Chapter 2

As soon as I got back to my room, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to what had just happened.

Baxter and I dated for two years, then got married for three years.

Thinking back, Baxter had only ever watched a movie with me once.

But after barely ten minutes, he complained it was boring and pulled me out of there.

But when Baxter was with Mandy just now, his whole demeanor changed.

Baxter's gaze was as intense as when he's laser-focused on documents at work.

I snapped back to reality and let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Every time I saw Mandy, I automatically started comparing myself to her.

But honestly, just the fact that she could change the password on the smart lock at Baxter's place whenever she wanted showed what Baxter thought of her.

She had already won over me.

Baxter showed up in my room late that night.

He didn't even bother to check if I was asleep and just flipped on the lights.

He was already changed into pajamas, and it was obvious he'd showered in Mandy's room.

The harsh light made me instinctively cover my eyes.

Baxter leaned over the bed, tugging my hand away with a hint of pride, almost like he was showing off.

He said, "I didn't even have to bring it up. Mandy just decided to give you the passcode. She still can't help but go easy on you.

"If it were anyone else, after you disrespected her today, they'd have started a fight with you."

Baxter looked genuinely pleased with himself as he rambled on, completely oblivious to my silence.

He didn't even notice I hadn't said a word.

After a long moment, Baxter finally realized I'd been silent and gave me a confused look.

When our eyes met, I finally spoke up. "But Baxter, isn't this something I should know as your wife?

"After three years of marriage, I still couldn't even get into my own home. Can you tell me, Baxter, who do you think is to blame for that?"

A flicker of discomfort flashed across Baxter's face.

But a moment later, his expression grew resolute.

He said, "She's got no one else but me in this world. Of course, she feels insecure."

After saying that, he turned to me and reminded me seriously, "Just don't mention any of this in front of her. Mandy's really sensitive. If she gets upset, I'll be stuck trying to make it up to her for ages.

"I haven't even had a chance to give her that emerald necklace I promised her tonight."

I narrowed my eyes at him.

I asked, "Did you give her the necklace you won? You said it was supposed to be for me."

I didn't really care about the necklace.

Even if it cost a hundred times more, I could buy it for myself.

It was just that every time Baxter made me a promise, he ended up breaking it for Mandy.

I still couldn't shake off the discomfort.

Baxter was already in bed.

He completely ignored my question and just shut his eyes.

He said, "Since we didn't even celebrate our anniversary, there's really no need for a gift, right?"

When I woke up the next morning, Baxter was already gone.

I didn't really care.

When I stepped out after getting dressed, I saw Baxter and Mandy coming out of their room together, both in matching pajamas.

Last night, I had a hunch. It became clear at that moment that Baxter wasn't actually dead set against having matching things after all.

I remembered buying us matching sneakers and asking Baxter to wear his.

He didn't even give them a second look, just called them childish.

His pair was still gathering dust in the shoe cabinet.

Maybe my sarcasm was a little too on the nose, because Baxter actually bothered to explain himself.

He said, "I forgot to grab clean clothes before my shower last night, so Mandy came in and handed me some. Honestly, I didn't even pay attention to what style they were."

Mandy pulled up Baxter's pajama shirt, showing off his eight-pack abs.

She reached out and touched them without hesitation.

She grinned, "Aren't these pajamas cute? I was planning to give them to my future boyfriend, but now my brother is wearing them. Aileen, you don't mind, right?"

Baxter gently tapped Mandy on the nose.

He chuckled, "Sleepyhead, you must still be dreaming. Do you really think Aileen would get jealous over a pair of pajamas? She's not that petty."

Mandy pouted, her lips extra rosy and tempting.

She complained, "It's all because of you, Baxter! You kept coming in to fuss over me and tucking me in all night, waking me up every time. I couldn't get a good night's sleep at all."

Baxter teased, "Really? Who was the one snoozing in my arms last night? Aren't you my little sleepy piggy?"

Mandy whined, "You're the worst, Baxter..."

They were all over each other, playfully messing around and getting handsy.

With just their pajamas between them, they didn't hold back at all.

They shamelessly touched every spot they could reach.

I couldn't be bothered to watch any longer and headed downstairs.

I made some food for myself and sat down at the table to eat.

When Baxter came downstairs and saw I hadn't made breakfast for him and Mandy, he blew up.

Baxter snapped, "Aileen, I spent all night comforting you. Do you really have to keep giving Mandy a hard time? You couldn't even make her breakfast?"

I took a sip of the hot soup, finally feeling a bit warmer inside.

I looked over at Baxter and Mandy, standing there hand in hand by the stairs.

I said, "Why should I make her breakfast? You two didn't even bother to tell me you were eating together last night."

Baxter's face showed a hint of awkwardness.

He was well aware of it.

Last night, while he was enjoying a candlelit dinner with Mandy, I was left waiting for him, hungry and alone, at the restaurant we'd agreed on.

Maybe Baxter had been looking at me for a little too long, Mandy blinked a few times, then suddenly let out a few soft sobs.

She said in a timid, fragile voice, "Baxter, I don't have to eat breakfast. Please don't be mad.

"I know Aileen's never liked me. It's fine. I won't come over anymore."

Baxter finally looked away from me.

He took Mandy's hand again, their fingers lacing together as they walked toward the door.

He went ahead and changed the code he'd told me about last night.

Baxter said, "Aileen, let me make this clear for the last time. Anyone can leave this house, but not Mandy. She's my one and only little sister.

"You're not getting the house code anymore. Maybe when you finally apologize to Mandy, I'll reconsider."

Baxter was gone.

He didn't come back for the next few days.

Therefore, he didn't realize that I was planning to end this marriage.