6

I don’t scream, cry, or hit Paul back.

This is the first time Paul acts this violently toward me. He shows his brutal side.

“How dare you embarrass me in front of Benedict Ashworth! You went there on purpose to seduce him, didn’t you? What kind of wife are you?”

Paul keeps ranting, his voice rising another octave and filling every corner of our cold bedroom.

“Do you realize that, Kate? You looked like a prostitute selling yourself in front of your husband’s enemy!”

I keep my head lowered, not giving any argument at all. Even though my hands are clenched tightly.

“Do you know how hard I work to build my image in front of investors? And you ruin it in one night!”

Paul’s breathing grows heavier. This time, he paces back and forth in frustration.

“Because of you, my meeting turns into a disaster! My reputation gets destroyed in front of my colleagues because of your ridiculous drama!”

I need to correct him. What I ruin is Paul and Monica’s heated night together. And secondly, I’m not the one causing the drama.

Yeah, but… for now it’s better if I keep my mouth shut.

Paul stops in front of me, then grips my shoulders tightly. “Answer me, Kaitlyn! You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

I take a deep breath, calming the storm in my chest. I slowly lift my head and look at Paul with dull, empty eyes.

“I didn’t have any purpose,” I say softly.

“I know you’re angry because of our anniversary issue! That’s why you’re acting crazy like this!”

My eyes briefly glance toward the vanity table, toward the phone I prop up there. The camera is still recording, capturing every second of the man’s madness as he stands before me.

“If you think I’m wrong, then I’m sorry, Paul,” I say quietly.

My voice only sounds tired and defeated—a perfect performance, of course.

“I didn’t know my presence would disturb your business. I came because I thought it would give the Goldman family a good image. I didn’t know you would be there too,” I explain.

“Sorry? You think sorry can restore the dignity you dragged across the floor of the Ashworth ballroom?”

Paul spits to the side, his laugh sounding bitter.

“Listen to me carefully! Never leave this house again without my permission, except when you’re working. Do you understand?”

I nod. “Alright.”

Paul’s anger turns into confusion when he sees how calm I am. He releases his grip.

“I’m…” Paul swallows hard.

“I’m tired. I want to rest,” I say softly.

I turn around without waiting for Paul’s answer and snatch my phone, immediately stopping the recording. My steps remain firm as I walk out.

I no longer head toward the bed that has silently witnessed my husband’s betrayal all this time.

Before I even reach the guest bedroom at the end of the hallway, Paul suddenly grabs my arm.

“So this is your way now? Suddenly acting passive toward me?” There is still burning anger in Paul’s eyes.

“I already apologized, and I won’t do it again. What else do you want?”

“You’ve never acted like this before, Kate. This is suspicious.”

“So have you, Paul.” I force a smile. “Thanks for the slap. It’s a memorable gift. Happy anniversary.”

Paul’s eyes widen.

Without even returning the physical slap, I know my words hit him far harder.

I immediately shake off Paul’s hand and enter the guest bedroom, then lock it. The click of the lock sounds like a small but sweet victory.

Even though I have to endure the slap first.

But it’s worth it once Paul’s actions are recorded.

“Kate?”

Bam! Bam! Bam!

The pounding on the door doesn’t shake me at all. I only stare at the door with my arms crossed.

“Shit! Kate, I’m sorry, okay? I don’t know why I acted that roughly with you,” Paul says from outside the door. “Kate, please open the door.”

Several minutes pass in silence.

Finally, I hear Paul walk away from the bedroom door.

Oh… I can imagine his thoughts spiraling, from panic to guilt. One thing is certain—he will be terrified if I start rebelling.

The breath I’ve been holding finally escapes in one long exhale.

Tonight, the wheel of my fate truly changes completely. Thinking about it now, this time, I won’t let my husband and Monica get what they want.

Not in this life.

…

The next morning, I wake up earlier, before the sun even touches the guest room window. I immediately get ready for work and prepare breakfast for Paul.

I can’t let myself overlook small things, or they will become weapons for Paul to attack me with. There cannot be any flaw in me.

I leave the house immediately without eating breakfast.

One thing is certain—I have to secure the formula before Paul tries to pressure me into finishing it. I need to stall until we divorce, so Paul can’t get it.

When I arrive at the office, I don’t go into the building right away. I need coffee and pastries to get energy. I also need to calm myself down, because my heart races when I’m planning how to hide the formula.

My phone vibrates, and several messages from Paul come in. I only read them from the notifications—apologies, and how panicked Paul is while looking for me.

He even asks me out to dinner at one of the trendy restaurants.

At least this is a small source of entertainment, because this time he is the one panicking.

Not me anymore.

After finishing my coffee and breakfast, I hurried back to the Goldman Therapeutics building. But just as I’m about to pass through the gate, my steps stop.

A strange man in a neat black suit gives me a nod. As if he had been waiting there.

“Dr. Kaitlyn Russell?” he asks while stepping toward me.

I tighten my grip on my handbag against my chest and frown.

“Yes? Who are you?”