Olivia looked at the item in her hand, a trace of surprise flashed in her eyes.
The next second, the surprise turned into fury, "This was something I bought long ago for us to use. I just put it aside because I was preparing for pregnancy. I don't understand why you're being so paranoid!"
"If you had cleaned the house properly, why would I need to stay at a hotel?" Olivia's face turned red, her features twisted and her angry scolding was laced with obvious guilt.
I didn't even have time to say anything before she threw the condom at me. The sharp edge cut open my forehead.
I staggered and only managed to steady myself by grabbing the corner of the dining table, "I'm not being paranoid. I just found this in your pocket and you ..."
She shouted, "Enough! Stop making excuses. You're already in your thirties and you still act like an eighteen-year-old boy, getting jealous like a teenager? Should I only hire women at the company and put up a 'No Men Allowed' sign at the door?"
"I've really had enough of you!" Olivia kicked over the suitcase and slammed the door behind her. She was gone just like that.
Among the scattered luggage was a pair of black boxer briefs, not the familiar brand I usually bought. I squatted down and picked them up. My heart felt like it was being ripped apart.
Back when I proposed to Olivia, I spent all the money I had on a ring. But now, that ring was long gone. Replaced by a new set of couple rings.
I once said I wanted to honeymoon in Hawaii. She went there too. But she came to that place with a new man.
I carefully cleaned the house again and again. When I got tired, I sat down, holding back my tears. Only when the skin on my hands had turned white and wrinkled to the point of tearing did I finally stop.
I took a paper bag and packed all of Judas's belongings I found in Olivia's pocket. Two pairs of underwear, one lighter, three condoms.
The next day at work, I brought the bag to his desk.
Judas looked up with a smile, "Tommy, so sorry, my memory's terrible. I always leave stuff everywhere …"
I forced myself to ignore the provocation in Judas's eyes, "It's nothing."
Olivia's company was co-owned. The other partner was Lea Simmons. Lea's husband and I were responsible for the company's finances.
Just as I sat down at my desk, I saw Judas walk into Olivia's office. Moments later, he came out grinning. She probably coaxed him again.
Near noon, Olivia came over to ask me a financial question, while observing my expression the entire time.
Seeing no reaction from me, Olivia threw a box onto my desk, "This is a gift I brought you from Hawaii. You were being moody yesterday, so I forgot to give it to you. As for the marriage registration, I had Judas reschedule it for us."
My hand paused slightly on the mouse. Judas rescheduled it.
Last time he made a show of it to provoke me. What about next time? Strangely, I was actually looking forward to it.
A Chanel gift box, but the ribbon was gone. I opened it, it was a cufflink, but several of the diamonds had fallen off.
Olivia used to bring me exquisite or branded gifts every time she traveled. But after Judas appeared, I only got his unwanted secondhand, cheap stuff.
"Thanks." I didn't even lift my eyes as I closed the box and tossed it into the trash.
"What do you mean by that!" Olivia's patience was wearing thin.
I looked her straight in the eyes, "Olivia, I'm not so broke that I need to wear someone else's used goods."
