Chapter 3

I opened the car door and went after them.

I walked up to the gym's front desk and told the receptionist, "Hi, I'm interested in signing up for a membership."

The receptionist immediately handed me a flyer, all smiles.

I pretended to study it, but couldn't help sneaking glances at the equipment area inside.

"Are your trainers really qualified? My friend said this gym is great," I asked.

"No worries, all our trainers are fully certified!" the receptionist assured me.

I asked, "Oh, that gorgeous woman who just walked in. She's got an amazing figure. Is she a member here?"

"You mean Ms. Gill? Serena Gill? She's our star trainer. She's got both the looks and the skills. Tons of members specifically request her classes," the receptionist replied with a smile.

I asked, "Can I take a look around? I want to get a feel for the place."

The receptionist replied, "Of course! Let me show you around."

Led by the staff member, I walked in openly as a potential customer. I spotted them quickly in the bench press area.

Noah was lying on the bench. After every rep, Serena would lean in so close she was practically whispering in his ear, probably guiding his breathing.

Her hand rested naturally on his arm, helping him adjust his form. They were so close that there was barely any space between them.

Noah had a genuine smile on his face. When he finished a set, Serena handed him a bottle of water. The whole time he drank, his eyes never left her.

Serena laughed at his stare, shyly reaching out to push his shoulder. Noah caught her wrist and held it for a second.

They were acting like they were the only two people in the world, all lovey-dovey and totally ignoring everyone else. Watching them felt like I just got stabbed right in the feels.

I couldn't take it anymore. I made up some random excuse, thanked the receptionist, and staggered out.

It wasn't until I got back in my car that the pain really hit me. It was like my heart was being crushed from all sides.

We started dating back in our sophomore year, and we have been married for two years. Six years together, and he just tossed it all aside like it meant nothing.

My parents always thought his background was too plain for me and did everything they could to break us up. I argued with them, just so I could stay with him.

After graduation, we were stuck in a long-distance relationship. He gave up a cushy job in another city and moved here for me, no hesitation at all. That was how we finally ended up together.

I always believed he was the person I would rely on for the rest of my life. Even when we got married without my parents' blessing, I didn't care. I thought our relationship was unshakable.

But then, it seemed like everything had been turned upside down.

The next day was a weekday, and during my lunch break, I drove back to that gym, Powerhouse Fitness.

"Hi, I was here the other day to ask about a membership. I've decided to sign up," I said, walking straight up to the front desk, my voice steady.

"Great, welcome!" The receptionist clearly remembered me and quickly pulled out a contract. "Would you like a quarterly or annual membership?"

"I'll start with a quarterly membership," I said, filling out the form.

"Can I request Serena Gill as my personal trainer? I saw her working with a member the other day, and she seemed really professional," I asked.

"Of course! Ms. Gill's classes are always in high demand. Let me check her schedule for you," the receptionist replied.

Soon, I had everything set up and booked my first private session with Serena for Wednesday night.

When I got home, Noah had already made dinner. Just like always, he served me a plate and set it in front of me.

"Was work busy today?" he asked.

"Not too bad. I want to tell you something," I said.

"What is it?" he asked.

I said, "I signed up for a gym membership today too. At the same gym you always go to."

Noah's hand froze mid-air, his expression a little off. "Why did you suddenly decide to work out?"

"It's all your fault," I said, acting like it was obvious. "You've been so into fitness lately, living this healthy lifestyle. I figured I should keep up with you. Oh, and I even booked the same trainer as you. The one named Gill, Serena Gill, right?"

"You..." Noah's expression shifted, a flash of panic in his eyes. "How come you booked her?"

"I went to see you the other day and saw her training someone. She looked super professional. What's up? Is there something wrong?" I said. I gave him a puzzled look, playing dumb.

"No... no problem," he muttered, head down as he hurried through his food. He was nowhere near as relaxed as before.

On Wednesday night, I changed into my workout clothes and called out to Noah, who was watching TV in the living room.

"Hey, will you come with me to my first session? I'm kind of nervous to go alone," I said.