Chapter 2

Ever since a dinner with our old classmate Pete, Alex had become obsessed.

All he could think about was getting promoted, making tons of cash, and proving himself.

"If I hadn't given up my funded lab spot at MIT to Pete back then, he would never have landed that high-paying job at Apple," Alex would snap.

"I was better than him in every single class. I’m going to prove that even without a master's degree, I can still run circles around him."

So, he started working himself to the bone. He spent every night at client dinners and late-night happy hours, trying to climb the corporate ladder.

One morning, at 1:30 AM, the front door finally clicked open. The heavy stench of alcohol immediately filled the living room.

He stumbled in, his eyes completely bloodshot and out of focus.

I rushed over to support him, guiding him to the couch, and handed him the warm milk I had prepared.

"Why did you drink so much again? You're going to ruin your stomach."

He frowned deeply, pushing my hand away.

"Do you think I drink for fun? I’m doing this to bring home money!"

"If I don’t drink with the bosses, how am I supposed to get noticed? How do I get promoted? How do I close deals?"

Impatience flashed in his eyes.

I didn't know when it started, but he had become so easily annoyed with me. Even when I was just trying to care for him.

Still, knowing how stressed he was at work lately, I swallowed my hurt and coaxed him gently.

"Just drink some milk first. It’ll make your stomach feel better."

"Can you just get off my back for once?!"

He shoved me away in frustration. The glass slipped from my hand, shattering on the hardwood floor. Warm milk and broken glass splattered everywhere.

He froze, looking slightly guilty. "I... I didn't mean to."

Looking at the dark circles under his eyes, I let out a soft sigh.

"I’ll clean it up. Go take a shower."

He didn't say a word. He just turned and walked into the bathroom.

Soon, the sound of running water started.

I carefully picked up the broken glass and grabbed his coat from the couch to take it to the laundry room.

But as I reached into his pocket, my fingers brushed against a crumpled napkin.

I pulled it out. It was smeared with red lipstick.

My mind went completely blank.

Right then, his phone buzzed on the counter.

I automatically picked it up. A notification popped up on the screen.

SnapChat from Marta: You forgot to hug me goodbye today. You owe me one next time.

The blank space in my mind suddenly felt like a freezing void.

I tried to unlock the phone, only to realize he had changed his password.

"Kate! What the hell are you doing?!"

Alex rushed out of the bathroom, soaking wet. He snatched the phone out of my hand, his face a mix of panic and rage.

"Why are you snooping through my phone?!"

He had never kept secrets from me before. His passcode had always been our wedding anniversary.

When did he change it?

I looked up, trying my best to keep my voice from shaking.

"Who is Marta?"