Chapter 3

3

It made sense now why my son never took after Bianca or me. We were top of our class, while he couldn't pass a basic test.

I used to be so confused. Now I knew he was just like Hunter Hans―a high school dropout with no future.

I took a deep breath and drove to the hospital. I sat by the bed of my father-in-law, who had been in a vegetative state since a massive car accident.

He was a man of status. He had sent me abroad to study and bought us our first home and car.

He had placed Bianca in a medical role and gave me a high-paying, low-stress management job. He did it so I could look after his daughter, but I had been grateful.

I thanked him for his kindness one last time, knowing my departure would be a betrayal of his wishes. Then, I took my passport and Bianca's ID from the safe.

While I was finishing my resignation paperwork at my desk, Bianca walked in. The smell of booze was gone, and she seemed to have forgotten the morning's tension.

She set a watch box on my desk―a brand new Rolex with a diamond-encrusted dial.

"Do you like it?" she asked. I glanced at it and replied flatly, "I don't need this."

In the past, I would have been overjoyed. I loved luxury watches and collected magazines about them.

Back then, I craved any sign of affection from my wife. But now, the gold just looked like another chain.

Bianca didn't say a word and walked out. A few minutes later, I heard some nurses gossiping in the breakroom.

"Did you see the new guy Bianca brought in? That male nurse, Hunter? He's wearing a Rolex she bought him. My God!"

"Gold band, diamond dial! You should have seen him flaunting it. He was practically humping her in the supply closet. Man, Bianca's husband is such a―"

I stood at the door, watching them. The files in my hand slipped, scattering across the floor with a loud rustle.

The nurses went silent instantly. They scrambled away like rats caught in the light.

*

At the end of the day, Bianca came into my office, finally sensing my coldness.

She sat on my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck. "Is my husband too tired from work today?"

Maybe she felt a shred of guilt. she pulled out two tickets and gave me a rare, sweet smile.

"There's a new club opening on 5th Street. They say a big star is performing. Let's go relax, okay?"

I looked at her, softened by her rare show of affection. She felt warm and small in my arms.

I figured there was no need for a messy exit. I agreed to go.

It was the era of synth-pop and big ballads. The club was packed, the energy electric.

A flower girl approached us, smiling brightly. "Buy a rose, sir? One flower to keep your wife by your side for three lifetimes."

She practically shoved it into my hand. I felt sorry for her and paid the ten bucks.

I turned to Bianca. Her hair was coming loose, her silver hairpin falling to the floor.

I tucked the rose into her hair to hold the bun in place. "Let's go," I said as she looked at me in surprise.

The music was loud and slow. We sat close, and for a moment, our hands intertwined on the armrest.

Bianca leaned her head on my shoulder, looking almost shy.

The singer started a romantic ballad. Bianca's phone buzzed. She saw the name, dropped my hand, and bolted for the exit.

I followed slowly. Through the crack in the door, I heard Hunter's voice. "Bianca! I saw you in there! Look what I got you."

Bianca's voice was high and giddy. "Put it on me... The rose? It doesn't matter. Just throw it away."

Through the glass, I saw Hunter pull out a new, expensive pin. He plucked the rose from her hair and tossed it into the trash.

Their laughter faded as they walked away. I stood up to leave, hearing Bianca promise him another night out.

They saw me as I walked out. Bianca's smile froze for a second, her lips parting to explain.

Suddenly, someone inside screamed. "Fire! There's a fire!!" The crowd began to panic, surging toward the doors.

My first instinct was to grab Bianca, to shield her from the stampede and get her to safety.

My hand was inches from hers when she lunged away―not toward safety, but toward Hunter. She grabbed his arm, pulling him through the crowd.

I felt the lingering warmth of her silk dress on my fingertips for a split second before she was gone.

I stood there, watching them run away together. I let out a sharp, cold laugh.

The discarded rose lay on the floor, trampled and filthy. I ground it into the dirt with my heel.

The crowd pushed me forward, but I only felt the distance between us growing. I didn't wait for her. I got in the car and told the driver to take me home.