Chapter 2

2 Lorelei saw me sitting slumped on the sofa and immediately walked over, taking a seat beside me.

"When did you get back? I got swamped with overtime at the office last night and couldn't make it home."

I forced a faint smirk. "I pulled an all-night shift in the ER. Just got home myself."

At the mention of the ER, her expression flickered with panic. She leaned in closer. "Babe… did you hear about anything weird happening at the hospital last night?"

"Like what?" I feigned ignorance.

Seeing my blank reaction, Lorelei visibly let out a sigh of relief.

She slid onto my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck and leaning in to kiss me.

The vivid image of her tangled with Garrett flashed across my mind, and I jerked my face away in sheer revulsion.

She blinked in surprise. "Babe, what's wrong? Not in the mood?"

"I haven't brushed my teeth yet. Didn't want my breath to bother you."

"Oh, come on, we've been married for years. Why are you acting so shy?"

Lorelei held me tighter and leaned down again to press her lips against mine.

Her lips were thin and icy cold.

Just like her heart―completely devoid of warmth.

I stayed motionless, staring right into her eyes.

She seemed oblivious to my coldness as she shrugged off her cardigan, revealing a sheer silk nightgown underneath.

The translucent fabric clung tightly to her curves.

She stroked my chest with a sultry gaze, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness. "Babe, it's been so long since we last touched."

Her manicured hand slowly slid down my waist.

Suddenly, her phone blared on the coffee table.

I grabbed her wrist to stop her. "Your phone's ringing."

"Ignore it. Tonight, I only want to be with you."

Lorelei took my hand and placed it against her bare waist.

If this had been before, I would have been thrilled by her rare initiative.

Back then, I was the ultimate devoted husband who treated her like a queen.

I never did a single thing to upset her, and in bed, I catered entirely to her every desire.

Watching her desperate seduction now only filled me with deep disgust.

I even entertained the dark thought of playing along and treating her as roughly as she deserved.

I could push her limits and unleash all the pent-up frustration I had held back for years.

If she resisted, I could throw her filthy affair right into her face.

Whether out of guilt or fear of exposure, she would have surrendered to whatever I demanded.

Looking at her calculating eyes, a wave of sickness washed over me.

If I stooped to that level, how would I be any different from trash like her?

The phone continued to buzz relentlessly against the glass table.

As she leaned in again, I gently pushed her off my lap. "You should check it. It might be an emergency."

If I wasn't mistaken, the caller was Garrett.

My rejection annoyed her, and she grabbed the phone with a scowl, but her eyes darted toward me nervously when she saw the screen.

I put on a curious face. "Who's calling this early?"

Her smile froze. "Just my executive assistant. I'll take this in the other room."

The screen lit up again before she could hide it, and we both saw the caller ID clearly.

Garrett.

Just as I expected.

Flustered, she turned around and hurried to the bedroom to answer.

I walked over to the balcony and sat on the lounge chair, staring blankly at the skyline.

A few minutes later, Lorelei's footsteps approached from behind.

"Babe, Garrett says there's a major crisis with our latest project. I have to head to the office right away."

She had already stripped off the nightgown and changed into a fitted mini skirt, sheer stockings, and fresh makeup.

I stood up and walked toward her, feigning concern. "Is it that urgent? Do you want me to come with you?"

Her face stiffened for a second before she forced a laugh. "No need! I can handle company business. You don't need to worry."

"Besides, you've always hated corporate events, right?" She slipped into her stilettos and leaned in to kiss my cheek, but I subtly stepped back.

I caught the flash of irritation across her eyes before she masked it.

"Lorelei, wait…"

"I have to run. We'll talk when I get back!"

She slammed the front door behind her, leaving me standing alone in the quiet hallway.

My heart sank into an abyss of cold detachment.

I had wanted to remind her that my birthday was in two days.

Judging by her hurried exit, she had completely wiped it from her memory.