Chapter 2

But now, whenever I showed up at the office, people just whispered about how "understanding" and "sweet" Austin Miller’s wife was.

Nobody knew my actual name, Chloe. I was just a title—a "saintly" woman who patiently put up with her husband's constant cheating.

All the memories, the lies, and the truths flashed before my eyes.

I looked up at the man standing in front of me, reeking of another woman’s perfume, with a faint lipstick smudge on his collar.

He scoffed, curling his lip. "Chloe, can you stop being so naive?"

He swept his eyes up and down my body. "You practically radiate this stale, old-lady vibe now. I have young, gorgeous women throwing themselves at me. Why on earth would I choose you? I don't owe you a lifetime of devotion."

He seemed to think of something and laughed mockingly.

"Actually, why don't you find some young guy yourself? Maybe it'll wash that grandma scent off you."

The girl next to him giggled, covering her mouth. I could see the smug triumph flashing in her eyes.

Austin looked down at her and leaned in for a messy kiss. With one hand gripping her soft waist, his other hand began to slide down the zipper of her dress. "You little devil, what are you laughing at? You better work hard to please me tonight."

"Ah~" she gasped, her eyes darting over to me with a mock-bashful smirk. "But your wife is right there."

"Ignore her," Austin grunted impatiently. He scooped her up in his arms and strode toward our master bedroom—the room we were supposed to share.

"Sleep in the guest room tonight," he threw over his shoulder.

"Slam." The door shut in my face.

I stood there, staring at the closed door, while the faint sounds of her giggles and his heavy breathing began to drift through the walls.

I looked around the empty living room, at the anniversary dinner that had now gone completely cold.

I sat at the table for a long moment, then slowly got up, cleared everything away, and walked into the guest bedroom.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Loud pounding on the door woke me up the next morning. Groggy, I dragged myself out of bed and opened it. Austin was standing there.

"Do you know what time it is?" he frowned. "Why are you still in bed?"

I studied his face. He looked refreshed, a smug, satisfied glow about him. Clearly, Amber had served him well last night.

"What do you want?" I asked quietly.

"Amber said she wants to try your home-cooked breakfast."

He gave me an impatient look. "Hurry up and get dressed. Don't make us late for work."

I was about to refuse when he cut me off.

"Don't even say no. I gave you the title of Mrs. Miller, so you should be grateful. Don't forget, a few years ago, when that rich heiress, Victoria Vance, offered me a hundred thousand dollars in seed money just to dump you, I chose you without a second thought, didn't I?"

He let out a frustrated sigh. "Do you have any idea how many women would kill to be in your shoes?"

Always the same old guilt trip.

I rubbed my aching temples. "I didn't say no. I'll be out in a minute."

I whipped up breakfast in a daze.

Austin sat at the head of the dining table, with Amber draped over him. When I looked up from the kitchen, she was snuggling against his shoulder.

"Please, pretty please?" she cooed, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness. "Buy it for me. It's only a hundred and fifty thousand dollars. I know a generous CEO like you wouldn't say no to his favorite girl."

Then, she whispered audibly, "And... I promise I'll work extra hard to make sure you have fun tonight."

I rubbed the goosebumps on my arms. Austin, however, was absolutely eating it up.

He reached out, pulled her onto his lap, his hand wandering inappropriately.

"Done!" Austin laughed loudly. "I'll buy you whatever you want."

Hearing this, she squealed with delight, wrapped her arms around his neck, and planted a sloppy kiss on his cheek. He wasted no time pulling her into a passionate make-out session right there. Gross, wet kissing sounds filled the room.

I waited until the noises died down before walking out.

Austin, with her red lipstick smeared across his mouth, just raised an eyebrow at me.

"Finally decided to show your face?"

I nodded silently, ignoring his sarcasm, and started carrying the dishes back to the kitchen. But as I passed by him, he suddenly reached out and blocked my way.