We Never Met Again

I stood at the doorway and watched the entire exchange, my heart feeling as though it was wrenched out of my chest.

So, the reason he stayed by my side for those eight months was that he was afraid I’d find out his mistress was pregnant and try to hurt them?

I snickered and turned toward the living room. Not long after, Matteo walked out of the study.

Seeing the lights on, he asked me, “Why are you awake?”

When I didn’t answer, he quickly crossed the room, pulled me into his arms, and pressed a warm hand against my forehead.

“I had to deal with some work stuff earlier. Did another nightmare wake you up? I’ll call the family doctor over.”

“There’s no need.” I moved away from his touch.

Matteo chuckled softly before picking up a gift box from the table.

“I was planning to surprise you tomorrow morning, but since you’ve found it, go ahead and open it. You’ll love it.”

I unwrapped the box and found a jewelry set inside. However, from the full collection, he had only given me one piece. The rest were probably meant for the woman he cheated with, Riley Shaw.

Riley was a proud artist who looked down on women like me, the so-called “perfect wife.” She often made bold statements about that at public events.

“If a woman discovers her man cheated, she should leave him.”

However, as the woman who inserted herself into someone else’s marriage, did she really have the right to say that?

I ran my fingers over the cold jewelry and replied politely, distant as ever. “Thank you.”

“Get some more sleep. I’ll wake you once breakfast is ready.” Matteo took my hand and led me toward the bedroom upstairs.

Halfway up the stairs, I suddenly asked, “What exactly do you like about Riley?”

He paused.

“Kelsey, you’re the woman I love. It’s just that Riley and I happened to be very compatible in bed.”

My heart ached painfully.

“Matteo, I’m your wife, and I’m listening!”

He kissed my lips lightly and laughed. “I stayed with you for eight months straight. Don’t you know how I feel about you by now? The girls out there are just like decorative flowers. When one wilts, I can always buy another. But you’re different. You’re my wife, and even in death, you’ll be my wife.”

Then, his tone suddenly shifted. He sounded almost amused, “But honestly, you really aren’t as adventurous as Riley in bed.”

He was completely unaware that my dignity was being crushed with every one of his jokes.

I stared at the side profile of Matteo’s face, and in that moment, I finally understood. The love he gave me was tragic. After six years of marriage, I was exhausted, so much so that I no longer wanted to hold together this marriage that existed in name only.

While Matteo was distracted, I quietly sent my father a message.

[Dad, I regret running away from home. I’m willing to immigrate to Atlantica with Grandpa. Please get the paperwork done as soon as possible.]