Chapter 6

When I returned from Southport, I didn't expect to see Eric waiting at the airport.

The moment I saw him, embarrassment overwhelmed me. I wanted to disappear on the spot.

Eric, on the other hand, looked completely at ease. He even walked up to greet Dominic with a big smile, as if nothing had happened.

"Mr. Chase, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope the work trip was a successful one. Sorry for all the trouble Alicia's caused you."

Dominic's expression was unreadable. He gave a cool, indifferent reply, "No trouble."

Then, without another glance, he strode straight toward the business van parked by the curb.

I watched as Eric jogged after him, practically stumbling over himself to open the door. His sycophantic behavior made me want to run the other way.

He seemed used to this kind of thing though. Holding one hand above the door like a shield, he politely ushered Dominic into the car. "Please, Mr. Chase."

Even Dominic's assistant shot Eric a contemptuous look, which only deepened my desire to vanish. I stood frozen on the spot, wishing I could turn invisible.

But the man in the car kept his eyes on me. He lifted a hand and motioned me over.

Straightening my back, I forced myself to walk toward him. When I was almost there, Eric yanked me by the arm and muttered under his breath, "Hurry up and get in. Mr. Chase is a busy man. Don't waste his time."

As we were exiting the airport, Dominic had told me to get some rest and contact him tomorrow.

Now, seeing me stumble as Eric pulled me forward, his brows furrowed. His tone carried a hint of displeasure.

"Ms. Monroe, have the Summerfield distributor report on my desk first thing tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Mr. Chase," I answered quietly, my cheeks burning with shame.

Eric, standing just behind me, opened his mouth to say something but seemed too embarrassed to speak.

Then Dominic crooked a finger at me. I lowered my shoulders and leaned in. He murmured in my ear, "Look at your husband. What's the point of keeping him around? Be smart and get a divorce."

I stiffened instantly, completely speechless.

Dominic leaned back in his seat and signaled the driver to go.

Eric stood on tiptoe, eyes tracking the taillights of the van until they disappeared into traffic. Then he turned to me with curiosity.

"Alicia, what did Mr. Chase say to you just now?"

My feelings were a tangled mess. "Nothing. Just something work-related. Let's go."

"Did he mention anything about promoting me to regional manager?" Eric pressed.

I shook my head. "No, he just told me to wait for further notice."

So long as he hadn't said no, Eric remained hopeful. He was convinced Dominic would never go back on his word.

"Oh, and if Mr. Chase contacts you again, remember to remind him about my promotion."

I was in no mood to talk. I climbed into the car and shut the door behind me.

The drive from the airport to home took over an hour. I fell asleep shortly after we got on the road.

When we reached our apartment complex, Eric woke me and went to fetch my luggage from the trunk.

A passing neighbor recognized me and walked over to say hello.

"Back from a business trip, Alicia?"

I gave her a polite smile and nodded. "Yes. Taking your grandson out to play, Lisa?"

"Oh, you know how he is—couldn't stand being cooped up indoors. Had to come down to play." As Lisa Harper chatted, her eyes stayed on the child running around the playground. "Oh no! He fell—sorry, I've got to go."

"Go ahead, Lisa."

Eric came over, dragging my suitcase. He glanced disdainfully at Lisa's retreating figure and muttered, "Don't bother with her. All she does is poke her nose into everyone's business. Just because she has a grandkid, she thinks she's something."

I gave him a helpless look. "She wasn't showing off."

"Whatever, let's go upstairs." Eric tugged at my arm, pulling me toward the building entrance.

Everything that had happened over the past few days came flooding back to me. I felt lost and helpless. There was no going back to what we had before, and now I was trapped in a marriage that felt suffocating and hopeless.

To Eric—and to this marriage—I had already been unfaithful. Even if he was the one who pushed me down this road, I still had a choice. And I didn't say no.

I was tired. I just wanted to rest. But Eric kept pestering me with questions, never once offering comfort.

Ignored in my own family growing up, I had now become a sacrifice in my marriage, too.

Sometimes I truly wondered: maybe I wasn't meant to be happy.

In that moment, Dominic's face flashed through my mind. He seemed like the only person I could rely on now.

Slumped on the sofa, I answered Eric's endless questions at first. But then, he brought up the topic of getting me pregnant.

"Why can't you get it done?" he asked, clearly frustrated.

Exhausted, I rubbed my temples. "I don't know. Don't ask me."

"Who else am I supposed to ask? You two are always—"

His words were like a knife to the gut. My eyes snapped toward him in fury.

Realizing he'd gone too far, Eric quickly knelt down and took my hand, his voice trembling with regret.

"Baby, I know I've wronged you. It's my fault. I've failed you. I'm sorry…"

He buried his face in my lap, hugging me tightly as he sobbed.

My heart softened. I patted his back and said gently, "Don't say that. He's very cautious. He always takes precautions."

Eric looked up, eyes brimming with tears. He kissed my hand.

"Baby, I'll never forget everything you've done for this family. I owe you for the rest of my life."

For a moment, his words soothed the frustration that had been building in me for days.

"Come on, get up." I helped him to his feet.

Noticing my pale expression, Eric's eyes reddened with worry. "Celeste, are you tired? Why don't you lie down? I'll go make dinner."

His tenderness left me unable to voice the blame I'd been harboring.

"The client I met this time was difficult. I'm really exhausted."

Eric helped me to the bedroom, warmed up a glass of milk, and watched me drink it before tucking me in.

At last, I could finally rest. I had no idea how long I slept. When Eric woke me, the sky outside had already gone dark.

Groggily, I asked, "What time is it?"

"A little past seven," he replied softly. "Come eat."

I dragged myself to the dining table, feeling weak. He had prepared two dishes and a soup—everything I liked.

"Have some soup first, babe," he said, setting a bowl in front of me.

At home, I never had to lift a finger. And it was precisely Eric's attentiveness in daily life—his ability to care for me so thoroughly—that made me reluctant to let go.

Who wouldn't want to be pampered like a princess?

Seeing my lack of energy, Eric spooned some soup, blew on it gently, and fed it to me.

"Does it taste good?" he asked with a smile.

I nodded. "Your soup always does. It's delicious."

The rich, warm broth settled in my stomach, bringing back a little warmth to my heart.

"Here, try the fish," he said. "I timed it just right. It's super tender and full of flavor."

The haze of the past few days lifted slightly in the warmth of this simple meal. My heart softened.

Every family has its struggles, I told myself. If I could just hold on a little longer, this too would pass.

"Eric."

"Yeah?"

"I'll try to get pregnant as soon as possible."

He set down his fork and took my hand, eyes filled with gratitude.

"Baby, as long as you're confident, I know we'll make it happen."

Just then, a phone rang in the bedroom.

Eric jumped up. "I'll get it."

When he returned, his face was lit up with excitement. He held up the phone and said, "It's Mr. Chase. He's calling!"

He turned on the speaker and gestured for me to speak.

To be honest, I was nervous. I didn't know what Dominic might say in front of Eric. That man—always dressed to the nines—had a habit of saying things that could turn my ears red.

I wet my dry lips. "Hello?"

Dominic's voice came through, curt and direct, "Private Room No. 3 at Azurea. Be there in thirty minutes."