Chapter 2
The next morning, the crêpes I'd mentioned offhand days earlier sat waiting on the table.
Was this supposed to be his peace offering?
I swept them straight into the trash—just as Edward walked back in from his morning run.
Instantly, he slapped my face. My cheek burned.
The coppery taste of blood touched my lip.
"How could you throw them all away?" His voice was low, tight with anger. "Do you have any idea how long I waited in line for those? If Clai—"
He cut himself off abruptly.
A cold laugh escaped me. "Claire, you mean? What is she to you that the CEO himself brings her breakfast?"
Suddenly, he looked nervous. His hand shot out, gripping my wrist.
"How do you know about her? Have you been going through my phone? Did you do something to her? There's nothing between us, I swear."
I pulled free, my smile thin. "I haven't touched her. But have you noticed our chat streak is gone?"
For a moment, he just stared. Then, visibly relieved, he shrugged.
"It's just a silly app feature. Who cares if it's gone? We're married. Besides, I never liked keeping up with that nonsense—such a waste of time."
Biting back the storm inside, I forced my voice steady.
"I saw your follow list. You kept that 'silly' streak going with her for a month. You even celebrated the anniversary. Don't you think I deserve an explanation?"
Anger flashed across his face. "She's my direct junior from university.
"We just talk math sometimes. Or have you forgotten why I gave up mathematics in the first place? Who was it for?
"You were brilliant at math, I know. But after all these years as a housewife, could you even understand a problem now?"
His words hit like a physical blow.
Edward had dreamed of becoming a mathematician. But his family, the Brooks family, would never accept an orphan like me as his wife.
So he bargained: he'd abandon math, take over the family business, and in return, they'd let him marry me.
A suffocating pressure closed around my throat. Tears fell before I could stop them.
"Did I ever force you to marry me?" My voice broke, rising uncontrollably. "Did I say you had to give up math? Was that my condition?
"And why do you think I became a housewife? I was about to start my master's degree. It was your parents who said your wife shouldn't work outside the home. So I gave it up. These hands that were meant for lab work learned to cook for you instead.
"Now look at yourself. Search your conscience—if you even have one left."
His expression softened slightly. He reached for me, but I stepped back.
"I'm sorry, truly—there's nothing happening between me and her. Just promise me you won't hurt Claire, okay? I need to head to work," he mumbled.
Alone, I went out for breakfast. At a nearby café, young couples laughed and flirted, their ease a stark contrast to the heavy silence between Edward and me.
Memories of our seven years together surfaced—the good and the bad, the promises and the quiet sacrifices.
An idea took shape, stubborn and clear. I would go to his company.
Consider it a chance—for him, and for the years I'd given him.
*****
Stepping into the company's lobby, I spotted Edward and Claire talking in the distance.
Beside them stood a middle-aged woman carrying several bags of local specialties—clearly Claire's mother.
My feet seemed to root themselves to the floor. A cold rush swept through my veins, and for a moment, I couldn't breathe.
The woman fussed over Claire with unmistakable warmth, adjusting her collar, handing her one of the bags. When she turned slightly, the profile was achingly familiar.
Even after more than twenty years, I would never mistake it.
Linda Warren, my birth mother, had abandoned me in a crowded market when I was five, promising to return with candy and never coming back.
The woman who had vanished from my life until I was placed in an orphanage and later adopted.
And here she was, well‑dressed, her eyes full of nothing but tender concern for Claire.
My heart hammered violently against my ribs.
Before I could stop myself, I took a step forward—perhaps to see her more clearly, perhaps in some absurd hope that she might finally see me.
Claire noticed me first. The sweet smile on her face wavered, a flicker of panic passing through her eyes before they hardened into something almost defiant.
Rising onto her toes, she planted a quick, audible kiss on Edward's cheek.
Edward went rigid, clearly taken by surprise.
And in that instant, his gaze found mine.
His eyes widened in shock, and almost by reflex, he instinctively pulled Claire behind him.
We stared at each other across the polished lobby floor.
Guilt flashed across his face, quickly replaced by strained composure.
"What are you doing here? Don't misunderstand. That was just... a friendly gesture. Claire's way of thanking me for helping her settle in. She's used to being affectionate—it doesn't mean anything," he explained, his voice unnaturally even.
"A friendly gesture?" My voice came out feather‑light, sharp with cold mockery. "Do you really expect anyone to believe that?"
Linda's eyes finally settled on me. For a split second, I thought I saw a flicker of recognition—a hint of something uneasy in her expression.
But it vanished, replaced by detached politeness.
"Edward, who is this?" she said warmly, as though I were an unwelcome interruption.
"This is my wife, Evelyn Shaw."
Immediately, Linda's face softened into a practiced, distant smile. "Mrs. Brooks, what a pleasure. I'm Claire's mother. She was just being playful—please don't think anything of it.
"Claire is still adjusting since moving back; I've spoiled her, so she sometimes forgets her manners. But she never means any harm."
She gave Claire's arm a light, chiding pat. "You really must learn to think before you act."
Claire stuck out her tongue playfully, wrapped her arm around her mom's, and cooed, "Mooom..."
Edward seized the excuse. "Exactly, Eve. Claire is just... genuine. She doesn't overthink things. It really was just her way of saying thanks."
His eyes held a quiet plea—for me not to make a scene, to be the reasonable one.
I dug my nails deep into my palm until the sting steadied me.
"I understand." Then I turned and walked away.
In that moment, I knew our marriage was over.