Chapter 2

After nine years of marriage, I really did not have much to my name.

I packed all the gifts Naomi had given me over the years into cardboard boxes and shoved them into the bottom of the closet.

After I finished sorting everything, the room suddenly felt empty, just like these years of mine. In the end, it all amounted to nothing.

I scheduled a courier pickup for a week from now.

These things, along with my wife and daughter, I would send them all to Avery. He would be thrilled, I was sure.

I returned to the living room, poured myself a drink, and sipped it slowly.

I did not know how much time had passed when the sound of the door opening suddenly rang out. Naomi finally came back with Peyton.

Seeing me sitting on the couch, she froze slightly. "Harry, why are you still awake this late? Didn't I tell you not to wait for us?"

"Daddy!"

Peyton immediately let go of Naomi's hand and rushed toward me.

I did not lift her up and swing her around like I usually did. I just patted the top of her head perfunctorily. "Be good, Peyton."

Naomi changed into her slippers and walked over with a gentle smile on her face.

Her gaze landed on the glass in my hand, and her smile stiffened slightly. "Harry, why are you drinking alone? Are you upset that we came back late? Mr. Hartley's session was just so complicated..."

As she spoke, she leaned in naturally, trying to kiss my cheek. When she got close, I clearly caught the scent of men's cologne that did not belong to her.

Nausea immediately churned in my stomach. I instinctively stepped back, dodging her kiss.

"No, I know you're busy. Why would I be upset?"

Naomi froze again, then grabbed my hand and said playfully, "Really? You're really not mad?"

I shook my head faintly. "I knew your work was demanding when I married you. Of course I'm not mad."

Her beautiful eyes studied me for a few seconds before a smile bloomed on her lips again.

"Honey, I knew you were the most understanding. Love you."

I made a quiet sound of acknowledgment and set down the glass. "It's late. Let's clean up and go to bed."

After we returned to the bedroom together, Naomi frowned slightly. "Harry, did you tidy up in here? It feels like the room is so much emptier."

I did not look up, just replied indifferently, "Yeah, it's the change of seasons, so I cleaned up a bit. I packed away everything we didn't need. I'm planning to donate it all when I get the chance."

Hearing this, Naomi's brow smoothed out. She linked her arm through mine again. "Honey, you're always so kind."

I pressed my lips together and said nothing.

Kind. Yes, I was so kind that I was about to hand her and everything else over to my rival.

Naomi went to take a shower. I leaned against the bed alone, half asleep.

Suddenly, I heard her voice mixed in with the sound of running water, speaking in a hushed tone.

"Avery, right now? But I'm already home..."

It had to be Avery calling.

I did not know what he said on the other end, but after a moment of hesitation, Naomi replied, "Wait for me a bit. Let me check if he's asleep."

Hearing this, I immediately closed my eyes.

Soon, Naomi tiptoed out of the bathroom. She carefully walked over to my side, and seeing that I was already sound asleep, she let out a sigh of relief.

"I'll be right there," she said into the phone.

I clenched my fists tightly and heard the sound of the door opening and closing behind me.

A moment later, I heard Peyton's voice from outside the door. "Mommy, I want to go see Avery too! Take me with you, please!"

Worried that Peyton would wake me, Naomi quickly said, "Shh, keep your voice down. Don't wake Daddy."

The two of them quickly gathered their things and left the house again. Everything fell silent once more. I opened my eyes in the darkness.

My chest ached, hollow and raw, like something vital had been carved out.