Chapter 2

Nicole glanced down and noticed a new gold watch on Tristan's wrist.

"I thought you didn’t like gold and said it was tacky?"

Tristan stiffened slightly before letting go of her.

"No, I just decided it looked good, so I went ahead and got it."

"Is that so?"

Nicole smirked inwardly. Tristan didn’t just dislike gold, he despised it.

Yet here he was, wearing a gold watch.

There was only one explanation: the watch was a gift from his mistress.

"Yeah, I thought it wasn’t so bad after all.”

"Then let’s go to the store now. I’ll buy you a new one.”

Tristan held her close, hesitating.

"No need, Nicky. One is enough. I don’t have room to wear another."

Nicole’s gaze fell on the gold watch again.

Inside the band, she noticed an engraving: T & L.

The initials of Tristan and Lisa Evans.

A sharp pain pierced her heart as she reached out and pushed him away.

"You smell strange. Go take a shower."

"What? Smell strange?"

Tristan sniffed at himself. "I don’t smell anything."

Of course, he didn’t notice, but Nicole’s sharp sense of smell caught everything. The clinging, sickly-sweet scent of another woman after their heated encounter turned her stomach.

Nicole didn’t say another word, and Tristan leaned in again. "Alright, I’ll shower. Wait here for me, okay?"

Moments later, Tristan emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a black robe with his hair slightly damp. Under the soft light, he exuded his usual elegance and aloof charm.

Once, seeing him like this would have left Nicole completely captivated.

But tonight, she felt nothing but disgust.

"Nicky, did you miss me?" Tristan climbed onto the bed, leaning down to kiss her, but Nicole turned her head away.

"I'm tired."

"What's wrong? I've noticed you're less interested in me. Are you seeing another man?"

Looking at his overly serious expression, Nicole marveled at his acting skills.

"What about you? Are you seeing another woman?"

"I swear! Absolutely not. You’re the only one I love!" Tristan declared with utter conviction.

The moment he finished speaking, his phone rang.

It rang once. He didn’t answer. Then it rang several more times.

Nicole glanced at him. "Go ahead, answer it."

Tristan reluctantly got up and walked to the side to take the call.

"Didn’t I tell you not to call me after ten at night?"

"I just wrapped up a shoot—a historical drama! I want to see you. I’m at your office now. Can you come over?"

Tristan glanced at Nicole lying on the bed, hesitating for a moment.

The truth was, his desires were getting the better of him. With Nicole growing distant and turning him away, the thought of Lisa’s eager advances made the choice all too easy.

"Alright, I’ll come right away. Wait for me, sweetheart."

He quickly hung up, walked to the wardrobe, and began changing clothes.

"So late, and you’re still going out?" Nicole’s voice was calm, though she already knew who had called. She just hadn’t expected him to actually leave for Lisa, even at this hour.

"Yeah, something came up at the office. I’ll head over; you get some rest."

Tristan gave her a quick kiss and turned to leave, but Nicole grabbed his arm.

"I’ll go with you."

Tristan froze. "Aren’t you tired? Just rest here."

"I don’t want you working so hard alone. I’ll keep you company."

Without giving him a chance to refuse, Nicole changed into fresh clothes. Tristan had no choice but to quickly send a message to the company group chat, instructing some of the senior executives to return for a meeting.

By the time they arrived, the conference room was already filled with people.

Tristan, looking slightly apologetic, guided Nicole to a nearby lounge. "You rest here for a bit. I’ll come find you when I’m done."

"Alright."

Nicole sat down, a faint smirk playing on her lips. She hadn’t expected Tristan to go so far with his act—he’d even summoned all the senior staff for a real meeting.