Chapter 3: You’re a cheating wife!

Emerald’s Point of View

I woke up with a headache, but I had a cup of coffee beside me. From the moment I opened my eyes, I knew I was at Thea's place. I quickly looked for my phone to find out when it had run out of power.

When Thea hopped onto the bed and smiled, I let out a deep sigh and stretched my body.

“Tell me what happened yesterday with that hot guy, Emerald!” Thea was giggling.

I hummed and hugged the pillow. I am currently at a loss for words, yet she is insisting that I wake up now that she has observed me awake.

I had no choice but to sit down on the bed with my eyes still closed.

“C'mon, tell me about him!”

Thea's eyes twinkled. Carlos is basically his type.

“He's a close friend in middle school. I was lucky I saw him at the club, but I ruined his top.” I affirmed.

Thea suddenly bumped with my arms. His face was mixed with excitement, and she's clearly teasing me about him.

“He likes you!” She exclaimed. "You two are cute together!” she said. "Date him, girl! I feel like he adores you. Well, you know... girl's instincts? He may be hotter than your husband!” She chuckled.

I don't think so. Despite his cold and harsh treatments, I hold Jude in high regard.

I rolled my eyes and continued speaking. “I have a husband, Thea. Besides, it's already in the past. I simply regard him as a friend. Nothing more.”

Thea's eyebrows arched up. “So? What's the point of staying in your loveless and one-sided marriage? Go find someone better, girl! Find someone who is prepared to sacrifice everything for you! She asserted, rolling her eyes at me while her hand was crossed over her chest.

“I hope that's something simple to do, Thea.”

Suddenly, my phone made a sound. My phone was charging, and it opened automatically. Jude's name flashed on the screen, and when I scrolled through my notifications, I saw countless messages from him. He's been looking for me since last night, asking my whereabouts.

"Speaking of the devil," I said with a heavy heart, referring to my husband, Jude.

Thea tried to peek at my phone, but I didn't let her see a single piece of information about him. I took a deep breath and responded to his message, even just for once. A couple of seconds later, my phone rang. He's calling me now!

I stood up and went to her balcony. I closed the door, but I could see Thea watching me curiously as I spoke with him.

"You finally picked up your phone after long, unattended calls." He confirmed this coldly, his voice revealing a hint of successfully suppressed anger.

I scoffed. “What do you need?” I coldly affirmed.

“Come to my office. Now.”

My jaw dropped when he hung up the phone call. The anger I have for him intensifies. I went back inside with a heavy heart. I informed Thea that I would be heading out to see my husband.

Fortunately, I have some clothes and other belongings in her condo, as I occasionally spend the night there.

I won't come to his office just because he said so; I want to tell him directly that I am not a dog he can order around just because he said so. However, my surprise was evident when I arrived at his doorstep.

I bit my lower lip; I didn't bother knocking. His secretary even attempted to barge into my office to prevent me from entering, but Jude instructed her to leave.

My eyebrows shot up. Before I could speak, Jude did. He threw countless pictures on his table, emphasizing my interaction with Carlos last night. He presented numerous candid shots, one of which featured Carlos shielding me from the crowd.

“Who's this jerk? Your another man?” He affirmed, challenging me for another argument.

My eyebrows shot up. Did he call me solely because of this situation? He had me follow!

“Don't tell me you got pissed when I was with another man rather than getting exasperated because someone threatened me?” I can't believe him.

His jaw moved. He was taken aback but spoke later on. Anger crept onto his face as he engaged in a robust argument with me.

“I can't believe you cheated, Emerald. I was so, so wrong about you.”

For the second time around, I got hurt by him. I drank too much alcohol to forget about him, but it didn't work out.

“What do you even know about me, Jude? Nothing!” I defended myself. “Think whatever you want to think. I'll just waste my energy explaining to you. I know you won't listen anyway.”

I was ready to leave. I was on the verge of opening the doorknob when I halted because of his words.

“You already have a husband, Emerald. Yet you cling to those men like a leech. Don't flaunt your desire for men in public!” He affirmed with a hint of disgust. “It’s such a shame if everyone finds out you're my wife.”

He spoke too much about my character without knowing what happened and refused to listen to the truth. He will only believe what he wants to believe.

“Carlos is my friend. Don't call him names when you haven't met him yet.” I felt a surge of blood rising in my head. “For your information, I possess a strong sense of self-respect. I am aware of my boundaries, and I don't engage in flirtatious behavior as you have suggested.”

He scoffed. “I don't see any reason why you won't flirt with anyone. Carlos is a better candidate. You even proposed a divorce… I don't buy your ridiculous reasoning, Emerald.” Jude affirmed, provoking me even more. "Campbell Daily is nothing without the help of my company. Get your shit together, Emerald. Dare to commit mistakes again, and I'll make sure to make you retreat. I have the power to sever all ties with your family, leaving your parents with a lifelong hatred for you.”

He can take everything in with just one glance. Not even his father can stop him. Jude totally became a new person ever since he got paralyzed. He doesn't listen to his father anymore, and he has become more ruthless than before.

I gripped my handbag tightly and left his office without a single goodbye. He thinks I was cheating, and Carlos is my other man. If I continue seeing him, then I'm afraid he will do something that will upset my parents!

For the second time around, I got hurt by his words. I went inside my car as tears looming in my eyes respectfully ran down my cheeks.