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?

Chapter 6

Taking advantage of Kevin's stunned stupor, Henley took a step back and left. She holed up at the company for another entire day. When she finally looked up, it was already deep into the night.

Kevin had called her many times and had sent countless messages.

"Henley, when are you coming back? I made your favorite dishes just for you."

"Isaac got a perfect score today. He's been clamoring for you to praise him."

"Are you working late again tonight? Then I'll tuck Isaac in first."

"I'm waiting for you to come home."

Henley rubbed her temples irritably as a dull ache rose from her stomach. She opened the drawer and saw that the box of stomach medicine was already empty. Left with no choice, she shut down her computer and went downstairs to buy some medicine.

While waiting to pay, she was unexpectedly met with a post that made her heart pound violently.

Serena was at her home.

She posted a photo of a property deed, as well as a photo of herself with Kevin and Isaac, looking like a happy family of three.

The caption read, "He remembers every word I say. I think I'll be happy forever."

The comments below were filled with well-wishes. Kevin and Isaac expressed their agreement and fondness too.

"I'll never let my woman down."

"Mommy Serena is the prettiest!"

Soon after, Serena posted another update. From her words, it was obvious that she was boasting.

She wrote, "Father and son almost fought over me. Everyone, help me judge. Who should I side with?"

At the end was a mischievous laughing emoji, followed by people on the internet egging her on in the comments.

As if unsure whether Henley had seen it, Serena deliberately sent her a message. "Henley, you're too busy with work. Since I had time, I stayed and spent time with your husband and son for a while."

The bitterness in Henley's chest spread like wildfire and consumed her heart whole.

Seeing as she didn't reply, Serena grew even more brazen. She sent one taunting message after another.

Late at night, a video that was nearly an hour long popped up on Henley's phone. Despite having a feeling that she might not want to see it, she tapped to open it regardless.

The filthy contents of the video polluted her eyes. Lewd, intimate sounds drilled into her ears.

In a low voice, Kevin called Serena's name again and again. Henley knew all too well that was how he sounded whenever he was brimming with lust and desire.

She turned off the video. The pain she had barely suppressed surged violently again in her stomach. Cold sweat soaked through her hair, yet she never made a sound.

Henley had always been like this. She endured all the pain alone.

Kevin had once told her that as a woman, she didn't need to be so strong all the time. Since she had him backing him up, she could rely on him.

But Kevin had never truly understood her. In the end, he gave that tenderness to another woman.

Henley curled up in her office and slept there for the night. By morning, she had caught a chill. She returned home, dragging her sick body lethargically. Serena had long left.

The house was spotless. Kevin had clearly taken the initiative to clean up the adulterous scene.

The moment he saw Henley, his heart jolted. He couldn't quite explain it, but she felt different from before.

Henley's face was deathly pale as she remarked in an even tone, "You must have had a good time last night."

Kevin's expression stiffened. He scratched his head and said, "I couldn't sleep all night because you didn't come home. In the future, no matter how late you get off work, why don't I go pick you up at the company?"

There was a hint of inquiry in his tone, as well as some concern. But there was not a trace of intimacy between husband and wife.

Henley desperately wanted to see some other emotion on his face. Unfortunately, he hid it too well and didn't reveal even the slightest of cracks.

He could spend a passionate night with Serena and show up before her the next day as if nothing had happened.

Henley, on the other hand, couldn't let it pass.

She walked past him and went straight into the bedroom. Upon seeing the neatly made bed, the images from the video resurfaced in her mind.

She covered her mouth and rushed into the bathroom. Her stomach was empty, so there was nothing to vomit.

Seeing how unwell she looked, Kevin reached out to comfort her. "Henley, why don't I take you to the hospital?"

Henley waved him off and said coldly, "I'm fine."

Chapter 7

As soon as the words left Henley's mouth, her gaze fell on the date on the calendar.

The next day was Isaac's birthday.

Henley's heart softened, and she lowered her eyes as she spoke. "Do you have time tomorrow? It's Isaac's birthday. I want to hold a birthday party for him."

Kevin nodded quickly, clearly delighted. "That would be perfect. Isaac's been talking nonstop about wanting to invite lots of people to his birthday. As expected of a mother and her son, you two are on the same wavelength."

Henley nodded silently and struggled to stand up.

Kevin suddenly pulled out a jewelry box from his pocket with an affectionate expression.

Judging by the shape, it looked like a ring box.

He stared intently into Henley's eyes and said, "I noticed your wedding ring is gone. You must have lost it. Our wedding anniversary is coming up, so I bought a new pair of diamond rings. They are symbols of our eternal love."

His gaze was clear and sincere, and for a split second, Henley almost believed him again.

She narrowed her eyes and couldn't help asking, "Kevin, what is it about me that you actually like?"

Kevin barely hesitated before answering firmly, "We were each other's first loves, and we grew up together. Are you really still doubting my feelings for you?"

Every time she asked that question, he gave the same answer. Perhaps there was no love left between them anymore. They just happened to be a good match for forming a family.

Isaac's voice suddenly sounded from behind, startling them both. "Dad, how are we celebrating my birthday tomorrow?"

The moment he saw Henley, he shot her a look of disgust. "Will you be there tomorrow too? If you're busy, you don't have to come."

A small, bitter smile appeared on Henley's lips as she said softly, "I'll be there. It is your birthday, after all."

It would also be the last birthday she spent with Isaac.

On the day of his birthday, Henley decorated the house meticulously. Only when she was satisfied that it felt festive enough did she leave for the cake shop.

Every year, she made his birthday cake by hand. This year was no exception.

But this year was different. She planned to make a much bigger cake. She would make a giant cake that was the sum of what she would have made before he turned 18. This would be her farewell gift to Isaac.

A cake that big required a lot of work. It wasn't until dusk that she finally finished. Henley placed the cake in the car and drove home as fast as she could.

When she reached their apartment, she saw the scattered shoes in the entrance and heard the noisy chatter inside. Her heart sank to her stomach instantly.

Isaac's voice reached her ears. His callous words were like a blade slowly slicing into her.

He announced, "Serena is my real mom. Don't get it wrong in the future. From now on, I only have one mom."

Kevin was all smiles, and Serena held Isaac close in an intimate embrace.

They had started Isaac's birthday celebration without bothering to notify Henley. So, she turned around and threw the cake into the trash. Then, she sat gingerly in the car, feeling numb to everything that was going on.

Before long, she watched with her own eyes as Isaac's classmates left one by one.

Serena noticed her car and continued to provoke her deliberately. "Kevin, I really wish I could stay with you and Isaac forever."

Kevin pulled her into his arms and comforted her. "Soon. After we're done with this flight, I'll have a good talk with Henley."

Henley took a deep breath. She stared at the death-faking pill in her pocket.

Indeed, the end was nearing. She would be leaving very soon and wouldn't get in their way anymore.

Clutching the pill tightly, Henley hesitated for a moment before dialing her mother's number.

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