Chapter 3

Benedict turned around and saw that Mikaela had returned after spending the night away from home, with Benjamin by her side.

But unlike before, he no longer felt upset.

He casually made up an excuse. "I saw a bird fly away outside the window. I said it was leaving."

At his words, Mikaela let out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief. "That's true. Your whole family is here. Where else could you possibly go?"

Benedict found her words deeply ironic. His "family" in this world were all here, yet not a single person among them loved him.

Fortunately, he'd soon be returning to his true family.

Mikaela instructed the maids to pack her luggage. Noticing how Benedict's expression remained indifferent, she felt a strange uneasiness stirring inside her.

She couldn't help but explain, "Benjamin just landed a leading role, so he needs to stay in the public eye. I'm taking him to visit some of the most popular tourist spots and Instagram-worthy destinations."

Benjamin smiled and wrapped an arm around hers. "Ms. Jepsen really cares about her employees. You're such a wonderful boss!"

Mikaela patted his chest gently. "Of course."

Just then, Benjamin coughed a little.

Right away, Mikaela asked with utmost concern, "Is your throat bothering you? Are you thirsty?"

She stopped a maid who was about to fetch some water. "I'll do it myself. You wouldn't know what Benjamin likes to drink."

She was more than accustomed to being waited on by others. However, she now bustled around the kitchen, turning on the stove and boiling water. And then, she even added various herbs to the pot.

Once the drink was ready, she let it cool before personally handing it to Benjamin. Her movements were smooth and practiced. It was obvious she'd done this many times before.

Yet, this was a level of care Benedict had never experienced from her. Never in his personal life nor in his career had Mikaela ever treated him this way.

Jepsen Entertainment was just one of the many subsidiaries under Mikaela's company. When Benedict had been her only artist, she'd rarely involved herself in his affairs. She'd left everything to his team and insisted that they should let the professionals handle it.

But after Benjamin joined the company, she handled every detail herself. The powerful CEO was now more attentive than a personal assistant.

"This tastes so sweet," Benjamin said, smiling as he rubbed his stomach.

Mikaela immediately understood. "You're hungry, aren't you? I'll make your favorite soft-boiled eggs."

Watching her walk away in her high heels, Benedict lost himself in thought for a moment.

After their wedding, he'd once suggested that they cook together. He'd thought it would be a warm, intimate way to strengthen their relationship.

Alas, Mikaela had rejected the idea without a second thought. She'd said she hated the fumes from cooking and asked how a powerful CEO like her could be expected to cook.

But now, she was doing it willingly and happily.

So it wasn't that she didn't want to cook. She simply didn't want to cook for him.

Perhaps that was the difference when someone loved or didn't love another person.

"Benedict, are you jealous of me?" Benjamin asked.

With Mikaela out of the room, he dropped his pretense. Malice gleamed openly in his eyes.

He mocked, "But no matter how jealous you are, it won't change anything. You're just a substitute. You'll never have Mikaela's love. I honestly don't understand why you're still clinging to your position as her husband. How much longer do you plan to occupy what's rightfully mine?

"Mikaela told me you're not even a fraction as good as I am in bed. She said you were boring and rigid. She also said that only with me can she truly become one with someone else and let herself go completely."

Benjamin's words were dripping with provocation, but Benedict no longer felt even a trace of jealousy.

He even smiled and maintained a cool, detached expression. "If you're so desperate to take my place, tell her to ask me for a divorce."

He'd already prepared the divorce agreement and would cooperate without hesitation.

However, a flicker of diffidence and twisted resentment crossed Benjamin's eyes.

Then, he sneered. "Of course she'll divorce you! You've occupied my place for far too long. Today, I'm going to make sure you pay for every bit of it!"