Chapter 1
When I picked up the drunken Samuel Carter, he leaned against my shoulder affectionately.
He said, "Having a wife like you is so nice, Evelyn. You always come pick me up and take me home."
I settled him into the passenger seat properly.
After closing the car door, I casually turned on some music.
It sang, "White-petaled daisies, drifting so light. They land like a memory, soft and true, on my pleated skirt of navy blue."
Samuel, with his eyes closed, curled his lips.
He murmured, "Every time I hear this part, I always think of the first time I saw you, wearing that blue dress.
"You were so beautiful."
My hand, about to smooth his hair, froze mid-air.
Samuel knew perfectly well.
I hated blue the most.
There was no way I would have ever worn something like a blue dress.
*****
I had no idea how long I stayed frozen like that.
By the time I snapped out of it, Samuel had already fallen asleep.
I stared at his profile.
Who was he talking about?
The summer night was hot and stifling.
Yet I felt cold all over.
I pulled up my WhatsApp chat with Mike Stone and asked if there was anyone new or anyone I didn't know at dinner.
Mike replied: [No, just the same old guys. You know everyone.]
He sent me a group photo taken in the private room.
In the picture, the guys were all grinning, arms thrown around each other's shoulders.
Most of them were our old high school friends, plus a couple who'd helped Samuel get his company off the ground.
Mike sent me a slurred voice message.
Mike said, "Evelyn, don't worry. I've got your back. If Samuel ever does anything to hurt you, I'll be the first to kick his ass."
But that nagging suspicion just wouldn't go away.
I finally reached for Samuel's phone.
His passcode was still our anniversary, unchanged for eight years.
All his apps were squeaky clean, nothing suspicious anywhere.
I checked his Notes, and right at the top was a pinned note called [Love Her.]
My heart was in my throat as I tapped on it.
But as soon as it opened, I just stared, stunned.
All it said was: [Just one more year until I could buy my darling that house by the river. Gotta keep grinding.]
There was a photo of a stylish villa with a garden attached to the note.
I covered my mouth, my eyes welling up with tears.
We'd passed by that fancy new neighborhood they were building by the river when we went for a walk.
I'd told him, half envious, "Wouldn't it be amazing to live there one day?"
He just smiled and kissed me on the cheek.
"Come on, that's easy. I'll get you a place here someday, so you never have to envy anyone else," Samuel promised with a smile.
I figured he was just sweet-talking me because this was the priciest spot in all of Bayview City.
But I never imagined he'd actually mean it.
Tears streamed down my face.
I leaned in and kissed his forehead softly.
I shouldn't have let myself doubt him over one drunken, half-asleep mumble.
Everyone knew his love for me was fierce and unshakeable.
*****
The next day, Samuel headed out on a business trip.
That night, I went alone to Nicole Reed's housewarming party.
Most of the guests were from Samuel's company, and the moment I walked in, everyone greeted me with a chorus of "Mrs. Carter" and big, friendly smiles.
After a few drinks, I raised my glass to Nicole.
"Nicole, you're the one who made sure Samuel's new game, Quest of Legends, went live on time. He's not here tonight, so as his wife, I have to thank you on his behalf," I said, smiling.
Nicole swirled her wine, staring at the red liquid with a forced, almost insincere smile.
"Actually, I should be the one thanking you," she said.
I stared at her, surprised. "Thank me?"
"Yeah," she said, raising an eyebrow and looking right at me. "I should thank you for letting me have the chance to—"
Just then, her phone rang.
When she saw who was calling, her eyes flashed with a glint of triumph and provocation.
Surprised, I tried to sneak a peek at the screen, but she quickly covered it up and slipped out to the balcony to answer.
My heart felt heavy, so I got up and grabbed a glass of ice water.
Walking past the brightly lit study, I found a fancy aquamarine gift box.
I froze.
An absurd thought suddenly crossed my mind.
As if pulled by some invisible force, I walked over and gently lifted the lid of the box.
And there it was, a beautiful aquamarine pleated dress.
On top of the dress was a greeting card.
It read: [You are beautiful in blue.]
At the bottom, it was signed: [Love, SC.]
SC, that was Samuel Carter.
His affection was so blunt, so forward, so unapologetic.
My mind went completely blank.
So there really was another person who liked wearing a blue dress.
Samuel really did cheat on me.