s.
I was outraged and rushed to the cafe, but my phone rang as I entered. I received a call from the kindergarten teacher, saying that Ava had fallen off the slide and got sent to the hospital. The news terrified me, and I quickly hailed a cab to the hospital.
On the way, I called Matthew to inform him about Ava’s accident.
He and I arrived at the Kinein Hospital almost simultaneously. We found Ava crying in the emergency room with a scrape on her forehead. The doctor told us she had a minor concussion as she vomited after the fall.
The teacher responsible for Ava was frightened and tearful as she stared at Matthew guiltily. The dean was also there, apologizing repeatedly.
Although Matthew seemed displeased, he maintained his composure and asked the dean about Ava's injuries. The dean said a boy had pushed Ava off the slide’s small platform.
What I heard horrified me because I knew the slide was at least five feet tall.
“Do you even care for the children at your school?! As parents, we trust you with our children, yet this is what happens?!” I couldn’t stand their incompetence and yelled at them.
My outburst shocked Matthew, as he had never seen me so hysterical. Even Ava was scared and shivered as she continued crying.
Matthew comforted me while the dean guiltily handled the hospital administration procedures and arranged a hospital room for Ava. After the doctor had settled everything, Ivanna called me and asked where I was.
I figured she knew about what had happened. Regardless, I still told her that Ava had fallen and was hospitalized. Soon after, Ivanna rushed into the hospital and worriedly asked about Ava.
Coincidentally, Matthew was also in the ward. The two looked calm, though I could see a subtle exchange of glances between them. Matthew even seemed a little nervous.
I restrained myself from reacting and feigned ignorance. Then I asked Ivanna, "You're done with your meeting already?"
"Yeah. It wasn't anything important." Ivanna brushed off my question and asked, "Did you call for something?"
"Nothing. I was just bored. Matthew said he hadn't seen you in a while, so I considered inviting you for lunch," I said, watching her closely.
She glanced at me and calmly replied, "If you want to eat, wait until Ava is fine. I'll treat your whole family to a big meal."
Then she caressed Ava's head and asked, "Is that okay, Ava? I’ll give you whatever you want when you’re better."
Ava blinked and nodded with a pouty expression. Her head had swelled from the fall, and I felt terrible for her.
I instinctively brushed Ivanna's hand away, angry at her attempt to secure her position as the "stepmother." Was she already planning to take my place? I didn’t even consider giving her that opportunity.
Ivanna sensed my distant attitude and looked surprised, asking softly, "Is there something wrong?"
Chapter 9 A Shocking Thought
Before I could answer, Matthew explained, "She's not feeling well."
He touched my shoulder gently and said, "Don't worry, honey. The doctor said it wasn’t serious. We can go home once Ava's passed the observation period."
Home?! That word was a trigger for me. I got up and pushed Matthew away before running out of the ward, sobbing. The cracks in this family were already showing, and I knew it might shatter at any moment.
Now, Ava's future stepmother was here, flaunting around me.
Ivanna followed me as I rushed out, and Ava started crying again.
"Coco, what's wrong with you?" Ivanna grabbed my arm, trying to console me. " Don't scare Ava like that. Hold it in for a while."
"Hold it in? How can I?!” I roared and glared at Ivanna.
I realized I had lost control and tried to collect myself, but I was trembling. My mouth twitched as I said, "You should go back! Since you’re so busy, you don't have to delay your work for us!"
Afterward, I brushed past her and returned to the ward, wiping my tears. As soon as I entered, I saw Matthew comforting Ava. I went over and pulled him away with tears streaming down my face.
Matthew looked at me dumbfoundedly and said, "Don't be too worried, okay? You scared Ava."
Then Ivanna finally entered the room, not knowing what to do. She smacked her mouth a few times, and the atmosphere became awkward.
"Chloe, I'll leave. Call if you need me," Ivanna said awkwardly before turning to my daughter. "Ava, get well soon. I'll bring you some yummy food!"
I wiped my tears and turned to look at Matthew. "Didn't you say you haven't seen Ivanna in a long time? Go send her off."
Matthew's eyes narrowed for a moment. Then he grinned. "Sure. Don't cry anymore, okay?"
He walked Ivanna out of the ward, and I overheard Ivanna saying, "No need to walk me out. I'll drop by again if I have time."
I heard her footsteps fading as Matthew returned to my side, asking, “Honey, what’s wrong?”
"Do you not know what's wrong?" I looked at him with reddened eyes, and Ava started crying again. I quickly leaned down and kissed her cheek, saying, "Don't cry. Mommy’s here!"
I was restless the whole afternoon as people from the kindergarten visited. Ava finally fell asleep, and I stayed beside her. The doctor said she shouldn't make any sudden movements.
Matthew was in the corridor making phone calls while I sat silently by the bedside, looking at my sleeping daughter. My heart was in turmoil, and Matthew knew something was wrong, so he stayed with me as a precaution. He didn't leave the hospital that night, and I didn't intend to let him either.
I felt a rush of conflicting emotions as I looked at him lying on the side of the bed. I would have urged him to go home and rest if I hadn’t discovered he was cheating on me.
However, my thoughts had changed. Matthew was responsible for Ava. If he no longer loved me, he had to love our daughter.
After staying in the hospital for three days, the doctor finally discharged Ava. Matthew said we should let Ava rest for a few more days when we returned home. Since he had taken a few days off, he had to return to the company immediately.
As I watched Matthew leave, I suspected he would rush to his lover. After all, he was trapped with me for a few days and was finally free. I wondered what else he could do behind my back since he could lie effortlessly to my face.
Ivanna called again a few days later to ask about Ava, and I responded indifferently. I shuddered whenever I remembered her lying to me while being with Matthew.
I wanted to confirm if she was the “Mrs. Murphy” the receptionist told me about. What if it was her? What would I do? I considered divorce for the first time. Ultimately, I gritted my teeth and told myself to make Matthew pay and force him to leave with nothing.
Chapter 10 A Pleasant Surprise
Ava seemed to cling to me more after the fall. She remained glued to me, which drove me crazy at times. Meanwhile, Matthew didn’t give me space to figure things out.
His work hours were punctual, and I had no room to pinpoint issues with him. Everything he brought back yielded no clues. I even began to question if I was hallucinating at times.
After finally putting Ava to sleep at noon, I realized we were out of fresh vegetables and fruits. Since Ava was fast asleep, I knew I had to rush to the market before she woke up.
I hurried out the door and aimed to return as quickly as possible. However, I was dumbfounded when I returned from the market because I didn’t have my keys.
I smacked my forehead in frustration because I must’ve forgotten to bring them when I left. I decided to call Matthew, and he answered in a hushed tone. Afterward, he responded, “I’m in a meeting and can’t leave. Get Mel to bring them to you.”
Another meeting? That excuse was consistent over the years. Since I had no choice, I called Melanie. She also had the spare keys, which would be perfect if I could get the ones she had borrowed.
The phone rang for quite some time before Melanie finally picked up. There was a lot of commotion in the background, and her voice came through, "Chloe, what's up?"
"I forgot my keys at home. Can you bring yours to me?"
"I'm out right now and pretty busy. I can't do it," Melanie responded swiftly, and then she shouted to someone nearby, "Hey! Wait a moment!"
"Where are you? I can come," I sputtered, seeing a chance to retrieve my keys.
Before Melanie could reply, I heard someone talking to her, "Miss, can you come and see if the closet is—"
Then, the call ended abruptly.
Closet? I was puzzled and wondered what kind of closet she had to go and see. “She must be up to no good again.” I thought to myself.
With the heavy bags of groceries in my hand, I couldn't help but sigh as I leaned against the door helplessly. I feared Ava might wake up and get scared if she couldn’t find me. Ultimately, I decided to go to the company building.
So I set the groceries by the door and hurried to the office. Since I would be there, I could also see if Matthew was telling the truth about being in a meeting.
After getting off the cab at Galar Tower, I hurried to the front desk, hoping to get upstairs quickly, but quite a few people were registering for visitation.
I tried getting someone’s attention, but everyone ignored me. Ultimately, I patiently waited for the receptionist to finish with the other visitors before I said, “Hi, I need to go to the tenth floor, Tanum Corporation, to see Matthew Murphy.”
I got straight to the point this time, not waiting for any questions from the receptionist. However, the receptionist habitually asked, “Do you have an appointment?”
I felt the person behind the counter seemed familiar and realized she was the one who told me that Mr. Murphy and his wife had gone out that day. Just as I was about to speak, the receptionist’s face lit up with a brilliant smile.
She sweetly addressed someone behind me, “Mrs. Murphy, you’re here!”
Those words blew my mind, and I quickly turned to look at the person behind me.
Cupid
