Chapter 2

Charlene paused before hesitantly asking, "Javier, can I discuss something with you? It's just… Travis got into some trouble with his landlord and was kicked out. He can't find a suitable place right away, so would you mind if he stayed with us for a while? It's just a temporary arrangement."

I almost laughed in disbelief.

Did she have a few screws loose or something?

"Do you really think that's appropriate?" I asked coldly in return.

"What's inappropriate about it?" she retorted impatiently. "Javier, since when have you become so petty? I already told you that he's in my past. You're the only one in my heart now.

"But he's all alone and really struggling these days, so what's wrong with offering him some help? Don't worry, I would never betray you."

She made her vow with such conviction, yet she had already betrayed me the moment she decided to give our home to another man.

"Charlene, do you really see me as someone you can just push around? Do you think that just because I've been through hardship with you, I deserve to be treated this way?" I asked, my words slow and deliberate.

She fell silent. It was a long while before she responded wearily, "Javier, don't overthink this. I'm just helping out a friend. This matter is settled. I'm going to pick him up now."

With that, she walked out the door.

When I heard the sound of the door slamming shut, I closed my eyes to force back the tears that were threatening to spill over.

After all, it wasn't worth getting worked up over someone like that.

Just then, my father-in-law, Greg Downing, called me.

"Javier, it's the weekend tomorrow. Why don't you and Charlene come over to my place to have dinner together?"

Dad had always been good to me, so I couldn't bring myself to refuse.

In the end, I simply said, "Alright, Dad."

After hanging up, I gazed out the window at the gradually darkening sky, feeling a chill settle in my heart.

The next day, I returned alone to Downing Villa.

At the time the Downing family went bankrupt, Downing Villa had already been mortgaged and sold at auction. Later, when Charlene made a comeback and wanted to buy back the villa that held her childhood memories, the new owner refused to sell no matter what.

It was I who repeatedly visited with gifts in hand for three whole months, negotiating with the eccentric, retired old professor before he finally agreed to sell the villa back to us at its original price.

Dad frowned when he saw I was alone. "Where's Charlene? Is she busy with her boy toy again?"

"She had a last-minute work meeting. She'll be here later." I covered for her with an excuse.

Dad patted my shoulder and led me to sit on the couch. "Javier, you don't have to cover for her," he said with a sigh. "I've already heard about what she's been up to lately."

My chest tightened.

"She's taken up with Travis again, isn't she?" Dad's gaze sharpened. "I told her long ago that man was no good and warned her to stay away from him."

I lowered my head and stayed silent.

After patting my back, Dad continued in a tone filled with approval and sorrow, "You're a good man. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Rest assured that you're the only son-in-law we acknowledge. If Charlene dares to do anything to hurt you, I'll be the first to hold her accountable."

A warmth spread in my chest, and I tried my best to offer a faint smile. "Dad, I'm okay."

Just then, Charlene arrived.

When she spotted me, her expression immediately turned dark and stormy. Clearly, she was unhappy that I had arrived before her.

"Dad, did you call Javier here again to complain about me?" Her opening words were sharp with hostility.

Dad was so angry he almost hurled his mug, but he held back at the last moment. "You foolish girl, what are you talking about? Is Javier the kind of person who would do that? If he had said even half a word against you to me, I wouldn't have let you step through the door today!"

"What is it then?" Charlene snapped impatiently. "If he hadn't said anything, how would you know about Travis?"

Dad scoffed and said, "As if I need him to tell me. After all, you've already made Travis your personal assistant. You might as well tell everyone in the company you're having an affair. Do you think I'm blind?"

I couldn't help but smile bitterly inside.