As I casually opened the online forum, a trending post at the top caught my eye.

[Share the wildest thing you’ve ever done.]

I clicked on the second comment, which seemed to contain just one line.

[Without a doubt, it was the night before my buddy’s wedding when I had his wife come over for a “quality check.”]

However, the poster kept adding to the thread.

[That night, the woman tricked that idiot into thinking it was a bachelorette party, but she actually spent the whole night at my place.

[She said she didn’t want to sleep with just one man forever and needed one last wild night before tying the knot.

[By the end of the night, her throat was nearly raw from all the screaming.

[We kept going until sunrise, right there in the wedding car her husband was supposed to pick her up later that day.]

[Not only that, but even after they got married, this fool kept bringing his wife over to my place for dinner.

[He’d help me in the kitchen while I pinned his wife against the fridge and kissed her.

[He’d be glued to the game in the living room while his wife knelt in the bathroom and took care of me.

[One time, when he passed out drunk on my couch, his wife and I had our own fun on the carpet beside him.

[Every time he rolled over, we’d both jump. It was the thrill of knowing we could get caught at any moment.]

The image loaded, revealing the familiar interior of the wedding car. The lucky charm I had given my wife dangled from the rearview mirror.

My fingers momentarily stiffened, and I nearly dropped my phone.

A wave of nausea rolled in my stomach as a chill crept up my spine.

Just then, a hand appeared in my field of vision, waving in front of me.

“Calvin, what are you zoning out for? You’re at my place, and you’re still on your phone. Come on. Dig in while it’s hot.”

Wyatt Preston, my friend, grinned at me.

Yet, his eyes kept straying toward my wife, Queenie Jennings, who was sitting beside me.

Just then, I caught Wyatt’s hand sliding over Queenie’s thigh.

I set my phone face down on the table.

The lucky charm in the photo was unmistakable. I could never confuse it with another, since I had climbed three thousand steps at Pavren Peak to obtain it.

I had even sewn Queenie’s initials onto it in gold thread myself. That made it one of a kind.

Lifting my fork, I speared the meat and brought it to my mouth.

It had cooled, and the grease left a slick coating in my throat.

Wyatt watched me chew, and a teasing smile formed on his face. “Is it tasty?”

“Yeah.” I swallowed and met his gaze. “You should try some.”

He dismissed it. “I already had a taste while Queenie was cooking. I’m full.”

Queenie’s hand trembled. Her fork clinked sharply against her plate.

Wyatt’s grin widened. “I was just testing the flavor. Don’t overthink it, Calvin.”

I said nothing and reached for more vegetables.

Under the table, a foot nudged my calf.

I knew it was not Queenie’s.

She had on soft slippers, whereas this one was a stiff-soled shoe.

It was Wyatt. His foot slid up my pant leg, although his eyes stayed on Queenie.

“Queenie, tomorrow’s the weekend, and Calvin has to work late. Want to go check out that new hot spring resort with me?”

Queenie looked up at me. “Calvin, do you have to work late tomorrow?”

I set my plate aside. “Yes. There’s a project that needs finishing.”

Wyatt’s foot rubbed my leg briefly before it withdrew.

“Perfect. She’ll be bored staying at home alone, so I’ll do your duty for you and take her out for some fun.”

He emphasized the words “do your duty.”

Queenie bit the tip of her fork. “Maybe we shouldn’t… Calvin won’t be there.”

“Come on, we’re all friends here!” Wyatt poured me a glass of wine. “Calvin, don’t you trust me with her?”

I raised the glass and drained it in one gulp.

“Of course, I do. You’re my best buddy.”

Wyatt threw his head back and laughed. He draped an arm over my shoulder and gave me two firm pats. “That’s more like it! Cheers!”

He tilted the glass to my lips and forced me to drink.

Wine sloshed onto my collar. Queenie grabbed a napkin and dabbed at the stain. Her fingers brushed my neck in the process.

Wyatt’s gaze darkened as he watched her hand. “You’re one lucky guy, Calvin. Queenie’s a real gem.”

“Want some of this luck for yourself?” I asked abruptly.

Time seemed to stop. Wyatt and Queenie froze, as they were caught off guard.

Sensing the tension, Wyatt chuckled awkwardly and tried to play it off.

“Calvin, you’ve had too much to drink. A friend’s wife is off-limits. I wouldn’t dream of taking your luck!”

He kicked my leg under the table, and it was harder this time.

Meanwhile, Queenie tossed the napkin into the trash. “Calvin, don’t overdo it.”

Wyatt slammed the bottle onto the table. “Drink up! We’re having fun today. Don’t interfere, Queenie. When men are talking, women keep quiet.”

Queenie fell silent and lowered her head obediently.

Wyatt’s gaze lingered on the top of her head as he flicked his tongue against his inner cheek.

My phone buzzed with a new forum reply, but I did not check it.

I knew Wyatt had posted something when he went to the bathroom earlier.

I could already guess what it said.

[That fool is still drinking with me and calling me his best buddy. Tomorrow, I’ll take his wife to the hot springs and stream the whole thing to you guys.]

Wyatt did not leave after dinner.

He slouched on the couch and told Queenie to cut some fruit. “Queenie, peel the apples. I don’t eat the skin.”

Queenie answered from the kitchen as I sat in the single chair and watched the basketball game on TV.

Wyatt lit a cigarette and tapped the ash onto the carpet.

“Calvin, how’s your company doing lately? Is the cash flow okay?”

I answered quietly, “It’s fine. Why do you ask?”

He blew out a smoke ring. “I’ve had my eye on a Ferrari for a long time. Cover me with two million dollars for a bit.”

It was not a request. He expected me to hand it over.

I used to think that friends did not sweat the small stuff.

However, it turned out that I was nothing but their cash machine and a thorough fool.

I replied calmly, “The project’s holding up some funds. I can’t spare that kind of money.”

Wyatt knitted his brows as he stubbed out his cigarette in the unfinished fruit platter.

“Come on, Calvin. That’s disappointing. Are you saying that our friendship isn’t worth two million dollars?”

Just then, Queenie stepped out carrying the peeled apples.

Wyatt glanced at her. “You be the judge, Queenie. Calvin’s made it big now, so he’s looking down at his poor old friend.”

Queenie lowered her eyes and avoided mine, but she sided with Wyatt.

“Wyatt helped you back then, Calvin. Now that you’ve got money, just lend him some.”

I smiled faintly. Wyatt had indeed helped me once.

Back in university, he took a hit for me when some thugs cornered me in an alley.

However, I had spent the last decade repaying that debt.

I had bought him a house and a car, secured him a job, and even covered his gambling debts.

Did he expect me to repay him with my wife as well? How absurd.

I swallowed my anger and kept my expression neutral as I turned to them.

“I really don’t have the money.”

Wyatt’s expression immediately darkened.

“Fine, don’t lend it. What a miser. Queenie, try this apple. It’s really sweet.”

He deliberately offered her the half-bitten apple.

Queenie stole a panicked glance at me. When she saw I was still glued to the TV, she quickly bit into it.

Wyatt gently brushed his thumb across her lips. “Good girl.”

He chuckled lightly and headed for the bathroom. “I’m going to take a piss.”

Barely a minute had passed before Queenie got up from the couch.

“I’ll check the laundry in the washing machine.”

The machine sat right next to the bathroom.

Soon, the sound of running water drowned out all other sounds inside.

I took out my phone and opened the forum.

The poster had added a new update.

[That fool won’t lend me money. Fine. I’ll have his wife cool me off with her mouth.

[I’m in his bathroom now, while he’s out there watching TV.]

The attached photo was taken from above.

A woman was kneeling on the floor, and her hair was in disarray. Even though the image was blurred, I recognized the outfit.

It was the same loungewear Queenie was wearing.

There was no way I was going to let them mess around under my nose.

After taking a screenshot, I locked my phone. I strode to the bathroom and tested the door handle.

As expected, it was locked from the inside.

I rapped sharply. “Queenie, are you in there?”

The sound of running water stopped briefly before it grew louder.

“Ah, yes! I’m finishing up with the mop!” Queenie’s voice trembled. “Why?”

“I need to use the bathroom.”

“J-Just a second! I’m almost done!”

A flurry of frantic rustling came from the inside, followed by the sound of the toilet flushing.

Three minutes later, the door swung open.

Wyatt stood in the doorway, his belt still undone.

He scowled. “What’s the rush? Can’t a guy pee in peace?”

Queenie stood behind him, and her face was bright red. There was a suspicious gleam at the corner of her lips.

With her head lowered, she hurried past me toward the kitchen. “I need to rinse my mouth with some water.”

Wyatt nudged me aside and returned to the living room. “The bathroom stinks. Go on, Calvin.”

I stepped inside, and the air smelled awful.

A wet palm print was still visible on the bathroom mirror.

I stared at my reflection.

Keeping my expression impassive, I turned on the faucet and rinsed the palm print away.

Then, I pulled a miniature camera from my pocket and stuck it in a hidden spot beneath the sink.

It pointed directly at the toilet and shower area.

Since Wyatt and Queenie liked playing with fire, I decided to turn up the heat.

The next day, I went to the office as usual. I turned on my laptop and checked the home surveillance.

As expected, Wyatt was there and stretched out on my bed in my pajamas.

Queenie came in with breakfast and fed him.

“Has that fool left?” Wyatt asked.

“Yes. He has to work late tonight.” Queenie sat at the edge of the bed.

Wyatt pulled her into his arms, and the breakfast almost spilled onto the sheets.

Queenie pushed him lightly, but she kept her body pressed against his. “Don’t make a mess. Calvin will notice when he gets back.”

“He won’t notice a thing. He’s totally oblivious.” Wyatt reached into her blouse. “We didn’t quite satisfy ourselves yesterday, so let’s make up for it today.”

The surveillance footage began to shake violently. I muted the sound and focused solely on the image.

I watched them move from the bedroom to the living room and then onto the balcony.

Wyatt even deliberately pressed Queenie against our wedding photo.

It was the largest framed wedding photo in the living room, a symbol of the happiest time we once knew.

Queenie’s face pressed against mine in the photo, yet her body rocked with Wyatt.

I drew a deep breath and hit record to capture the footage.

After that, I transferred all the company’s liquid assets to a new offshore account.

Once the company’s accounts were settled, I mortgaged all the properties under my name and transferred those funds as well.

By the end of it, the company was nothing but an empty shell, and it was burdened with a pile of imminent debt.

I came home that evening to find the house already cleaned.

The sheets were fresh, and the floor had been mopped, but the lingering smell still hung in the air.

Queenie was sitting on the couch, and her face was unnaturally pale.

“Calvin, I don’t feel well.”

I set my briefcase down and moved closer. “What’s wrong?”

“I feel nauseous, and…” She glanced at me. “My period is two weeks late.”

A thought struck me, and I did the math. It lined up perfectly with the pre-wedding “party” mentioned in the forum.

“Should we go to the hospital?” I asked deliberately.

“No need. I bought a pregnancy test.”

Queenie pulled out a stick from her pocket. There were two clear red lines.

Her eyes shifted nervously. “Honey… I think I’m pregnant.”

I stared at the lines, and I was fully aware that the child could not be mine.

Besides being frequently away on business, I had undergone a vasectomy a year ago.

Queenie had once said she did not want children because she feared the pain.

I felt for her, so I had gone through the procedure in secret.

No one knew about it but me.

“Really?” I took the test from her. “That’s good news.”

Queenie exhaled in relief and smiled. “I think so too. We’re going to have a baby.”

Just then, the doorbell rang.

Wyatt appeared at the doorway with a box of milk.

“I heard that Queenie wasn’t feeling well, so I came to check on her.”

He walked straight in. When he spotted the pregnancy test on the table, his eyes lit up.

“No way! You’re pregnant?”

He rushed over and grabbed the test with trembling hands. “You’re actually pregnant?”

The sheer excitement on his face was undeniable.

Queenie shot him a glance and signaled him to tone it down.

Wyatt cleared his throat and clapped my shoulder. “Congratulations, Calvin! You’re going to be a father! And I’ll be the godfather!”

“Mm.” I took the test back and tossed it in the trash. “Yes. Congratulations are in order.”

Wyatt rubbed his hands together as he paced the living room. “This is a big deal. We must celebrate. I’ve already thought of names. If it’s a boy, we’ll call him… uh, never mind, Angus Lloyd. And Mirabel Lloyd for a girl.”

I sneered. They had even decided on the names. Clearly, they had been discussing this a lot in private.

“Is it really appropriate for you to name the baby?” I asked flatly.

“What’s inappropriate about it? We’re basically family!”

Wyatt plopped down beside Queenie and casually rested his hand on the back of her chair.

“I’ll treat this child like it’s my own.”

Queenie lowered her head shyly. “You’re so sweet, Wyatt.”

I watched them—a picture of happiness as a family of three—and felt like an outsider.

“Since you’re pregnant, you need to take good care of yourself. The company has been hectic recently. I might not have much time for you.”

Wyatt immediately cut in. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her. I recently left my job, so I’ll move in for a while just to look after Queenie.”

He did not even ask for my opinion.

Queenie nodded. “That’s a good idea. Wyatt is a good cook, and I feel comfortable with him around.”

“Alright,” I said with a nod. “I’ll leave it to you, then.”

Wyatt grinned widely. “It’s nothing! Looking after my own… Queenie and the baby, that’s what I’m here for!”

That night, Wyatt moved in with his suitcase.

He stayed in the guest room with just a wall separating him from the master bedroom.

Late at night, I heard the guest room door open.

Then, the master bedroom door creaked open.

Queenie lay beside me when Wyatt slipped under the covers, right behind my back.

He held Queenie, and as his hands moved over her, they even brushed against me.

“Shh! Don’t wake the poor sap,” Wyatt whispered, and his breath tickled Queenie’s ear.

She let out a soft hum in his arms.

They carried on right beside me in my bed.

Wyatt deliberately exaggerated his motions and made the bed groan beneath him.

He took pleasure in it and relished the thrill of dancing on the edge.

I closed my eyes and listened to their ragged breaths.

The red light on the recorder blinked relentlessly.

Each pulse marked another step toward their downfall.

Wyatt finally slipped back into the guest room as morning approached.

I got up and took a cold shower in the bathroom.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

All I had to do was endure just a little more.

Once the trap snapped shut, I would wipe them clean to the bone.