Chapter 3

3 Soon, it was the eve of New Year's. Ashley pulled the same old trick saying she had to leave on a business trip the next day.

I knew what she was going to do, so I asked, "Is your job that busy? You have to go on a trip every holiday?"

She was on her phone and replied distractedly, "Sales jobs are always busy on holidays. I'm working hard to make our future better."

I had to laugh at that one. She gave herself the "Big Wife" title too.

After a long pause, I casually said, "What if I cheated on you, what would you do?"

She frowned and put her phone down to look at me. Seeing I was joking, she smirked. "You dare cheat on me?"

I kept working in the kitchen, putting away the dishes. "Just kidding."

She raised an eyebrow. "If you really did, I'd cheat too, but you'd never know. I'd get married to someone else and break your heart."

Her smile seemed more genuine now. I dried my hands and looked at her, "Thank you."

She was confused, "Thank me for what?"

Thank you for showing me how to deal with this!

I had my own sarcastic thoughts, but I just pinched her cheek. "Thanks for the warning. I can't look at other girls, I will be scared of them now!"

She giggled and came into my arms. "You're so nice to me. I will treat you very well when we're married!"

"We will be the happiest couple ever! I told my parents about the dowry and they will send it to you after New Year's!"

I told her that, but I had stopped smiling long ago when she wasn't looking.

I started getting sick when I smelled her perfume or heard her breathing.

Ashley had no idea. She still thought I was her love-sick puppy who would do anything for her.

"Great. I will save the dowry for a rainy day, in case you treat me badly and I will take it all and run!" She laughed with half a joke and half a warning, leaving me not sure what to think.

They say a woman's mind is complicated. This was definitely true.

If Derek hadn't sent me that video, I would have never guessed Ashley's true intentions.

It was my fault for being too trusting.

But not for long, because the show was just about to begin.

The next day, Ashley "went on her business trip," and just like before, all my texts and calls went unanswered. She was MIA.

That night, Derek posted his location on Instagram. Ashley was having dinner with him at a fancy restaurant.

I knew it was time to eat too, so I called Chloe, and we went to that exact same restaurant, sitting in the small private room next to them.

The restaurant was Japanese style, with wooden walls for each private room, and not very soundproof. You could easily hear the next room talking.

Chloe whispered, "Can't we go somewhere else? This is too wild!"

I shook my head, and before I could reply, I heard Ashley shouting next door, "What? You accidentally sent the video of us to Ethan? Derek, are you okay?"