Chapter 3

3

Vincent panicked and rushed to my side. "Maddy, what's wrong?"

I threw up until my vision went blurry. It took a long time to catch my breath.

I didn't understand.

Why would a man who claimed to love me so much cheat?

Wasn't he afraid I'd find out?

Or did he think he was so clever that he could hide it forever?

The night wind cleared my head a little.

"Are you okay, Maddy? I should take you to the hospital."

"No. It was just something I ate at dinner."

"Then come to the office tomorrow. We'll have lunch together."

I laughed coldly.

Go to the office to watch him and Raina roll around on his desk?

I suddenly felt like playing a little game.

"Sure. I'll go with you tomorrow morning. I'll keep you company while you work, we'll have lunch, and then we'll come home together."

Vincent didn't expect me to agree. His expression turned stiff. "But I'm going to be really busy. I might not be able to spend every minute with you."

"You do your work. I'll just wait in your office."

"...Alright then."

When we got home, Vincent insisted on running a bath for me. He went into the bathroom and, unusually, locked the door.

I went back downstairs and sat in the car.

As soon as I started the engine, the latest messages appeared on the screen.

Vincent: "Change of plans. We can't do it in the office tomorrow."

Hungry Kitten Raina: "Aw, I'm disappointed."

Vincent: "Don't be, kitten. I'll take you to the rooftop. It'll be more thrilling."

Hungry Kitten Raina: "Hehe. You're the best, Daddy."

When I returned to the bedroom, Vincent was just coming out of the bathroom. "Maddy, the water is ready. Go soak for a bit."

"No, I just want to sleep."

"Okay, get some rest then. Oh, can I open that gift on the table now?"

I said, "Open it in a week."

"Why wait? I want to see what my Maddy got for me."

"Because..."

Because in a week, I'll be gone forever.

"Because in a week, that gift will finally mean something."

Vincent kissed my forehead gently. "Fine. I'll listen to you."

The next morning, Vincent's phone started buzzing at 6 AM.

He silenced it and pulled me closer. "Ignore it. Sleep a little longer."

But the phone kept ringing relentlessly.

Vincent frowned in annoyance. "It's not even office hours yet. These executives are useless. I'm going to fire them all."

He silenced it again.

When it rang for the third time, he got out of bed grumpily. "Maddy, sleep some more. I'm going to see what's so damn urgent."

I gave a soft "Mm" and turned my back to him.

Vincent took his phone and left the room.

Soon, I saw his figure through the window. He was at the front gate.

A delivery guy in a yellow jacket handed him a small package.

Vincent took it, but when he came back inside, his hands were empty.

I asked him, "Is the situation at the company that bad?"

"It's fine. Don't worry about it. Rest up, I'll make breakfast."

I didn't know if he was feeling guilty or actually worried about my stomach, but he made a huge spread.

Milk, eggs, toast, jam, and my favorite oatmeal.

"You have to be careful with what you eat. Maybe I should hire a full-time cook for you."

"No need."

"Be good, Maddy. I can't focus at work if I'm worried about you."

"Vincent," I said quietly. "Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

I put down my fork and asked plainly, "Do you believe in the seven-year itch?"

Vincent immediately looked disgusted. "That's just an excuse for men who lose interest. I'm different. I'll only ever love my Maddy."

"Only me for the rest of your life?"

"Yes."

"And what if you fall for someone else?"

"Then let lightning strike me down. I'd deserve to die a miserable death."

I smirked. "That's a heavy oath. Aren't you afraid it might come true?"

"I'm telling the truth. Why would I be afraid?"

I went back to buttering my toast.

Vincent said, "Maddy, you have to trust me."

I just said, "Eat your breakfast."

"You still don't believe me? Do I have to cut my heart out to show you?"

"People are waiting for you at the office. Don't be late."

Vincent finally looked relieved and sat down across from me. "Let them wait. A bunch of losers. I'll replace them all eventually."

"Even her? Would you really have the heart to fire her?"

I said "her," not "them."

I didn't know if Vincent caught it, but he just said, "I'd give up anything and anyone except you."