Chapter 3

Kevin and Isaac both stiffened instantly. When they saw that Henley showed no reaction at all, they quietly let out a sigh of relief.

Isaac responded vaguely and hung up the call. He lifted his head and shot Kevin a glance, and the two of them put down their cutlery at the same time.

After clearing the dishes, Kevin wrapped an arm around Henley, who was still wearing her apron.

He said affectionately, "I'll take Isaac to meet up with his classmates. I'll come back and take you out to dinner tonight. There's a teambuilding event held by the company. They specifically asked us to bring our spouses."

Henley nodded and turned around to ask, "Will all your colleagues be there? Is Serena there too?"

Kevin paused for a moment. Then, he lightly brushed her nose with the tip of his finger and laughed distractedly. "Serena is my colleague and my co-pilot. Of course she'll be there. Are you jealous?"

The smirk on his lips and his teasing tone revealed the great sense of satisfaction he was feeling. To him, Henley's jealousy meant she still cared deeply about their relationship and felt threatened.

In contrast, Henley lowered her gaze and said nothing. She didn't really feel anything inside.

Without another word, she fastened a watch onto Kevin's wrist casually. The design was sleek and new, but what he didn't know was that there was a listening device hidden inside. Her divorce from Kevin was already inevitable, so she needed to collect evidence of his affair in advance.

Kevin admired the watch for a while, clearly pleased.

After he and Isaac briefly said goodbye to Henley, she was left alone in the large house.

She looked down and examined herself from head to toe. Then, she grabbed her bag and went straight to the mall.

Henley was quick. By early evening, she was already back home and waiting for Kevin.

The lights were off in the house. Kevin was inside, but he still hadn't hung up his phone.

"Serena, I feel at ease leaving Isaac with you. I'll pick him up tomorrow. Oh, and don't forget about the teambuilding event tonight. I like seeing you in that white dress. It looks so good on you."

His playful tone continued until Henley coughed lightly at just the right moment. The atmosphere instantly took a nosedive.

"Did you just reach home? Where's Isaac?" Henley asked.

The apprehensive frown between Kevin's brows eased slightly upon hearing her question.

He walked over to her quickly and explained in an apologetic tone, "We might be coming back pretty late tonight, so I let him stay over at a classmate's place."

Henley suppressed the urge to expose his lie and forced a bitter smile instead. "I see. Isaac seems to have a lot of resentment toward me lately. Do you know why?"

Kevin had never involved himself in Isaac's studies. He was always the good cop, while Henley always played the role of bad cop.

Because of that, she became the villain to Isaac. However, Kevin was the one who could light his world up and give him everything.

Before Kevin could answer, Henley walked straight toward the door and called out to him, "Let's go. We're going to be late."

Kevin froze for a second and hurried after her.

They soon arrived downstairs at the venue. Henley's stomach churned violently, and she rushed to the restroom first. As the pain subsided, she stepped out.

What greeted her was the sight of Kevin and Serena kissing.

Their colleagues surrounded them and cheered them on loudly. It seemed that everyone knew about their relationship. Well, everyone except for Henley.

"Kevin, aren't you being too high-profile? Aren't you afraid your wife will find out?"

"Exactly. You're only bold because she's not around, right?"

"Serena is the most beautiful lady in our company. You'd better not let her down."

Serena leaned shyly into Kevin's arms and scolded playfully, "Don't put too much pressure on Kevin. He'll handle things at home properly very soon."

Kevin stroked her head gently and looked at her with eyes full of tenderness.

He said, "Yeah. Henley values the company and money more than her own life. She's so controlling that even Isaac is borderline depressed. We grew up together. I don't even know when she turned into the career-obsessed woman she is today.

"Now, she makes me feel like we're just roommates living under the same roof. We're like strangers, honestly."

Henley's eyes reddened instantly. She stood frozen in place.

This was the first time she had ever seen such an expression on Kevin's face. It was also the first time she had heard him say such words. No matter how many times she had imagined it in her mind, nothing compared to seeing and hearing it firsthand.

After some small talk, the group entered the private dining room together. Henley hid in the restroom. Only when all the voices disappeared did she turn and leave without looking back.

Back when she and Kevin had just gotten married, they had nothing. She had worked herself to the bone by running around to secure contracts and sponsorships. Bit by bit, she built the company into the successful enterprise it was today.

Along the way, she had knelt before others, been slapped across the face, and even drunk until her stomach bled for a business deal. She swallowed every hardship silently without complaint.

In the end, all Henley had done for their family was reduced to her being obsessed with her career.

Chapter 4

Henley's entire body trembled as she stepped outside and hailed a cab home.

When Kevin didn't see her return after a long time, his call quickly came through. "Henley, where did you go? The waiter said you took a cab and left. Are you feeling unwell? Should I come back and stay with you?"

His concerned voice echoed through the empty room.

Henley answered weakly, "There's something urgent back at the company. Please apologize to your colleagues for my absence."

Before he could reply, she ended the call firmly.

Soon after, Edith sent her a message. She wrote, "Ms. Johnstone, the death-faking pill is ready."

Henley gripped her phone tightly and slowly typed her reply. "I'm at home right now. Bring it to me."

Edith acknowledged her message and rushed over without delay. She brought all the instruction manuals along with the drug.

When she arrived, she hesitated. The hand she had lifted halfway withdrew abruptly.

She said, "Ms. Johnstone, maybe we should get someone else to test the pill. The company can't function without you holding things together."

Henley shook her head. She took the pill from Edith and slipped it into her pocket.

Just as she was about to speak, Kevin came rushing back in a hurry. Serena was right behind him with takeout boxes from the restaurant.

Seeing that Henley seemed to be discussing something with Edith, he tactfully said nothing. However, his gaze remained fixed on Edith.

Henley waved her hand, signaling Edith to leave first.

When only the three of them remained in the house, Serena walked up to Henley politely. "Henley, I'm Serena, remember? I'm Kevin's co-pilot."

Henley glanced at her dispassionately before shifting her gaze to Kevin. "Why did you suddenly come back? And why did you bring your colleague home?"

Kevin bent down so that he met her eyes. He looked at her face with affection.

He said, "You didn't eat anything tonight. I was worried about your stomach. Serena has experience with this kind of thing, so she insisted on coming back with me to look after you."

Henley nodded. Kevin turned and went into the kitchen to heat up the food.

Once he disappeared into the kitchen, Serena finally revealed her true colors. She looked around like she was the lady of the house. Then, she fixed her disdainful gaze on Henley.

"You saw us kissing, didn't you? I knew you would see it. That's why I did it on purpose. You've been married for so many years. Kevin got bored a long time ago. You're no longer attractive as a woman. How could you possibly keep a man's heart?

"Besides, Isaac always tells me he hopes I'll be his mom. Father and son really do think alike. Kevin marrying me is only a matter of time. If I were you, I'd leave early so that I won't be an eyesore."

Kevin suddenly poked his head out of the kitchen. When he saw Serena smiling brightly, he assumed the two women were getting along well. He quickly retreated back inside.

Serena's lips curled into a provocative smile as she called toward the kitchen. "Kevin, I think Henley's fine. I'll head out first. Don't forget that we have a flight together tomorrow night."

With that, Kevin reluctantly walked her downstairs. Unable to help themselves, the two lingered together in the stairwell for quite some time before finally parting.

When Kevin came back, Serena's scent hadn't faded from his body yet as he pulled Henley into his arms.

He said, "Henley, do you want me to take time off and go to the hospital with you? Or we could spend some time together tomorrow. Just the two of us. Ever since we had Isaac, it feels like it's been forever since we had time to ourselves."

Henley gently pushed him away and rejected his suggestion.

Saying that they were busy with Isaac was nothing but an excuse. They had had plenty of chances to spend time with each other. It was only that the person he wanted to hang out with had never been her.

A marriage that existed in name only was utterly devoid of the love it once had.

She brushed Kevin off with a few perfunctory words and went to bed early. After all, she had many things to take care of the next day.

At dawn, Kevin left first. Henley didn't bother asking where he went. She drove to the company and gathered all the senior executives for a meeting that took up the whole morning.

After handling the company's affairs, Edith laid out all the insurance policies in front of her. She examined them carefully and signed the ones that named herself as the beneficiary.

Henley terminated all the other policies in advance. She didn't want Kevin and Isaac to profit even a cent from her fake death.

By evening, she rushed back home and burned all the mementos of their relationship and their clothes. Since she was leaving, there was no point in leaving anything behind.

Henley had never been the type to lose her mind over love. She had told Kevin more than once that if he stopped loving her one day, all he had to do was say it, and she would leave.

They could have parted ways amicably. Yet, he kept it from her and let her discover the truth herself. It was a disgusting experience.

The flames rose high into the air. When Kevin returned and saw the scene, he was alarmed.

His voice rose an octave as an uneasy thought occurred to him. "What's the matter, Henley?"

With a blank expression, Henley answered coldly, "I just burned some things that are useless. There's nothing to make a fuss about. Next time you come back, take care of your clothes beforehand."

His white shirt was covered in lipstick marks of varying shades, but he seemed completely unaware.

Kevin said, "I talked with my superiors today about a promotion and had a few extra drinks. Soon, I won't have to fly around every day. I'll have more time to spend with you and Isaac."

He was bright-eyed when he said that. But to Henley, those eyes held nothing but deception and lies.

She held the death-faking pill tightly in her hand, and her eyes reddened slightly.

Going against her true feelings, she answered, "Alright."

Chapter 5

Henley and Kevin shared the same bed that night like they always did. However, their hearts were elsewhere and no longer in tandem.

When daylight broke, Henley was already up and out of the house. She had booked an appointment with the sales office in advance, as she planned to sell the apartment they were currently living in.

The manager, Gina Craig, was in the middle of handling the paperwork with her when the laughter and playful banter from Kevin and Serena drifted over.

There happened to be a pillar directly in front of Henley, so it blocked her from their view completely. She didn't want to pay them any attention, but there was no avoiding it.

His gaze tender and doting, Kevin said softly, "Serena, pick whichever unit you like. All the properties here are mine anyway. Since I promised you a unit as your birthday gift, I'll definitely make it happen."

Serena smiled shyly and instructed the salesperson to introduce her to the best units.

Henley froze, and her hands trembled uncontrollably. This apartment was a birthday gift she had given Kevin. She had spent two full years personally designing the entire project for him. Every single detail had been filled with her love for him.

Now, he was giving it away so casually, like it meant nothing at all. He had completely forgotten the vows he had once made.

Seeing that something was off with Henley, Gina asked quietly, "Ms. Johnstone, should I go remind them?"

Henley waved her hand. Her heart was pounding wildly in her chest.

Kevin and Serena completed the procedure quickly.

The salesperson continued flattering them, "Ms. Burke is blessed to have a husband who's so willing to spend money on her."

Serena nestled into Kevin's arms, unable to hide the joy on her face.

On Henley's side, the paperwork was finished just as quickly. Dozens of staff members followed behind her to see her out.

The commotion drew their attention.

The salesperson merely glanced over and said disdainfully, "Looks like another woman is selling her house. She's probably just another worn-out housewife slaving away for her family."

Henley stopped in her tracks, and her expression turned frighteningly frigid.

Gina immediately strode over and slapped the salesperson hard across the face. "Who do you think you are to talk bad about Ms. Johnstone? Don't bother coming in next month. You're fired."

The salesperson panicked. She dropped to her knees and cried hysterically, "I was ignorant! Please forgive me, Ms. Johnstone!"

Henley said nothing.

Instead, Kevin spoke up before she could. "She didn't really do anything wrong. Don't be so harsh on her. It's not easy to make a living nowadays."

Serena also stepped forward and tried to speak up for the salesperson. But before she could speak, Henley shot her a look that made her retreat in fear.

Looking wounded, Serena said, "Henley, do you have a problem with me? It seems like she is dismissed for no reason because of me."

Kevin didn't overtly defend Serena in front of everyone, likely out of fear that Henley might realize something.

Gina was efficient. She told the salesperson to pack her personal belongings and leave. After handing all the contracts to Henley, she departed as well.

Kevin frowned at the documents in Henley's hands. He asked in confusion, "Did you sell our place? Why didn't you discuss this with me first? Where are we going to live from now on? Isaac is still going to school. I hope you can give me a reasonable explanation."

He sounded perplexed, and there was a hint of resentment in his voice.

Henley's eyes were completely devoid of emotion as she replied calmly, "I got tired of living there and wanted to try out a new environment."

Upon hearing her tone, Kevin froze in place. When had this indifference started? When had Henley lost even the desire to explain herself to him?

At a loss, he reached out to grab her hand. Instead, his eyes caught sight of her bare ring finger.

When had she taken off the ring?

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