Chapter 1

I slowly opened my eyes. It’s such a beautiful sight when the first thing you see in the morning is the sunlight.

A new day, another round of wooing my husband. Wooing? Yes, because ever since his attitude towards me changed, I’ve been the one constantly trying to win him over.

I know my husband will eventually come around—because he loves me so much. And besides, I didn’t do anything to hurt him, so I believe he’ll go back to the way he used to treat me.

It’s hard to explain what really happened between us. All I know is that ever since he came home from that business meeting in Paris, he’s been different.

He used to love me so much—we got married because we loved each other. He still loves me now, right?

It’s been two months since he started acting differently. Always busy with work, no more time for me. I’m not a child who needs constant attention, I just want that when he comes home from work, he would hug me and we’d eat together—but that hasn’t been happening anymore.

He never hurts me physically, but emotionally—yes. But I still believe we’ll get back to how we used to be. I always pray for that.

I took a shower before going downstairs to cook for my husband. I also need to go to work at our company today.

Just because Khalil and I are married doesn’t mean he should be the only one working for us. We both run the company. I’m an only child, so my parents left the company in my care—and now it’s my full responsibility.

Once I finished cooking, I set the table so that when my husband wakes up, he can just eat right away.

I went to one of the guest rooms in our house—or should I say, mansion.

Yes, you read that right—guest room. That’s where he’s been sleeping ever since his attitude changed. I didn’t force him to sleep beside me because that might just cause more arguments. I’m content just seeing him in our home every day.

When I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of my handsome husband, sleeping soundly.

I slowly walked toward him and sat on the bed he was lying on.

I gently stroked his handsome face. “My husband is so handsome. I could stare at you all day.”

I miss your hugs and kisses, babe. If only you knew how hard it is for me to resist cuddling with you at night. It’s so hard not to do the things you’ve grown used to over the past eight years.

We’ve been married for eight years.

“Babe, wake up. It’s already late—you have work.” I gently tapped his cheek.

He was sleeping so soundly, he wouldn’t wake up with my taps. “I know what will wake you up.”

As I said that, I kissed him all over his face.

And I was right—he woke up because of my kisses.

“I knew it! My kisses would wake you!” I said proudly, as if everything was normal between us and I hadn’t just crossed a line.

It was only after doing it that I realized what I had done. There was nothing wrong with it—we’re married, after all. It just wasn’t the right time to kiss him like that.

“Uh, sorry babe. I just couldn’t help it. Come on, I already made breakfast. You have work.” I stood up from his bed and headed toward the door.

But I couldn’t leave right away because he wasn’t even getting up—he just lay there in bed.

“Babe?” I called out to him.

“I’m not going to work today, Esra,” he said coldly and turned his back to me.

“Why? Are you feeling sick?” I walked back to him to check his forehead.

When I touched it, he wasn’t warm.

“Do I really need to tell you why I’m not going to work?” he asked, still with his back turned.

My husband was being so cold. Sometimes I wonder if maybe he’s the woman in this relationship.

“I was just asking. Just eat the breakfast I made once you get up.” I said, hoping for a response that he would at least eat what I prepared.

Fine! I guess I shouldn’t expect anything from this grumpy guy.

I was about to leave when suddenly a phone started ringing, signaling a call. It must’ve been my husband’s phone because I had left mine in our room.

Khalil didn’t even bother to check, so I decided to look at it myself in case it was important.

Anya is calling...

Anya

Anya

And who’s Anya?

I stared at the caller name on his phone. I don’t know why, but I suddenly felt nervous even though I didn’t know who this woman was—and why was she calling my husband so early?

“Who’s Anya, babe?” I asked, showing him the screen.