Brian shrugged on his coat, ready to leave, shaking off her hand with an air of detachment.

"Know your place. You’re nothing but a tool to me. Understand?" he intoned coldly.

Sarah’s eyes brimmed with tears, and though Brian’s words were harsh, he couldn’t help but soften at the sight. He wiped her tears gently before finally walking out.

When he returned home, I was already in bed, pretending to sleep. He stripped down, revealing his well-defined muscles, and leaned in close, blowing warm air against my ear. His hand hesitated before resting on my waist, a familiar signal of his intentions.

But I stayed motionless, feigning deep sleep.

Realizing my lack of response, he quickly took a shower and climbed into bed, wrapping his arms around me. Despite the soap and water, the unfamiliar scent lingering on him was unmistakable—an intrusive, acrid odor that didn’t belong to me.

"Alli, let’s not use protection tonight," he whispered, his hand venturing lower. "How about we try for a baby?"

I turned away, pushing him back slightly. "I’m not having another child," I thought bitterly. After all, Sarah was likely already pregnant.

Even as I tried to accept the reality, my heart still felt like it had been pierced.

I diverted the conversation. "How long will the next experiment keep you in the lab?"

He sighed, letting the subject drop. "A full week. I won’t be able to stay home with you."

I noticed a faint smile he tried to suppress. A week away from home—yet a week with Sarah—was clearly something he anticipated.

"That means you’ll miss your birthday. Don’t forget to come back on time; I’ve prepared a gift for you," I said

His expression softened as he looked at me. "My wife is the best. If I can come home early, I will."

Brian, I wonder if you would like this gift, I thought, forcing a faint smile.

The next morning, I awoke to find breakfast already prepared.

As soon as I sat down, Brian spat, "Alli, you’ll have to make something simple for yourself today. Tonight, I’ll take you to the lab to have dinner with my team."

He was carefully packing the breakfast he’d made.

"Who’s that breakfast for?" I asked.

He hesitated. "For one of the team members. She’s always so busy she skips meals."

I didn’t need him to say it—I already knew he meant Sarah.

Later, after he left for the lab, I checked the surveillance footage. Sure enough, he handed the food to her.

"You’re so skinny. That’s not healthy. I made this especially for you—hurry up and eat."

Sarah grinned coyly. "Wow, Brian, so sweet of you. I guess I can forgive you for leaving me last night to go home to your wife."

I clenched my fists as memories flooded back. When he’d told me I was getting chubby, he’d never shown concern when I skipped meals to lose weight. His wife, it seemed, mattered less than his mistress.

A bitter smile crossed my face. I finally understood the truth—I could never compete with his lover.

The day dragged on as I numbly drifted between monitoring their experiments and aimlessly trying to sleep.

By evening, Brian arrived punctually to pick me up. During the drive, he kept stealing glances at me, seemingly sensing my mood.

"Alli, we’ll be eating in the break room tonight. The team’s already prepared the dishes, so you can relax and enjoy yourself," he said lightly.

I nodded without speaking.

When we arrived, Sarah was already waiting at the entrance, a bright smile plastered on her face.

"Brian, why were you so slow? I missed you so much I thought I’d die!"

Brian’s expression darkened immediately. "Watch your words! I went to pick up my wife!"

Undeterred, Sarah’s smile widened as she turned to greet me, her eyes brimming with smugness.

During dinner, the team began chatting about the guidance program. Someone brought up how the chief supervisor had struggled to find a suitable advisor for their group.

The truth was, I had refused the position multiple times—until I learned that Brian had joined Group A. Only then did I agree, on the condition that I’d provide guidance solely to his team.

Initially, I had planned to surprise Brian after the experiment concluded, but as the advisor for the group, I ended up witnessing his betrayal firsthand.

After discovering his infidelity multiple times, I began to spiral. Signs of depression crept in, and I found myself visiting the hospital frequently to pick up medication.

"Who do you think this advisor sent by the higher-ups is?" one of the team members mused during a break. "Every time, they guide us so precisely, but we’ve never even seen them."

"Yeah," another chimed in, "our experiments overlap with Groups B and C—why are we the only ones getting this mysterious guidance?"

"Could it be that she has a crush on someone in our group? If so, it must be Brian."

Hearing this, Brian slammed the table, cutting their chatter short.

The team quickly shifted their tone. "Just joking, just joking. Everyone knows Brian loves his wife to death."

"Exactly! He’s in the lab all day, and nine out of ten sentences are about Allison."

If I hadn’t seen the truth with my own eyes, I might have believed their words.

I sat at the table, restless, my fingers digging into my palms until they turned red.

Moments later, Sarah took off her cardigan, leaving only a revealing inner layer. The room fell silent, the team exchanging awkward glances as if anticipating what would happen next.

When Sarah walked into the restroom, Brian made an excuse to leave as well.

"Alli, I have a stomachache. I’ll be right back."

After they left, the remaining team members pretended to chat casually, occasionally piling food onto my plate in an attempt to distract me.

Unable to sit still, I found myself opening the surveillance footage once again, as if drawn by an invisible force. The scene before me was gut-wrenching.

Sarah was dressed provocatively in a short skirt, and as Brian approached her, his gaze locked onto her with intensity. He kissed her fiercely, lifting her onto the bathroom counter. A mirror directly across reflected everything.

"Brian," she whispered breathlessly, "we’re so close to the dining area."

But Brian didn’t respond, his focus unwavering.

As her voice grew louder, he abruptly stopped.

"Sarah, keep your voice down! My wife is right outside. If she hears us, you’re dead!" he hissed.

"Wouldn’t it be more thrilling if she heard? What’s the big deal?" Sarah chuckled.

Clearly rattled by the possibility, Brian hurried to finish. But his movements were distracted, his expression anxious. He didn’t even button his shirt properly before rushing back to check on me.

"Wife, you didn’t hear any strange noises, did you?"

I hesitated for a moment before replying, "I heard water running."

Sweat beaded on his forehead, a clear sign of his nerves.

"Must’ve been the toilet flushing," he said, forcing a laugh.

Sarah emerged from the restroom moments later, fully dressed, and shot me a disdainful look.

"Brian is so gentle with his wife. I’m jealous," she remarked, feigning admiration.

Brian ignored her, keeping his gaze on me as if to reassure himself that I was unaware of what had transpired.

The rest of the team joined in, heaping praise on Brian for his devotion to me.

After dinner, we returned home. Just as Brian was about to pull me into his arms, his phone rang. He accidentally left an earbud behind, and I caught part of the conversation.

"Brian, you didn’t treat me well enough today. I still want to see that video of you in the shower."

Without hesitation, he grabbed his phone and went to the bathroom.

I lay on the bed, shutting my eyes tightly to hold back tears. Just two more days, and I would be free of him.

The next morning, I awoke to the smell of seafood.

Perhaps out of guilt, he hadn’t gone to the lab that today. Instead, he stayed home and prepared an elaborate seafood feast for me.

In the past, seeing him busy in the kitchen to make my favorite meal would have filled me with joy. I’d smile in my sleep, replaying the moment in my dreams.

But now, the sight of his efforts only deepened my pain.

But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t feel happy.

"Alli, come over here. I’ve already peeled this for you. Try it and tell me how it tastes," Brian called out warmly.

I sat down and took a bite, but the taste made my stomach churn, and I couldn’t stop myself from retching.

Instead of being annoyed, he looked genuinely concerned. Gently, he wiped my mouth and, seeing how uncomfortable I was, he began massaging my shoulders.

"Don’t force yourself if you don’t want to eat. Let me help you relax," he said patiently.

Just as he was focused on easing my discomfort, the door swung open, and Sarah walked in.

I hadn’t expected it. Somehow, she even knew the code to our door.

Brian glanced at me awkwardly. "Alli, it’s my fault. I forgot to lock the door."

He didn’t know that I had locked it.

Pulling Sarah aside, he whispered harshly, "Why are you suddenly at my house? I told you I’m spending the day with my wife. What are you trying to do, start trouble?"

Sarah’s eyes gleamed as she stared at him. "I missed you. Why shouldn’t I come by? You didn’t show up at the lab today."

"Shut up!" he hissed.

Then, turning toward me, she spoke with a mocking smile. "Allison, the next round of experiments starts tomorrow. I came over to ask Brian for advice. You don’t mind, do you?"

Brian looked at me, as if waiting for my permission.

I granted his wish. "Sure."

Her smug expression deepened as she grabbed his arm and led him to the study room.

Standing outside the study door, I heard the sound of the lock clicking into place.

"Sarah, you’re pushing your luck showing up here! If my wife finds out, you’re finished," Brian scolded her in a low voice.

But she silenced him with a kiss. "Don’t be mad. I didn’t get pregnant last time. Let’s try again, shall we?"

Despite his initial anger, he kissed her back.

For half an hour, their muffled voices and movements filled the study. I stood outside the entire time, my heart aching, my disappointment growing.

The study, once a sanctuary filled with books I treasured, was now tainted. My nausea and disgust surged. The thought of leaving Brian solidified further.

Eventually, I heard him speak. "Enough, Sarah. We’ve messed up my wife’s books. I need to clean up and head out."

But Sarah clung to him. "She won’t find out. I already said I'd be staying over to ask you something. As long as we keep quiet, it’s fine."

Her words swayed him, and he stayed.

I returned to the bedroom, the sounds of their escalating activity piercing through the silence. Desperate to block it out, I put in earplugs and lay down on the bed.

It wasn’t until eleven in the evening that Brian finally came to bed.

From behind, he wrapped his arms around me. "Why are you wearing earplugs?"

"Too noisy," I replied curtly.

There was a long pause before he responded, tightening his grip on my arm. "The neighbors upstairs must’ve been loud."

Then, as if relieved, he released my arm and chuckled lightly. "Well, it’s quiet now. Let’s get some rest, Alli."

As he leaned closer, a pungent, fishy scent hit me. I pushed him away.

"Don’t hold me. It’s too hot."

He stroked my hair gently and murmured, "Goodnight, my wife," before turning away.

The next morning, he woke up Sarah, who had stayed in the guest room, and they left for the lab together.

I prepared my gear, including a gas mask. Fully suited up, my voice was altered, and no one could recognize me.

Before heading out, I received a message from the chief advisor.

[Comrade Allison, stay safe. I’ll be ready to assist.]

I replied and made my way to the lab.

As soon as I arrived, the symbol on my uniform made it clear to everyone—I was the advisor.