Chapter 2
She added, "He said you're like a log, totally boring. Not like me."
The voice message stopped for a moment.
Then, my screen was flooded with pictures instantly.
One was a selfie of Blair pressing her cheek against Cole's face when he was asleep.
Another was a close-up of their fingers intertwined, both wearing obvious couple rings.
Another one was in my kitchen. Blair had her arms wrapped around Cole's waist from behind. Cole turned his head slightly and smiled softly.
The last one was in the dim light, a messy bedroom.
Blair was wearing Cole's shirt, the collar undone, and the marks that stood out beneath her collarbone were fresh and vivid.
On the nightstand in the background, our wedding photo was there, but the frame had been flipped over.
After the pictures, one last voice message appeared.
She said, "Cole is willing to give all he gets to me.
"He said this is the life and love he really wants.
"Elsie, your show's over.
"From now on, I'll be the one in and out of his place, ironing his shirts, and sleeping on his bed.
"Don't worry, I would definitely take care of him for you.
"As for you, just take that useless marriage certificate and stay out of our way.
"Goodbye, ex."
After the voice message finished, the living room fell into a dead silence.
I sat on the couch with my back straight.
The phone screen dimmed, casting a blurry, emotionless reflection of me.
Those vicious words and those harsh images crashed over me like waves, then faded away, leaving my heart untouched.
It turned out that when my heart finally went numb, it was like this.
No more pain, no more anger, just emptiness, stretching on forever, cold emptiness.
The first time I found out Cole was cheating was one night.
I pushed open the door.
Cole was lying on the couch, and Blair was sitting on the floor right by his legs, so close she was almost touching him.
She handed a grape to his mouth, and Cole leaned to eat it.
They openly flirted right in front of me.
When I came in, both of them glanced my way.
Cole's relaxed look froze instantly, replaced by a blend of astonishment and irritation.
Blair looked up at me. And the red marks on her neck hadn't faded yet.
There was a flicker of provocation in her eyes, gone so fast I almost doubted it was there.
Blair was the first to speak, "Elsie, hello."
Her voice was soft, with just the right touch of surprise.
She continued, "Cole and I are watching a movie.
"He mentioned this movie to me before, but we never had the chance to watch it together. Tonight just happened to be the perfect time."
"Who told you to sit there?" I snapped, cutting her off, my voice strained with anger.
I stared at the spot where she was pressed right up against Cole's leg.
Cole frowned and sat up straight.
He said coldly, "Elsie, what's your problem? I invited Blair to come here. She is just a guest."
"A guest?" I snapped.
I took a step forward and pointed at Blair's clothes.
"A guest wears my pajamas? Does a guest..."
I choked. The image of her feeding him grapes felt in my throat like a thorn.
I continued, "Does a guest ever act like this?"
Hearing this, Blair stood up slowly, her face full of innocent hurt.
She said, "Elsie, don't be upset.
"I just spilled something on my clothes, so Cole let me change into yours.
"Honestly, nothing happened. We were just watching a movie and chatting.
"How would you even think something like that?"
As she spoke, her eyes instantly rimmed red, and tears welled up in her eyes.
She sobbed, "I know I shouldn't be wearing your pajamas. I'll change out of them right now."
I cut her off angrily, "Drop the innocent act!
"Blair, don't think I don't know what you want!
"Middle of the night, just the two of you, you're wearing my pajamas, feeding him grapes. You said nothing happened?
"You think I'm some stupid?"
Cole snapped, his voice sharp. "Elsie!"
He shot to his feet and strode in front of me.
His tall frame loomed over me, radiating pressure, his face twisted with undisguised anger and annoyance.
He said, "Enough! Look at yourself. Are you acting like some crazy shrew?
"Blair's my junior. We are really innocent!
"Just because of your dirty thoughts, you think everyone else is as shameless as you?"
"Me, shameless?" I glared up at him, fighting back tears.
I snapped, "Cole, ask yourself honestly.
"Is that what you call innocent?
"Your idea of 'innocent' is to let her wear my pajamas, snuggle with her, and let her feed you grapes?
"Your idea of 'innocent' is pretty pathetic."