Chapter 4

"Oh, right," Dr. Weldon added. "About two years ago, he stopped coming alone. A Ms. Danby usually came with him.

"After he recovered, she even brought us afternoon tea a few times. They were very close."

I didn't hear the rest.

The room tilted.

And everything crashed down.

***

When I stumbled back to the apartment, Edward was already gone.

I dug out the dress he gave me when we first got married. It was buried in the back of the closet. I slipped it on.

Then I called Edward's doctoral advisor's wife.

Back when she shopped at the market, I'd sneak two extra fish into her bag. She thought I was honest and left me her number.

I never told her who I was. Didn't want my worn-out face embarrassing Edward. I just said I was a distant relative.

Professor Jefferson had a reputation—strict. Zero tolerance for academic fraud or shady people.

Edward, let's see how your little celebration goes today.

"Mrs. Jefferson, Edward's hosting a celebration at home today. He didn't invite Professor Jefferson because he didn't want to bother him. I wanted to surprise Edward... so I was wondering if you two might have time to come."

She sounded pleasantly surprised and agreed right away.

Summit Heights Residence was the most expensive neighborhood in the city, packed with rich scholars and elites.

When I got there, the door to Unit 1006 was wide open. Laughter spilled out.

Margot stood inside, one hand on her pregnant belly, the other hooked around Edward's arm like she owned the place.

Edward moved through the crowd like he ruled it. Nothing like the weak, sick guy he played at home.

With the money I earned gutting fish, washing dishes, and selling my house, he built a love nest with his side chick and soaked up everyone's blessings.

Meanwhile, the legal wife stayed hidden in the dark.

A wedding photo hung in the living room.

Edward's smile in it was brighter than I'd ever seen.

We'd been married four years. I didn't even have one photo with him.

A young faculty member raised his glass.

"Dr. Godfrey, your dissertation is incredible. The data is detailed, the arguments rigorous. We're all seriously impressed."

Edward laughed and pulled Margot in by the waist.

"That's all thanks to Margot. She stayed up with me night after night so my defense would go smooth. Without her, I wouldn't be here."

Margot ducked her head, all shy.

"I'd do anything for you."

The guests clapped, praising them like the perfect academic power couple.

I stood in the corner, shaking with rage.

I worked myself half to death for him for four years.

Now he had status, success—and he was showing off his love with his side chick.

Edward raised his glass and stepped into the middle of the living room.

"Thanks for coming. Today's not just a celebration. I also want to thank the most important person in my life."

He looked at Margot like she hung the moon and pulled out a diamond ring.

"Margot, thanks for always being by my side. From now on, I'll give you and our child a stable home."

With everyone watching, Edward dropped to one knee and slid the ring onto her finger.

Then he stood and kissed her lightly on the forehead.

"Margot, I love you."

The room exploded in applause.

Professor Jefferson and his wife had just arrived. Seeing the scene, they offered warm congratulations.

"Edward, you and your fiancée are a perfect match!"

That's when it hit me.

Edward had never publicly said he was already married.

He stood there, smiling like he owned the room. I pushed through the crowd and walked straight up to him.

"Honey, proposing to your side chick without inviting your actual wife? That's bold. I would've brought a gift."