Alessia jumped up, hands on her hips. "Albert, what's gotten into you? I generously bought you a car, and this is how you repay me?"

With those words, she turned away and began to cry. In the past, I would have wrapped her in my arms before a single tear fell, offering comfort. But today, that instinct was gone. I brushed past her, retreating into the study and closing the door firmly behind me.

Since our marriage, Alessia and I hadn't shared the same bed. Every one of those countless nights, I spent alone in the study. Staring at the narrow single bed, I questioned the purpose of this marriage. Perhaps it was time to end this one-sided relationship.

I opened my laptop, browsing aimlessly while my mind wandered. Alessia had been my ideal, love at first sight. I was captivated by her vivacious spirit the moment I first saw her. I did everything I could to win her over, offering her everything I had.

Eventually, my persistence wore her down, and she agreed to be with me. The day I announced our relationship, I bought 9,999 roses and promised to love her forever. Her bright smile convinced me that I had won her heart.

Even after we married, though she didn't want to share a bedroom, I tried my best to respect her wishes. But the arrival of Ozzy Jones opened my eyes to the fact that some people could easily claim what I yearned for. It was time to wake up from this dream.

"Knock, knock."

The door to the study creaked open, and Alessia entered, holding a cup of coffee.

"Okay, darling, it was my fault. I shouldn’t have gotten you a second-hand car. How about we go to the dealership tomorrow and buy a new one?"

It was rare for Alessia to swallow her pride like this. She set the cup down and gently leaned against my shoulders from behind, pressing her soft form against me. A sweet fragrance enveloped me.

Alessia's hands wandered over me, rekindling a long-dormant desire with every touch. Feeling a bit lost and entranced, I turned and took her into my arms. She responded willingly, and I traced a path down to her neck.

There, an unmistakable red mark caught my eye, hitting me like a punch as images of her and Ozzy flashed in my mind. Passion cooled instantly, and I pushed her away.

"Leave," I murmured, voice strained with control. "I need to be alone."

Alessia was stunned by my rejection, her lovely almond-shaped eyes filled with hurt. Once, those were the eyes I adored, so full of emotion. But now, they seemed to mock me with indifference.

Seeing that I didn’t react as she expected, a sarcastic smirk appeared on her lips. "Oh, Albert, stop pretending. Haven’t you always wanted to be with me?"

"Now that I’m here, what's with the act?"

I couldn't believe such words came from Alessia. Meeting her dismissive gaze, it felt as if a vibrant flower was wilting right before my eyes.

"No big loss. I'm not dying to cater to you anyway."

The door slammed shut with force. I clutched my chest, gasping for air as tears flowed freely. It felt like my insides were being torn apart.

I wiped away my tears, resolute in my decision. This marriage—this charade—had to end.

The next morning, to my surprise, Alessia was up before I was. She was in the living room, gracefully moving through a yoga routine in her fitted workout outfit, perfectly highlighting her elegant figure.

Seeing me emerge, she paused her yoga and from the kitchen, brought me a breakfast she had prepared.

"Sweetheart, I’ve been thinking a lot about us. I realize I’ve been neglecting you. I promise to love you better from now on."

"I stayed up researching online and found a few cars that would suit you perfectly. Which one do you like? Let’s go to the dealership today to check them out."

Alessia was all sweetness as she handed me the neatly organized car brochures.

Noticing the dark circles under her eyes, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. After all, years of affection still lingered, and loving her had become second nature to me. I wanted to give it another shot.

"Okay," I agreed.

"Then let's head out as soon as we finish breakfast," Alessia said, visibly excited.

At the car dealership, we started visiting a few brands she had researched. I found a car I had admired for quite some time and was about to take it for a test drive when her phone rang. She glanced at me before quickly stepping out to answer.

After some time, she returned, looking anxious. "Sweetheart, I can't stay with you to choose a car today. Ozzy is sick, and I need to check on him."

Ozzy, again!

Frustrated, I replied, "He's an adult, isn't he? Can't he go to the doctor by himself? Why is he calling you?"

Alessia didn't take that well. "He just got back from abroad and isn’t familiar with anything here. He needs me to be with him."

With that, she ignored me and walked straight out.

I sat bewildered in the test drive car, feeling as abandoned as a stray dog. Ever since Ozzy returned, Alessia had become a different person, constantly preoccupied with him.

Ozzy was sick, Ozzy was moving, Ozzy was sad, and even when Ozzy’s dog was feeling unwell, Alessia had to be there for him. Meanwhile, I’d turned into a nonentity, my needs and feelings invisible to her.

Reflecting on this, I pulled out my phone and made a call.

"Hey, Kolton, I’m in. I’m ready to start on that project anytime."

Kolton laughed on the other end of the line. "Albert, you’ve finally come around! It’ll be a tough project, but if you do it right, it could really pay off."

Hanging up, I felt a sense of relief settling over me. Over the years, I’d passed up many better opportunities to stay by Alessia’s side, dedicating myself to caring for her. They say love is like tending to a garden, and I had nurtured her into a vibrant rose. But her blossoms weren’t meant for me, so why hang on?

It's time to focus on myself; you have to love yourself first before you can truly love someone else.

Walking out of the dealership, I hailed a cab to Ozzy’s place. I needed to see for myself what illness warranted having someone else’s wife by his side every single day.