Chapter 1

My middle-aged husband suddenly got hooked on an AI girlfriend. He spent a fortune on her, grinning at his phone all day, and now and then, he'd blurt out some cringey pickup lines.

That syrupy, flirtatious voice kept ringing in my ears, and I just couldn't take it anymore.

When he saw I was pissed, he wrapped his arms around me from behind and tried to calm me down. He said, "Babe, it's just for fun; it helps me relax. No way some virtual chick could ever compare to you."

After that, he toned it down around me, and I just let it go.

But lately, his obsession just kept growing. He was getting even more hooked on his AI girlfriend.

To figure out what was really going on, I snuck into his account on my phone while he was asleep.

As soon as I got home from work, a sweet, flirty voice popped up on my phone.

The voice said, "Hey, Edward, are you off work yet? I miss you."

I opened the app and saw his virtual girlfriend, saved under the name SugarPie.

Just then, she sent another voice message, saying, "Edward, you finally decided to see me. Don't forget about our plans for today, okay?"

Something felt off, so I called Edward.

I asked, "Are you coming home for dinner tonight?"

Maybe he felt guilty, because he took a couple of seconds before answering.

He said, "I've got a work dinner tonight, so I won't be home for dinner."

I said, "Okay. Don't stay out too late."

I hung up and drove straight to his office.

His company's logo lit up the night, and employees were trickling out as their workday ended.

I pulled over in a dark spot on the corner, staying put instead of heading in.

I just wanted to see where he'd go after work.

At 6:30, Edward got out of work.

He wasn't alone. He was chatting and laughing with a few coworkers as they headed for the parking lot.

I turned the wheel and started following them, keeping my distance.

His car pulled into the parking lot of a fancy restaurant, one I knew well, where the bill per person easily hit four figures.

He really was just out for business.

I sat in my car, watching as Edward shook hands with a middle-aged man and politely held the restaurant door open for him.

For a second, I even started laughing at myself for being so paranoid.

I told myself that maybe that AI girlfriend really was just some dumb app after all.

I started the car, ready to head home.

But right then, I saw Edward step out of the restaurant, scanning the area like he was searching for someone.

Then his eyes landed on me. It turns out he'd already noticed I was there.

Edward came straight over and knocked on my window.

I rolled it down, my heart pounding.

"Claire, what are you doing here?" Edward asked.

There was a hint of surprise on his face, and his voice was gentle.

"I was just passing by and thought I'd come pick you up," I said.

"Silly, didn't I tell you I had a work dinner? The client's still inside," he said.

He leaned down and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead.

His familiar scent washed over me, and for a moment, I almost let my guard down.

"Alright, just come home early when you're done," I said.

"Okay, wait for me," he replied.

He turned and walked back into the restaurant, and I started my car, driving off toward home.

Just then, my phone on the passenger seat lit up.

It was a voice message from SugarPie, and it started playing automatically.

She said, "Edward, why are you ignoring me? Is the ball and chain keeping you on a tight leash again? I've just taken a shower and I'm waiting for you at Nature-Inspired. Hurry up and come over."

Her sugary voice rang out in the cramped car, sharp and clear as a thunderclap.

The air in the car froze.

I turned off the engine, my face turning pale, then ashen as I stared at the screen.

I looked out and saw Edward stop in his tracks, pull out his phone, and start texting rapidly.

At the same time, my phone screen lit up.

It was a message from Edward to SugarPie. He texted: [Be good, baby. That old hag just barged in. Such bad luck. I'll deal with her and send her away, just wait for me.]

I forced down my anger and called Edward.

"You've been drinking at dinner, so maybe you shouldn't drive. How about I pick you up when you're done?" I said.

"No need, I've got another important round to attend," he replied.

"Is it really that necessary?" I pressed.

His voice went cold as he said, "Claire, just go home."

I hung up, slammed my foot on the gas, and the car shot forward with a roar.