Betraying Me with a Maid

On my seventh wedding anniversary, my grandmother, Adele Fortescue, appeared to me in a dream.

In the dream, she tapped my head with her tobacco pipe with full of disappointed expression on her face.

“Flavia, you’re a stubborn girl. You didn’t even notice your husband was cheating on you. His mistress—you could see her the moment you opened your eyes!”

Half-believing and half-doubting, I opened my eyes to find three women sitting in front of me.

One was my best friend, Beatrice Alvarez.

Another was Camilla Brader, the college student whom Diego Rodriguez and I sponsored together.

And the last was Emily Carlson, Diego’s female assistant.

My gaze swept over the three of them, a wave of confusion rising in my heart. So, who exactly did Diego cheat on me with?

——

Seeing I was awake, all three of them breathed a sigh of relief.

My best friend, Beatrice, spoke first, “Flavia, can you please keep an eye on your Diego?”

“He called me at two in the morning, saying you were in terrible pain from menstrual cramps and begging me to rush over to take care of you. If I hadn’t stopped him, he would’ve called 911.”

My heart instantly softened.

Ever since Diego and I started dating, whenever I got hurt or fell ill, he’d panic more than if he were the one sick.

Last night, my stomach hurt so badly. I had to take two sleeping pills before I could fall asleep.

Diego was out of town on a business trip. He probably worried about me because he couldn’t reach me, so he asked them to come and look after me.

Emily, who was standing nearby, also joked.

“That’s right, Mr. Rodriguez is so worried about you. Even after all these years together, you two still act like newlyweds. It’s truly enviable.”

Her tone, as always, held a hint of teasing. My eyes fell on her, a hint of hesitation.

Emily was six years older than Diego and me and her son was already in elementary school.

Not only was her family happy and harmonious, but she also had a generous personality and exceptional work skills. She had served as Diego’s assistant for many years.

In my heart, I always treated her like an older sister.

As for any romantic involvement between her and Diego, I simply didn’t believe it.

Maddie, the housekeeper, brought a steaming bowl of traditional medicine to me. There was a hint of envy in her tone.

“Mr. Rodriguez treats his wife with impeccable care.”

I studied Beatrice’s expression closely. She appeared perfectly composed, showing no signs of jealousy.

Seeing Maddie’s arrival with the herbal medicine, Camilla nervously handed over a box of preserved fruit.

The moment I looked at her, Camilla quickly lowered her head, avoiding my gaze.

She spoke softly and her tone was tense, “Flavia, this folk remedy has been passed down in our village.”

“It’s very effective for menstrual cramps, though it tastes rather bitter.”

My heart warmed and I quickly thanked her.

“Thank you, Camilla.”

“If this remedy can ease the pain even a little, it would be a tremendous help.”

As I spoke, my gaze lingered on her.

She kept her head bowed. Her fingers fidgeted nervously with the hem of her shirt. Her clothes were washed to a bleached whiteness, the cuffs frayed and unstitched.

She was clearly a girl in her early twenties, yet dressed more shabbily than Maddie’s daughter.

Fearing she might feel embarrassed, I deliberately lightened my tone.

“To thank you for bringing this remedy, we’ll go shopping this afternoon and pick out some clothes that fit you properly.”

Camilla snapped her head up. Her cheeks flushed instantly.

“Flavia, it’s okay. I’m fine with what I have...”

I smiled and patted her hand.

“Don’t be so polite with me, silly girl. You’re a student Diego and I sponsor together. Dressing up properly will make you look more like a college student. If others see you like this, they’ll think we’re neglecting you.”