Chapter 3

3.

After a shower, I sat leaning against the headboard in the master bedroom.

Outside, a heavy rain began to fall.

My first instinct was to get up and drive to pick her up.

I even changed my clothes before I realized I was being a fool again.

I picked up my phone to call her, but she beat me to it.

"Xander, baby, go to sleep. Don't wait up for me tonight."

She sounded drunk, and then she hung up immediately.

I knew exactly who she was with.

To prove my theory, I committed an act of self-torture and video-called Xander.

He picked up almost instantly.

The screen was dark, but the sounds of heavy breathing and moaning were unmistakable.

Xander whispered with a chuckle, "I'm a bit busy right now, man. I'll call you back later."

The call ended. I didn't have the courage to call again.

A news notification popped up on my phone.

It was more coverage of Xander and Willow.

The article was full of blessings for the "perfect couple."

The main photo was them kissing at the gala.

The comments were just as painful―people wishing them a long life together and many children.

I laughed at myself as I stared at the photo.

I couldn't lie to myself anymore; Willow and Xander were a perfect match.

One was a powerful CEO, the other a rising star.

They were beautiful people. I was just a commoner.

I checked Xander's social media.

He had posted dozens of intimate photos with Willow.

I felt like a clown, stalking my own wife's affair.

As the sun began to rise, I got a text from Willow.

"Xander, I'm craving the lobster bisque and crepes from that place on 5th Ave. Buy some and bring them to my office."

I knew this was her way of "making peace."

Whenever we had a fight, she wouldn't apologize.

She would just give me a task to do, and if I did it, we were "fine."

In the past, I would have been thrilled to serve her.

But now, I hesitated for a long time before deciding to go.