Third Person's POV
Edmond’s face lit up at Leigh’s innocent words. He leaned over to kiss her cheek and said, “When you grow up, Leigh, make sure to look carefully. I doubt anyone in the world could love their wife more than Daddy loves Mommy.”
Haven glanced at Edmond and her chest tightened at his confident smile. Sure, his love for her hadn’t faded yet, but he still sought the excitement of fresh, younger bodies outside.
She couldn’t help but wonder, 'Edmond, do you really think that as long as you love me, it excuses everything else you do?'
The devoted, earnest man she’d married was gone, replaced by someone she barely recognized.
Soon, their warm family dinner was cut short by a phone call.
Edmond had been laughing with Leigh when the phone vibrated on the table. He paused briefly, not even glancing at the screen. Instead, his eyes flicked instinctively to Haven.
She already knew who it was. There was no need to check. Still, she acted as if she hadn’t noticed anything and asked casually. “Aren’t you going to answer it?”
“It’s probably work, " Edmond lied, and then excused himself, "You two keep eating.”
Without saying anything, Haven just gave a small nod.
As such, Edmond picked up the phone and lowered the volume. “Hello?”
From the other end, Hattie’s playful voice purred, “The custom kitty outfit I ordered just arrived.”
Edmond’s breath hitched. He reached for his glass of iced water, gulping it down to suppress the heat rising in his chest.
Then Hattie’s tone turned even more seductive. “This lonely little kitty is all curled up in bed alone. So boring.”
Edmond’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “I’ll be there soon.”
After ending the call, he turned to his wife and daughter, his expression calm. “Something came up at work. I… might need to head back for a bit.”
Haven’s eyes locked onto him. She didn’t say a word, but her gaze was steady, unflinching, as though peeling back the layers of his facade.
Her silence made Edmond uneasy. “Haven? Why are you looking at me like that? If you don’t want me to go, I won’t. You and Leigh mean more to me than anything else.”
Finally, she broke the silence, her voice even. “It’s fine. Go handle your work. Leigh and I will head home on our own later.”
Edmond hesitated but then shook his head. “No need. I’ll drop you off first.”
On their way home, Haven noticed Edmond kept checking his watch while they were stuck in the traffic.
Soon, when they finally reached home, Edmond immediately rushed out the door as soon as the two stepped inside.
Seeing the rush of his husband, Haven decided to follow him. After entrusting Leigh to their housekeeper, she picked up her keys and used the car’s tracking system to trace Edmond’s location.
When she finally arrived, she saw Edmond had just pulled up to a house.
From her car, Haven watched as Hattie appeared at the doorway, kneeling down, dressed in cat ears, paw gloves, and a tail. The latter looked exactly like a playful, seductive feline that came to life.
Being reserved, Haven had never played games like this—never thought she needed to. But clearly, Edmond enjoyed it as he hurriedly pulled Hattie off the ground and pushed her against the stone pillar by the door. Unable to contain his urge any longer, he kissed her passionately right there and then without any care in the world.
Hattie laughed softly, pretending to resist, but then kissed him back, her hands sliding over his chest. “You’re so impatient,” she teased. “But I’ve got something even more fun waiting inside.”
Edmond grinned, gripping her by the tail. “You little minx.”
Hattie tugged on his tie, her smoldering gaze locking onto his. Step by step, she led him into the house.
Meanwhile, Haven sat frozen in her car, watching everything unfold. Edmond’s anticipation, the way he looked at Hattie—it was like a knife twisting in her chest.
The tears came slowly at first, then all at once. She collapsed against the steering wheel, sobbing for the love that had once been so pure and genuine, now reduced to a cruel joke.
Once, just holding each other's hand made Edmond blush and his heart race.
Back then, Haven had once asked him, “Do you think I’m too cold and reserved? Does it make you feel like I lack passion?”
