Chapter 2

My suspicions had been confirmed. It felt as though someone had plunged a knife into my chest and twisted it.

On the other end of the phone, Jade continued her furious accusations.

"Steve, did you put something in the food that wasn't supposed to be there? Do you have any idea that someone could’ve died because of this?"

I tightened my grip on the phone, struggling to keep my emotions under control.

"You're my wife. Why would I drug you?

"The only thing different about today's meal was that I added some crushed peanuts to the meatloaf for flavor. You're not allergic to peanuts, so how could that possibly have caused a problem?"

I paused, then deliberately added, "Unless you gave my food to someone else."

Her breathing grew noticeably heavier. Several seconds passed before she hurriedly denied it.

"Of course not! I must have gotten it wrong. My stomach was bothering me today, and I panicked. That's why I asked.

"I have some work to take care of at the office. I have to go."

Before I could say another word, she hung up abruptly.

I stared at the dark screen, feeling my eyes grow hot.

A moment later, I wiped my face roughly, grabbed my car keys, and headed out.

St. Thomas Health Center, the hospital closest to Jade's company, was one of the best medical facilities in the city. It had state-of-the-art equipment and an excellent medical team. Her company even held its annual employee health screenings there.

Luis was allergic to peanuts, and Jade cared so much about him. Surely she would have taken him there immediately.

I drove straight to the hospital and headed for the allergy department on the third floor.

As I reached the corner of the hallway, I spotted Jade crouching in front of Luis, carefully applying ointment to his arm.

"Does it still hurt? Stop scratching. If it gets itchy, just tell me."

Luis looked thoroughly miserable. He was about to say something when his eyes suddenly met mine.

I strode over and stopped behind Jade.

Perhaps sensing someone standing behind her, Jade slowly turned around. The moment she saw me, panic flickered across her face.

"Steve? What are you doing here?"

I looked at her and gave a faint smile.

"When you said your stomach was bothering you, I figured you might have come to the hospital, so I thought I'd stop by and check on you."

I glanced at Luis.

"However, it seems someone else is the one who got sick."

My smile remained as I turned to him.

"Are you the one who's allergic to peanuts?"

The moment I finished speaking, two voices answered at once.

"No."

"Yes."

Jade and Luis both froze.

Luis's expression stiffened. Looking completely lost, he turned to Jade for help.

Realizing there was no point hiding the truth anymore, Jade quickly stepped in.

"Steve, Luis did eat some of your food.

"He just joined the company, and he gets so busy with work that he barely has time to eat. His stomach isn't in great shape either. I felt sorry for him, so I let him have a few bites."

She took my hand, her voice carrying a hint of helplessness.

"I didn't tell you because I was afraid you would get the wrong idea."

I lowered my eyes to the hand holding mine and almost laughed.

Her company had over a hundred employees, yet she barely spared a thought for the department head whose team had topped the performance rankings year after year, or the veteran employees who had helped her build the business from the ground up.

She could even endure her own stomach pain without a word of complaint.

However, a newly hired intern was somehow worthy of all her attention and tender care.

I slowly withdrew my hand and replied with a pointed smile, "So that's what happened.

"You're certainly very considerate of your employees."

Having seen the truth with my own eyes, I finally gave up all hope. There was no point staying any longer.

"Since you're fine, I'll head home."

With that, I turned and walked away.

"Steve, wait!" Jade instinctively started after me. However, before she had taken more than a couple of steps, Luis called out from behind her, "Ms. Smith."

He pushed himself up from the chair, his face still a little pale.

"I'm still not feeling very well, and it's difficult being here alone. Could you stay with me a little longer?"

Jade stopped in her tracks. She hesitated for a moment, but in the end, she stayed.

I returned home alone and sent my lawyer a message.

Steve: [Draft a divorce agreement for me. The sooner, the better.]

At 10 PM that night, the front door unlocked, and Jade walked in with Luis.

She glanced at me, looking slightly uncomfortable.

"Luis had an allergic reaction today and ended up in the hospital. He hasn't fully recovered yet, and on top of that, there's a leak in the apartment he's renting. He doesn't have anywhere to stay for now.

"Although you didn't mean to cause what happened today, you still bear some responsibility.

"So, I was thinking of letting him stay with us for a few days."