Chapter 2

Just five minutes after Henry arrived at the office, Loretta shared a new post on Instagram and tagged me.

"My dear hubby is really good at cooking. He prepared this dish for me because he noticed I preferred sweet and sour food after getting pregnant. I have also grown tired of takeouts. Aren't you all jealous?"

I looked at the photo. I could tell from the background that it was taken in the private lounge inside Henry's office. On the table were the sweet and sour meatballs I made last night.

We were almost inseparable when we had just gotten married.

Henry had this private lounge built for me. He also bought a daybed and placed it next to the window.

He once promised me with a firm look in his eyes. "Honey, this will be our secret base from now on."

Now, Henry was letting another woman sit on the daybed while enjoying the sweet and sour meatballs I made.

I couldn't stand it anymore. I immediately pressed the like button on Loretta's post.

Then, I left a comment.

"I heard that your husband passed away three years ago. When did you remarry? Why didn't you invite me to your wedding?"

I received a call from Loretta almost instantly. She said in a dejected voice, "Adeline, you misunderstood me. Please let me explain…"

Henry hurriedly took the phone from her. He said slightly disapprovingly, "Retta just wants to try your cooking. Are you getting jealous over such a trivial matter?"

Instead of responding to his question, I asked, "When did the two of you become so close? Also, why is she in your office? I want a proper explanation from you."

Henry fell silent for more than ten seconds. Eventually, he stuttered a reply.

"My former war comrades and I had discussed and decided to have one person help and look after Retta. You know how difficult the situation is for her—a single lady—to live by herself.

"I didn't tell you about it since I was worried you might get the wrong idea. I've hired her to be our company's cleaner. Trust me, Honey. There's nothing going on between her and me."

After hearing those words, I decided to give our ten years of marriage one last chance.

I responded, "Come home by 10:00 pm tonight. There are some matters that we need to talk about."

Henry sounded quite relieved. He spoke in his usual gentle tone. "Honey, I've always known that you're a kind, understanding person. Just wait for me at home. I'll bring you your favorite dessert, cream puffs."

After the call ended, Loretta sent me a message.

"Adeline Miller, do you really believe that there's nothing going on between your husband and me?"

I balled my fists as I tried to suppress the anger rising in me. I was determined to get an answer from Henry tonight.

Surprisingly, Henry, who always got off work late, arrived home even before 8:00 pm. He held a box of cream puffs out toward me. Behind him, Loretta quickly entered the house.

My face darkened.

I was about to snap, yet Henry put his arm around Loretta's shoulders and introduced her to me.

"You two already know each other. Retta made you some cream puffs to express her apology."

Then, he placed my hand on top of Loretta's hand. He added patiently, "Retta is pretty much someone like my younger sister. Honey, you should treat her like she's your sister too. Since we're family, you shouldn't get jealous of her anymore."

Loretta came up to me and linked her arms with mine. She held a cream puff right next to my mouth and smiled sweetly.

"Adeline, I heard that you liked eating cream puffs. My hands are a bit sore after spending the entire afternoon making them. You shouldn't be mad at Henry anymore after eating the cream puffs."

I detected a pungent smell as the cream puff touched my lips. I could feel a burning, painful sensation in that area.

I pushed her hand away forcefully and asked, "What did you put inside the cream puffs?"

Henry didn't notice that I was in pain. His eyes were glued to Loretta.

I knew that expression on his face all too well. He had once looked at me with that loving gaze too. Yet, Henry only had eyes for Loretta now.

Suddenly, Loretta clutched her stomach and crouched down slowly. In just a few seconds, a small pool of blood formed on the floor where she stood.

Loretta was as white as a sheet. Her voice was shaking. "My child… Please save my child…"

Henry lost his composure. He swiftly picked Loretta up in his arms to rush her to the hospital.

I shouted loudly while staring at his receding figure. "Henry Lloyd! I'll file for a divorce if you take one step out of that door right now!"

I could hear Henry's voice coming from a distance. "Honey, I'll come back and explain everything once I get Retta to the hospital."

The tiny bit of hope I had was completely shattered at that point. Henry had lost his final chance.

I called Cole again. "I need you to head over to the company with me tomorrow. I'm planning to gather the evidence to prepare for the divorce lawsuit."