He carried me to the bed, picked up a German book, and read it slowly.
As a translator, I needed to listen to German. Ever since our marriage, Michael had read these German journals to me every night before I went to sleep.
For five years, he had never once stopped.
I did not want to waste his time, so I told him, “I already have materials and videos for this. You work so hard every day. You do not need to read anymore.”
That night, he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead and spoke to me tenderly.
“Evelyn, I’d rather do it for a lifetime.
“I want you to see me and to hear me every night before bed and every morning when you wake.”
For the past five years, he had always put my needs before his, no matter how minuscule. He handled everything himself. Even after years of marriage, he never steered close to any other woman. Even when out with friends, he never stepped into bars.
Michael was young, outstanding, and the richest man in Salt City. My mother-in-law had long wanted to push women at him when my belly showed no movement for years.
Each time, he refused. For my sake, he even fell out with his family.
During that time, his family struck back fiercely, trying to suppress him everywhere.
When I saw his haggard face, I begged him through tears more than once to separate.
But every time, he held me tight in his arms and said firmly, “We will not separate. Never. No matter what happens, we must stay together.”
I even once envied myself for having such a good partner like Michael.
The warmth beneath me was tender, and when I returned to my senses, I realized Michael had already carried me to the bed.
He tucked in the quilt for me and brushed my brow with his fingers.
I frowned and turned away from his hand.
“I’m sleepy. Stop moving.”
His hand froze in midair, then he lightly rubbed my head.
“Then go to sleep.”
The moon rose high. Beside me came steady breaths. I could not sleep, so I opened my eyes.
Michael’s familiar, steady presence wrapped around me. His large hand was locked firmly around my waist.
He was holding me in his sleep. That was real. However, his betrayal was also real.
The next day, Michael said he wanted to take me to a newly released movie.
Before I could answer, the doorbell rang.
The butler stepped in. Through the gap in the door, I thought I saw the edge of a white skirt.
“Sir, someone is here for you.”
Michael frowned. He caught sight of the figure outside, and his voice carried a faint, unsteady panic.
“Didn’t I say I am not working today? Who would show up at my door?”
I squeezed his hand to calm him.
“Don’t get upset. Maybe it’s an urgent matter from the company.”
I glanced sideways at the figure outside the door.
It was Rachel.
I asked the butler to bring her in, but Michael stopped me first.
He saw my gaze, and his eyes flickered before he explained himself, “Evelyn, I just remembered the company does have a pressing issue. I may need to head back and deal with it. Don’t worry, I will be back very soon, and then we will go see the movie together, all right?”
Hearing that, I held back the agitation in my chest.
