Chapter 2

At Lloyd Group, a flicker of impatience crossed Eugene's eyes, but it quickly vanished.

"Honey, work's been so busy lately. It's my fault I haven't had time to be with you. I'll get home early tonight, okay? Don't be mad." His tone was a mix of pleading and testing the waters.

On the other end, there was silence. Eugene felt a sudden tightness in his chest. He furrowed his brows, about to speak up.

Jacklyn's tired voice came through again, "What time are you coming home?"

Eugene let out a heavy sigh of relief. He glanced at the clock on the wall and hesitated for a moment before replying, "Around 6:00 pm."

"Okay."

Her response was short, and she hung up without saying another word.

Upon hearing the busy tone on the phone, Eugene finally relaxed, and he let out a helpless laugh.

Jacklyn was still as clingy as ever.

Eugene quickly turned his attention back to his work.

Lately, Penelope had been trying new things in bed, and he had been drawn into her allure. He had neglected Jacklyn and, worse, upset her. It was a mistake.

Penelope might relieve his desires and ease his stress, but his heart had always belonged to Jacklyn. She was the one he cherished and nurtured with his deep love.

As he was lost in thought, his phone rang again. The caller ID read "Penelope".

Eugene's brows furrowed even further.

He answered the call with a cold and formal voice, "What is it?"

Penelope's seductive voice came through the phone, "Eugene, I miss you. I got a new lace nightgown."

Eugene's throat tightened when he heard her words, and his breath came a little faster.

But then he remembered his promise to Jacklyn. He had to go home tonight, so he pushed his rising desires back down.

"I'm going back to Lloyd Manor tonight," Eugene replied.

Penelope didn't sound disappointed. She immediately switched tactics. "Are you going to be with Jackie again? Can't you spend more time with me? My love for you is just as strong as hers."

When Jacklyn was mentioned, Eugene's face turned cold. His voice dropped low as he said, "Know your place, Penelope. I told you I'm only with you to satisfy my desires. I'll give you money, but don't expect my love. I only love Jackie."

His eyes hardened. "Is there anything else? If there isn't, I'm hanging up."

He had spoiled Penelope so much that she had forgotten her place. It was time to give her the cold shoulder to remind her of her role and make her focus on her duties.

Eugene didn't bother to check whether Penelope was upset and was about to hang up.

But in the next moment, she let out a soft, tearful sob. "Eugene, we're so in sync in bed, so much so that you could have me seven times in one night. They say time builds affection. Did you ever love me, even just a little?"

Eugene froze. He didn't hang up immediately.

After a long pause, he said, emphasizing each word, "I only love Jackie."

On the other end of the line, Penelope let out a self-mocking laugh. Eugene felt a pang of guilt and was ready to comfort her.

But then, Penelope shifted gears. "Gene, there's something I want to show you."

The address "Gene" belonged to Jacklyn alone. No one else had the right to use it.

A wave of disgust washed over Eugene. He was about to reprimand Penelope when he saw the message she had sent.

He froze, his gaze fixed on the screen. It took a moment for him to react.

"You…" Eugene's voice trembled. "You're pregnant?"

…

Every year, for their wedding anniversary, Jacklyn and Eugene would give the maids at Lloyd Manor the day off, along with a generous bonus.

This year was no different.

But in the past, whenever Jacklyn handed out the bonuses, Eugene would stand behind her, smiling as she played the generous hostess. He was happy whenever she was.

But this year, Eugene was nowhere to be seen.

The maids, who knew how deeply Eugene loved Jacklyn, had always envied her. So even though Eugene wasn't around, they didn't think much of it.

After receiving their bonuses, they couldn't help but throw in a few kind words for Eugene.

"Mrs. Lloyd, Mr. Lloyd is so busy, but he still makes sure to spend your wedding anniversary with you. You're the luckiest woman alive!"

"They say, 'Happy wife, happy life.' Mr. Lloyd's success is truly a blessing from above!"

"Mrs. Lloyd, you must have saved the galaxy in your past life to deserve a husband like Mr. Lloyd!"

Jacklyn smiled tightly, offering only perfunctory responses. The maids scattered quickly.

At once, the grand villa became eerily quiet, with only Jacklyn's presence filling the space.

She sat alone at the dining table.

The lights were off. The candles flickered softly, casting a gentle glow that highlighted the dishes Eugene loved.

What should have been a romantic candlelit dinner now felt incomplete without its guest of honor.

Staring at the flickering flames, Jacklyn recalled the maids' words. She chuckled bitterly to herself.

Everyone knew how much Eugene loved her. But now, the man who claimed to love her had betrayed her and slept with her sister.

How laughable!

Jacklyn couldn't help but wonder how everyone would react if the truth about Eugene came to light. If they realized the image of the loving husband he had so carefully crafted was nothing more than a facade, the scandal would be massive.

Just then, her phone vibrated on the side. The screen lit up, revealing a message from Eugene.

"Jackie, something came up at work. I'll bring you a gift tomorrow when I get home. How about we go on a vacation sometime soon?"

It seemed Eugene had chosen Penelope, after all.

Jacklyn placed her hand on her stomach, feeling the small life inside her.

As she thought of the happier days, a bitter taste filled her mouth, but she forced herself to smile.

"Baby, let's abandon your daddy. I'll give you twice the love."

Jacklyn wasn't just speaking to the child in her womb. She was speaking to herself, too.

Eugene was already rotten and unworthy of her. Even with the baby inside her, she was resolute in her decision to leave him.

She picked up her phone and typed a message to Eugene.

"Okay. By the way, your birthday is three months from now. I'll prepare a gift for you."

Jacklyn had always gotten Eugene a gift for his birthday, but she had never mentioned it three months in advance.

Would Eugene be curious? Would he be eager to know what the "gift" was?

A notification sound pinged.

As expected, Eugene responded immediately.

"What gift? I'm so excited! I can't wait for three months to pass! Honey, can you tell me what the gift is?"

Jacklyn smiled faintly and replied, "If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise."

Before she could even set her phone down, another message from Penelope popped up.

"Jacklyn, Eugene has chosen me! I'm carrying his baby. What makes you think you can compete with me? Just you wait. I'll take everything you have, just like I did when we were kids. You'll never win, bitch!"

Jacklyn's chest tightened. The suffocating feeling made her vision blur.