Chapter 5

I said, "It's a friend of mine. She lost her passport and asked me how to get it replaced."

Charles rushed over and pulled me into his arms. "You scared the hell out of me. I thought you were planning to go abroad without me."

I turned away and threw up again.

He was surrounded by a strong, sickly-sweet scent. And layered over it was the smell of a woman's perfume.

Charles gently patted my back, worry written all over his face. "What did they make you eat? I told them to be extra careful since your stomach's been upset lately. Hang on. I'm going to fire every single one of them."

This time, I pushed him away with all the strength I had. "Fire whoever you want, but stop using me as your excuse for everything, okay?"

Charles was stunned by my sudden outburst, looking completely at a loss. "Evelyn, are you upset with me? Is it because I was working all day and didn't get to spend time with you?

"How about this? Tomorrow I'll clear my schedule and spend the whole day with you, okay?"

I couldn't help but laugh, a mix of anger and disbelief. "Spend the whole day with me, huh?"

"Yeah," Charles promised.

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, "Let's see if you actually keep your word."

That night, it suddenly started pouring rain.

As soon as I got home, I started throwing up nonstop.

Charles tried to come closer, but I firmly pushed him away. "Don't come near me. The smell on you makes me want to throw up more."

Charles sniffed his sleeve and said, "Maybe you don't like the scent I'm wearing. I'll try a different one next time."

"Charles, you know damn well it's not about the cologne."

"Okay, don't be mad. I won't wear any fragrance from now on. Is that better?"

I splashed cold water on my face and looked up at my reflection in the mirror.

Charles stood outside the bathroom, holding a mug of hot water, waiting anxiously for me.

I couldn't understand how, now, with the lingering sweetness of intimacy and Jessica's perfume all over him, he could still pretend to love me so sincerely.

I couldn't wrap my head around how Charles could act as if he cared about me, yet betray our marriage without a shred of guilt.

Was that executive right after all? That a man messing around outside was no big deal, as long as his wife never found out.

He really picked the wrong person. I was not some gullible pushover. I was not about to lower my standards for anyone.

If it was not all-in, then I didn't want any part of it.

*****

Early the next morning, Charles took me to the hospital.

After a series of tests, the doctor said, "Looks like your stomach's acting up because of stress."

Charles asked, "What do you mean?"

"It means the patient's been under a lot of emotional stress lately, and it's really messing with her stomach, so she keeps throwing up," the doctor explained.

Charles leaned in, worry etched on his face. "Evelyn, is something bothering you lately? Talk to me. Maybe I can help."

I turned away, pulling back from him. "You can't fix this."

"Come on, tell me. There's hardly anything in this world I can't solve," he said.

Yeah, honestly, he was the only one who could fix this.

For a second, I almost wanted to ask him if both Jessica and I were drowning, who would you save first?

But then I stopped myself. One should never hand one's fate over to someone else. The only person one could truly count on was oneself.

I could swim. I would save myself. I didn't need Charles in my life anymore.

I applied to an art school in Norwainn under Dorothy's name.

Back then, I gave up my dream of painting for the sake of marrying Charles. But from now on, my life is mine alone.

"Evelyn, how about I take you to the movies this afternoon? There's a new comedy out. It'll make you feel better," Charles said.

"This afternoon? Don't you have to work?" I asked.

"Hey, we agreed. I'm with you all day. When I say something, I mean it. I never break a promise."

Just then, his phone started ringing.

He was about to hang up, but when he glanced at the caller's ID, he paused, caught in hesitation.

I could see his face change, first annoyed, then clearly conflicted.

I gave a smile. "Go ahead and answer it. Your work's more important anyway."

Charles said, "I'll be quick. Give me five minutes, okay?"

"Sure."

Charles was about to step out with his phone, but I called him back. "Answer it here. I won't understand a thing about your company business, so you don't have to worry about me leaking anything."

Charles stopped in his tracks, looking a bit embarrassed.

After hesitating for a couple of seconds, he finally picked up, his brows furrowed in anger. "Didn't I tell you not to call me today? What is it?"

I couldn't catch what was being said on the other end. But I could make out the sound of a woman sobbing.

Charles lowered his voice, speaking cautiously in front of me. "Alright, I get it. Wait a second."

After hanging up, Charles gave me an apologetic look. "Evelyn, there's an important document from work that needs my signature. The manager brought it to the hospital. He's waiting downstairs. I'll sign it and be right back; it won't take more than half an hour."

I nodded.

Charles hurried out of the exam room.

The doctor smiled, "Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Wilson is really crazy about you. He's willing to drop everything for your sake."

"Is that so?" I gave a half-hearted smile. "Sorry, doctor, I need to step out for a moment."

"Sure."

As I stepped out of the exam room, I caught sight of Charles rushing down the stairs. He couldn't wait for the elevator.

He really did go downstairs. But the floor he ended up on was the OB-GYN department.

My phone vibrated.

Jessica: [Sorry, Ms. Taylor, looks like he won't be able to keep you company today. One call from me and he comes running.]