He followed me outside as he asked in a concerned voice,"What's wrong?"

I handed him the receipt.

"Last night you were with Emily? In a Hotel room?”

Ryan's eyes widened in shock, “Were you checking my pocket?”

“I was taking your coat for laundry. But, is it the only thing that comes to your mind? Don't you think you should explain anything?” I asked while narrowing my eyes.

"Jenna, it's not what you think. We were working late and It started raining. I couldn't drive and—"

"Save your excuses, Ryan. I’m fed up of listening to your overwork’s excuses again and again,” I cut him off, saying, “You should have thought of something else this time.”

His face turned pale, but I turned away, leaving him to face the truth alone.

As I walked away, I felt a strong force around my arm. He had hugged me from behind, saying, “Please don't spoil your mood. I’m sorry for the last night. I’ll make sure this thing never happens again. I’ll keep my distance from Emily. Are you happy now?”

He was looking desperately into my eyes, as if he was in a hurry and was waiting for my response for formality. The smile on his lips seemed fake and his promise as hollow as earlier. I smiled back and gave him a nod. But, I did not forgive him or believe him. I had now learnt faking a smile and stop questioning. He placed a kiss on my cheeks and left. I kept watching him from afar and busied myself in laundry. To my surprise, I didn't feel hurt.

The next day, I had been busy in my work. I was planning to wrap all my projects before leaving for Los Angeles to meet my family. The work was quite hectic these days. I was coming out of my supervisor’s cabin when my phone buzzed. It was Ryan's call. He seemed excited on phone as he said, “Jenna, my project finished today. Finally, I have time to take rest and celebrate. I heard there is a celebration in our pack. It's the birthday of Alpha’s younger son. I have invitation car for two people. Come with me.”

I had too much work to finish on the same day. I sighed, “I can't, Ryan. I’m busy today. Have too much work to handle.”

His tone immediately changed. His voice sounded annoyed and agitated as he said, “Is your work more important than me? I have been working hard for the past few weeks and have not had time for rest. Now that I’m free and want to spend time with you, you are choosing to spend this time in your office?”

I felt the familiar ache of disappointment in his voice that he made me feel all this time. I remember once I prepared his favorite dishes and went to his office to surprise him only to find him working on his laptop while Emily was feeding him with her hands. Instead of explaining to me anything or coaxing me, he accused me of being over-possessive. According to him, I found excuses to go meet him in the office to keep an eye on him. He said I was jealous of his connections with his colleagues and told me that the work is more important to him and he did not care what I think about it. He made sure he was not going to change himself for me.

I was surprised to see his audacity of blaming me for giving more importance to work. What was he doing all these days then? Didn't he gave more importance to work over our Anniversary?Then, why should I avoid my work for a mere birthday celebration in the pack?

“You can think whatever you want. I don't care.” After throwing out these words, I hung up. Just then my colleague ran up to me. She said excitedly, “I received an email from your brother. He is eager to meet you. He is asking when are you leaving for Los Angeles?”

I busied myself at work, recalling my husband's deception and ignorance he laced me with. However, his words still echoed in my mind when he was inviting me to the party in excitement. I sighed, thinking I might not have rejected him so bluntly. To run a relationship, one should bend a little. After all, I had seen how hard he had been working for the past few days. Everyday he came late at night suffering from a headache.

Recalling these incidents my heart softened a bit and I decided to join him in the Birthday Party. But, I didn't have enough time to go back home, get ready and then go to the party. I planned to leave for the party venue directly from the office. So, I texted Ryan [Hey, finished my work. I’ll be waiting for you at the door. Don’t let me wait too long. Remember, I don't have an invitation card.]

After leaving a text to Ryan, I took a ride to the party’s venue, thinking he would be happy to see me there.

I stood at the entrance, wearing a suit I wore for my office, scanning the crowded venue for Ryan. We were supposed to meet here, but he was nowhere to be found. The guards were scanning me with suspicious eyes. Before they could ask me for an invitation card, I picked up my phone to call Ryan. But, suddenly he walked past me with a cheerful smile on his lips. However, it wasn't directed at me.

Emily was walking along with him. His hands were wrapped against her waist, looking like a perfect couple. Her slender figure was wrapped in a fitted silver dress, drawing admiring glances from the surrounding men. I recognised the dress at first glance.

A few days ago, we went shopping. He insisted on buying me an anniversary gift since I returned his ring. He asked me to select a beautiful dress for myself and I chose a silver gown. When he asked a sales girl to pack the dress, she blurted out, “Sir, why are you buying the same dress again? Didn't you buy the same gown yesterday?”

I could see the panic in his eyes when he immediately made an excuse, saying, “You must be mistaking me with someone else. I have never visited this shop before.”

The sales girl didn't say anything but her suspicious gaze spoke the truth that I didn't see in Ryan's eyes.

Seeing Emily in the same gown, standing beside my husband as his partner pierced my heart. My heart sank as they approached.

"Ryan," I said, my voice trembling.

He turned. His face instantly turned pale while looking at me.