The perfume lingering on his body was a sweet scent unique to women. It was obvious just where he had spent the past two days.
Charles offered no explanation and just gave me a smile. He did not bother hiding the mockery in his eyes.
“Lulu, do you think I’ve crossed the line? But you’re even worse. You chose me because I was the next best thing, but you still like Ethan, don’t you?”
It had been three years since then, so when I heard Ethan Lawson’s name, I could not associate the name with him right away.
It was only when I saw the vindictive look on Charles’s face that I came to a realization.
Charles was still bothered by the fact that I had studied abroad to chase after Ethan.
His next words hit where it hurt. “If you really want to divorce me, why don’t we go to your parents’ house first and ask for their opinion?”
My adopted parents’ stern faces rose unbidden to the forefront of my mind. They were followed by rebukes and insults.
I clenched my fists and felt a chill down my spine.
When I looked at Charles again, his smile had turned even more malicious. In an instant, I came to realize many things.
“Is this revenge, Charles?”
He readily admitted it and told me blatantly that this was just the beginning. “Since you don’t love me, I’m going to make you suffer.”
With that said, he got up and left the room.
I caressed my belly and tore apart the pregnancy report I had prepared to show him as a surprise.
Charles’ threats were not empty. A few days later, he brought his lover and her son back home.
The three of them sat on the couch in the living room. Charles played with the boy in his arms, while Susan Niel, his affair partner, sat by the side. She had a gentle look on her face and was smiling happily.
When I came downstairs, the homely scene made me feel embarrassed, like I was an intruder.
Susan was the first to notice me. Her smile faded, and, feeling uneasy, she tugged at Charles’s sleeve.
Charles looked up and stood up while holding the boy.
He pinched the boy’s cheek and said softly, “Zach, say hello to the lady.”
Zach looked at me shyly before he greeted me sweetly, “Hello, Ma’am.”
I did not think that I was angry. All I felt was grief. It was as if there was a heavy stone on my chest, and I could not breathe.
Feeling awkward, I stood where I was while grimacing. I opened my mouth, but I did not know what to say.
Charles wiggled his eyebrows at me, as if this interested him greatly, and he loved watching me being put on a spot.
While he continued delighting in my misery, I went upstairs like a loser running away.
When I was about to go to bed, Charles knocked on my door.
After putting a glass of warm milk by my bed, he sat down as if nothing had happened and stared at me silently.
I met his gaze squarely and tried to see whether there was any emotion in his eyes.
But aside from indifference, I saw nothing.
The staring contest lasted until I asked, “What exactly do you want, Charles?”
He did not want to divorce me, but brought his ex and illegitimate son over to boast about them.
Did my grief and embarrassment bring him joy from his successful revenge?
“I want to see you suffer,” he said matter-of-factly. Even though he was smiling, he teared up.
I smiled bitterly and said in resignation, “You win, then.”
“Is that so?” Charles growled and grabbed my wrist. His gaze was as cold as that of a viper.
“Are you hurting because I’m with another woman, or because you have no other choice but to be with me?
“Are you thinking about Ethan now? Unfortunately for you, he never fell in love with you despite you trying to win his heart for six years.”
