Chapter 2

Anna kept waiting for Rendy, who still hadn’t returned to their room. The clock had already crept past ten, and every minute felt like an hour of growing anxiety. But she couldn’t go after him—two guards stood outside Lusi’s room, making it painfully clear that Anna wasn’t allowed anywhere near it.

When the door finally opened and Rendy stepped inside, her heart sank. The pain hit her in a slow, deliberate stab.

“I’m sorry… I took too long,” Rendy said gently.

Anna didn’t reply. Her gaze was hollow, but full of hurt.

Rendy took a few steps closer. “Anna, please… don’t be angry. You’re the only woman I love. Only you. Believe that.”

Anna’s head snapped toward him, her eyes sharp. “Love? This is how you show you love me?”

He moved in again, reaching for her waist, but Anna stepped back before he could touch her.

“I want us to go home. Right now. No excuses,” Anna said firmly, her voice trembling not from fear, but from trying to keep herself together.

“Baby, just hear me out first.”

Rendy held her shoulders, gently but insistently, trying to make her look at him. “Lusi… she’s still shaken. She can’t be alone. I just—”

“Do you understand my situation, Ren?” Anna cut him off. “Do you know what it feels like seeing my husband in another woman’s room—while I’m not even allowed near it?”

Rendy closed his eyes for a moment, as though trying to swallow the guilt rising in his chest. “I know… I know it hurts.”

He leaned in a little, lowering his voice to a whisper. “Baby… I just don’t want things to get worse. I just want you to be safe.”

Anna let out a short, bitter breath. “But I’m the one hurting.”

Rendy pulled her into his arms—tight, too tight—as if letting go meant losing her for good. “I promise, I’ll make this right. I won’t let you face all of this alone.”

“A promise?” Anna’s voice softened, almost breaking.

“A promise.”

He lifted a hand, cupping her cheek, and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead—soft enough to crack the defenses she’d built. When his lips touched hers, it felt like an apology without words.

“Rendy…” Anna tried to say something, but her voice faded as he kissed her again, slow and full of remorse, full of fear that she might slip away.

“I miss you,” Rendy whispered against her lips, close enough that their breaths blended. “I miss you… not just as my wife, but as my home.”

Anna closed her eyes, inhaling shakily. “You’ve made me so angry… but I also…”

She didn’t finish. The battle between hurt and love was written all over her face.

Rendy gave a faint, almost fragile smile as he brushed his thumb across her cheek. “Let me make it up to you. Tonight… let me be here for you.”

He guided her toward the bed—not with urgency, but with sincerity, as if every gesture was a vow. They held onto each other, grounding themselves, searching for reassurance in the quiet of the night.

***

“Rendy,” Anna murmured when she reached for the empty space beside her. It was cold—he must have been up for a while.

She hurried out of bed and rushed to shower when she realized it was already seven. After getting dressed and stepping out, she found Rendy still cooking in the kitchen. And not just Rendy—Lusi was sitting at the counter, watching him with quiet attention.

Rendy can cook? Anna wondered.

Their laughter drifted through the kitchen, slicing into Anna’s heart all over again.

“Rendy,” Anna called, making him turn around.

“You’re awake?” Rendy asked casually. Anna only nodded.

“Since when can you cook?” she asked, eyes narrowing with suspicion.

“I asked him to,” Lusi cut in, drawing a sharp glare from Anna.

“There are plenty of servants here. Why not ask them?” Anna asked, her irritation clear.

“I cooked for you too, baby. Don’t overthink things,” Rendy added cheerfully as he carried three plates to the table. “Come eat, sweetheart.”

Lusi immediately rose from her seat, while Anna stayed frozen where she was. For some reason, when Rendy said “sweetheart,” Anna felt his gaze wasn’t directed at her—but at Lusi.

“Why are you standing there? Come eat, Anna,” Rendy called again.

Anna finally walked to the table, sitting beside Rendy while Lusi sat across from him. After taking a bite of the fried rice, Anna looked straight at Rendy.

“What?” he asked.

“Ren… did you put shrimp in this?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“I’m allergic to seafood, Ren!” Anna snapped, already feeling her skin prickle.

Before Rendy could react, Lusi suddenly clutched her stomach and bolted toward the bathroom. Rendy jumped to his feet instantly, not even glancing at Anna.

And Anna could only stand there helplessly as Rendy carried Lusi back upstairs. Her hair was damp with splashes of water from the sink, her face pale, and her arms wrapped around his neck so naturally… as if she belonged there.

“Rendy…” Anna’s voice trembled, barely audible.

Rendy glanced at her—only for a heartbeat. “I’m taking Lusi to her room first,” he said, tightening his hold around Lusi. “I need to make sure she’s okay.”

“But Ren… I—”

“Anna, please understand,” he cut her off, his tone firm but pleading. “Dad and Mom aren’t home. Lusi only has me right now. And you always carry your medicine, don’t you?”

Anna blinked, stunned that he could say that—while holding another woman in his arms.

“But you’re my husband,” she whispered.

He paused for just a fraction of a second, but he didn’t stop walking. “I know. But this is different, Anna. Lusi… she’s fragile.”

Lusi opened her eyes and looked at Anna, wincing. “I’m sorry, Anna… I just… I can’t walk by myself.”

Anna saw clearly how tightly Lusi clutched the collar of Rendy’s shirt—far too tight for someone who merely needed help.

“Rendy,” Anna tried again, her voice breaking. “Last night… you said I was the only woman you loved.”

Rendy halted at the last step. Lusi still lay cradled in his arms.

“And I meant it,” he replied, but his eyes never left Lusi’s face—pale and trembling. “But I have to take care of her. I can’t leave her alone.”

Anna felt her throat close up. “Ren… I need you too.”

Rendy adjusted his grip on Lusi, holding her even more securely. “I’ll come down after she’s better.”

Lusi bit her lip, whispering—loud enough for Anna to hear, “I’m sorry, Ren… I’m just causing trouble.”

Rendy smiled softly—not at Anna. “You’re never trouble, Lusi.”

Anna felt her chest twist painfully.

Rendy continued up the stairs with Lusi in his arms. Before he disappeared around the corner, he spoke again—without looking back.

“Anna, don’t be jealous. This isn’t the time.”

The words hit harder than any shout.

Not the time?

Then when?

When her husband finally turned away from her completely?

The plate on the table shook as Anna gripped it.

Last night, Rendy held her with all the tenderness in the world.

This morning—he wouldn’t even hold her hand.