Third Person's POV
Haven pushed Edmond away and rushed into the bathroom, covering her mouth as she retched.
She ended up throwing up, her face pale as paper.
Edmond followed her in, patting her back gently with concern. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
Handing her some water to rinse her mouth, Edmond looked remorseful. “It’s my fault. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t been taking good care of you. From now on, I’ll stay by your side and help you take better care of your health. You probably haven’t been eating properly again. You only listen when I’m watching over you.”
His voice was full of tenderness, every word laced with care and affection.
After rinsing her mouth, Haven replied, “I’m fine. My stomach has just been a little upset lately.”
Hearing that, Edmond stepped out and returned with a card. “This is for a new restaurant that just opened. It’s very clean, and I know you’ll like the flavors. This is a lifetime membership card. When I’m not home, you can take Leigh there to eat.”
Haven stared at the card in her hand, puzzled. What kind of restaurant gives out lifetime memberships to its customers?
Edmond thought for a moment and said, “Actually, I don’t have any plans today. Why don’t I take both of you there? We can try the food, and I can ask the chef to remember your preferences.”
As he spoke, Edmond had already picked out an outfit for Haven and was crouched down helping her put on her shoes.
Even though he had achieved great success, Edmond never acted superior around her. He treated her with the same tenderness and care as always. If Haven hadn’t seen the truth with her own eyes, she would never have doubted him in this lifetime.
But Edmond, why did you have to change?
When the three of them arrived at the restaurant, looking every bit the picture of a happy family, a couple preparing for their wedding was there to finalize their reservation. The bride-to-be immediately recognized Edmond and Haven and ran over, visibly excited.
“Are you Mr. and Mrs. Warner? This is amazing! I never imagined I’d meet you here. I’ve memorized your love story by heart. I used to be against marriage, but your story inspired me to believe in love and take this step.”
The bride-to-be pulled her fiancé over. “Look, this is the kind of love I want us to have.”
Her fiancé extended a friendly hand to Edmond. “Mr. Warner, it’s an honor to meet you. You’re a role model for marriage. I’ll make sure to treat my wife with the same devotion after we’re married.”
Listening to their words, Haven felt sadness well up inside her.
She wanted to tell the bride-to-be that their love wasn’t worth emulating.
But seeing the happiness and anticipation in her eyes as she looked forward to married life, Haven could only offer her blessings. “I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.”
In her heart, she silently added, 'Don’t end up like me.'
After the couple left, Haven took her daughter’s hand and sat down. However, Edmond, who had promised to enjoy the meal with them, was instead engrossed with his phone.
Their daughter, Leigh, tilted her head and asked in her sweet voice, “Daddy, what are you doing?”
Edmond froze for a moment at her question. He glanced at Haven, then gently reassured them, “Haven, the company is working on a new project right now. You and Leigh should eat more.”
'A new project?' Haven doubted inwardly then her gaze fell on the reflection of his phone screen in the lenses of his gold-rimmed glasses. It was showing a girl in a sexy black outfit dancing provocatively.
That girl was none other than Hattie, the student she and Edmond had sponsored together for university.
It turned out Hattie had become an influencer.
Just a second before Edmond looked up to reassure her and their daughter, pretending to be busy with work, he had sent Hattie two lavish virtual gifts—the “Tiktok Universe.”
As Haven nodded and picked up some food for her daughter, Edmond bowed his head again, continuing to flood Hattie’s livestream with more Tiktok Universe.
Third Person's POV
Haven unlocked her phone and searched for Hattie’s livestream.
Soon, the stream’s title popped up in bold letters, read as [My boyfriend upset me today. Let’s see if he can make it up to me.]
Onscreen, Hattie pouted at the camera, flashing a radiant smile as Edmond’s endless barrage of “TikTok Universe” gifts lit up the chat. “Don’t think I’ll forgive you so easily just because of this,” she teased coyly.
Then, a comment appeared on the screen, written by Edmond using his fan account: [Change your outfit. Don’t make me angry.]
Instead of complying, Hattie shook her head and stubbornly refused, “No way. Who told you to ditch me today? If you won’t keep me company, I’ve got plenty of fans who will.”
As such, the chat immediately erupted with provocative comments.
[Commentator 1: Beauty, if your big shot won’t spoil you, I will.]
[Commentator 2: Who could resist pampering a beauty like you?]
[Commentator 3: Add me on WhatsApp, baby. I’m head over heels for you.]
Having read the comments, Haven glanced at Edmond, who was also watching the livestream. As expected, his face had darkened, and he gripped his phone tightly.
Moments later, the second phone on Hattie’s table lit up during the stream. She glanced at it and then turned back to the camera with a bashful smile. “Well, since you gave me a restaurant, I’ll let it slide this time.”
The audience was skeptical. After all, what kind of boyfriend casually gifts a restaurant just to make a girl happy?
Viewers bombarded the chat the second time around, but this time, accusing her of exaggerating for attention.
Hattie bit her lip, feigning indignation. “I’m not some shameless influencer chasing clout. My boyfriend always keeps his promises. The deed for the restaurant will arrive soon, you'll see.”
Meanwhile, hearing the word restaurant, Haven’s heart, which had already felt lifeless, trembled slightly.
'Please, not this restaurant. Please, let it not be this one,' she repeatedly wished inwardly.
But reality never aligned with her hopes.
When Hattie proudly held up the property deed in front of the camera, flaunting the deep love and indulgence showered upon her, Haven’s heart clenched so painfully it felt as if she couldn’t breathe.
On the other hand, Edmond, oblivious of being caught, continued sending “TikTok Universe” gifts, following up with another comment. [Since you’ve got the gift, change your outfit. I don’t want any other man seeing your beauty.]
Feeling satisfied now, Hattie blew a kiss at the camera. “Anything for you, honey. Love you the most.”
Haven’s hands trembled as she gripped her phone, her eyes flicking up sharply to Edmond. He sat just a few feet away, smiling indulgently at his screen as he replied to messages, utterly oblivious to the storm raging inside her.
Her already broken heart twisted in unbearable pain.
The man, who once burned with youthful passion and vowed to love her forever, now felt like a stranger—a shell of the man she thought she knew.
“Haven? Are you okay?” Edmond’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. He had noticed her pale complexion and set his phone down, flipping it face-down on the table. Concern etched across his face, he reached out to her.
His eyes were so tender, so filled with apparent love, that no one would ever believe he was capable of betrayal. The irony stung like salt in a wound to Haven.
Forcing herself to stay composed, she inhaled deeply before murmuring, “I’m fine, just feeling… a bit weak.”
Her frail health had always been a concern for Edmond. He gently stroked her back and spoke softly, “In a few days, we’ll go see the doctor again. I can’t leave you home alone if you’re not well—it worries me too much.”
His care seemed flawless, almost convincing.
Leigh, on the other hand, rested her little face in her hands, watching her parents with wide-eyed admiration. “When I grow up, I want to find a boyfriend just like Daddy!” she announced innocently.
But her innocent declaration brought a fleeting, bitter smile to Haven’s lips.
Third Person's POV
Edmond’s face lit up at Leigh’s innocent words. He leaned over to kiss her cheek and said, “When you grow up, Leigh, make sure to look carefully. I doubt anyone in the world could love their wife more than Daddy loves Mommy.”
Haven glanced at Edmond and her chest tightened at his confident smile. Sure, his love for her hadn’t faded yet, but he still sought the excitement of fresh, younger bodies outside.
She couldn’t help but wonder, 'Edmond, do you really think that as long as you love me, it excuses everything else you do?'
The devoted, earnest man she’d married was gone, replaced by someone she barely recognized.
Soon, their warm family dinner was cut short by a phone call.
Edmond had been laughing with Leigh when the phone vibrated on the table. He paused briefly, not even glancing at the screen. Instead, his eyes flicked instinctively to Haven.
She already knew who it was. There was no need to check. Still, she acted as if she hadn’t noticed anything and asked casually. “Aren’t you going to answer it?”
“It’s probably work, " Edmond lied, and then excused himself, "You two keep eating.”
Without saying anything, Haven just gave a small nod.
As such, Edmond picked up the phone and lowered the volume. “Hello?”
From the other end, Hattie’s playful voice purred, “The custom kitty outfit I ordered just arrived.”
Edmond’s breath hitched. He reached for his glass of iced water, gulping it down to suppress the heat rising in his chest.
Then Hattie’s tone turned even more seductive. “This lonely little kitty is all curled up in bed alone. So boring.”
Edmond’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “I’ll be there soon.”
After ending the call, he turned to his wife and daughter, his expression calm. “Something came up at work. I… might need to head back for a bit.”
Haven’s eyes locked onto him. She didn’t say a word, but her gaze was steady, unflinching, as though peeling back the layers of his facade.
Her silence made Edmond uneasy. “Haven? Why are you looking at me like that? If you don’t want me to go, I won’t. You and Leigh mean more to me than anything else.”
Finally, she broke the silence, her voice even. “It’s fine. Go handle your work. Leigh and I will head home on our own later.”
Edmond hesitated but then shook his head. “No need. I’ll drop you off first.”
On their way home, Haven noticed Edmond kept checking his watch while they were stuck in the traffic.
Soon, when they finally reached home, Edmond immediately rushed out the door as soon as the two stepped inside.
Seeing the rush of his husband, Haven decided to follow him. After entrusting Leigh to their housekeeper, she picked up her keys and used the car’s tracking system to trace Edmond’s location.
When she finally arrived, she saw Edmond had just pulled up to a house.
From her car, Haven watched as Hattie appeared at the doorway, kneeling down, dressed in cat ears, paw gloves, and a tail. The latter looked exactly like a playful, seductive feline that came to life.
Being reserved, Haven had never played games like this—never thought she needed to. But clearly, Edmond enjoyed it as he hurriedly pulled Hattie off the ground and pushed her against the stone pillar by the door. Unable to contain his urge any longer, he kissed her passionately right there and then without any care in the world.
Hattie laughed softly, pretending to resist, but then kissed him back, her hands sliding over his chest. “You’re so impatient,” she teased. “But I’ve got something even more fun waiting inside.”
Edmond grinned, gripping her by the tail. “You little minx.”
Hattie tugged on his tie, her smoldering gaze locking onto his. Step by step, she led him into the house.
Meanwhile, Haven sat frozen in her car, watching everything unfold. Edmond’s anticipation, the way he looked at Hattie—it was like a knife twisting in her chest.
The tears came slowly at first, then all at once. She collapsed against the steering wheel, sobbing for the love that had once been so pure and genuine, now reduced to a cruel joke.
Once, just holding each other's hand made Edmond blush and his heart race.
Back then, Haven had once asked him, “Do you think I’m too cold and reserved? Does it make you feel like I lack passion?”
