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Lahat ng Kabanata ng My Husband's "Assistant": Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 10

13 Kabanata

Chapter 1

Matthew's new assistant? She called him 'Matt.' Not Mr. Langford.They were on cozy terms. He fixed her leaky rental, hauled in her oversized water jugs, even helped clean up her data messes.And then it escalated.A pregnancy test popped up on his phone. Right next to a photo of them together.He was smiling—soft, tender, like he actually cared.Then I saw the kicker: a chat with his buddy where he said, [Peyton's great and all, but eating the same thing every day... it gets old.]***My fingerprint was saved on his phone, but hey—six years of trust kept me from ever actually using it. I mean, I thought he was loyal. Maybe even too awkward to pull off cheating.But that night, curiosity won. I tapped in.Boom. Pandora's freaking box. My heart just detonated.Viv. That was her name in his contacts. Her profile pic? Full-on cute-girl-next-door vibes—big eyes, baby face, the whole package. Totally his type.My chest tightened as I scrolled. All the way back to message one—six

Chapter 2

When Matthew woke up, he pinched my cheek like everything was fine and brushed away the leftover tears on my face."You stayed up late watching dramas again?" he said. "C'mon, don't cry. It's all fake—they always get a happy ending."I didn't say a word. Just rolled out of bed like I didn't hear him.Still tied his stupid tie, though. Like always.He gave me this soft, pitying look, kissed my forehead—slow and gentle, like he still cared. "Go back to sleep, okay? Don't stay up so late. I worry about you."And for a second, staring into those familiar eyes, I actually almost believed last night was just some twisted dream.Like maybe he still loved me."It's your birthday today, so I'll let you off the hook," he said. "Might be busy tonight, but I'll try to come home early."I froze.Her messages flashed through my head again.[Matt, remember to help me set up the desktop tomorrow.][We're playing that co-op game together!][Goodnight!]Right. The new trending couple's game

Chapter 3

Just like I thought last night.Out of all the interns from six months ago, she stood out. Like a little sunbeam—bright, bubbly, fake as hell.Always orbiting around me, all, "Peyton, can I ask you something?" with those wide, innocent eyes. Pretending to need advice about "relationships." Please.And I told her—smiling, clueless—"You get what you give."Guess I gave her my marriage.Don't know what hit me, but I grabbed my phone and deleted those two messages.Then I just sat there. Quiet. Numb. Waiting for Matthew to come home like a total fool.Midnight crept in. I kept calling. Straight to voicemail.Time ticked past twelve. My legs were completely numb when the door finally opened."Baby, I'm so sorry," Matthew said, like nothing was on fire. "I dropped the cake on the way back, had to get another one made. Took a bit longer. Happy birthday!"He held up the cake like it was some grand gesture. Then pulled out a dainty little gift box.Diamond bracelet. Just like last ye

Chapter 4

"I was just thinking about how fast time's flown," I said. "All these years together... kinda hit me outta nowhere."Matthew smiled, tapped my nose. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. We've got decades ahead of us."Decades?The word echoed in my head like a joke with a mean punchline.Once trust is gone, all that's left is paranoia and pain. A lifetime of that? No thanks.I forced a smile. "Alright. Decades it is. Let's light the candles."As soon as I put the lighter down, the glow outside the window blinked out.Suddenly, the candles were the only thing keeping the room from drowning in dark.I checked my phone—12:30.Matthew stood, walked to the big window. "Everything's out. Must be a blackout."Then I remembered. "Oh—right. The building manager sent an email. Power was supposed to cut after midnight for maintenance."He came back, still calm, still playing the part. "Kinda romantic, actually. Whole neighborhood's going dark just for your birthday. Make a wish."I s

Chapter 5

My chest tightened again.All I could think about was that message.[Matt, the power's out. I think someone knocked on my door. I'm scared. Can you come check?]I looked at him. "Can you stay tonight? Power's out... I'm a little freaked."It wasn't a lie.When I was a kid, I got locked in a cellar on a trip with my parents—two days in total darkness. Ever since, pitch black freaks me out. I don't even sleep without a light on.Maybe he remembered.He froze mid-step.For one second, I thought... maybe. Maybe I'd be the one he chose.Then came his voice. Distant. Detached. Like ripping duct tape off skin that's already raw."Peyton, just go to bed. I'll lock the door, you'll be fine. You're tough, remember? You carried me home that one time, middle of the night."And just like that, I felt something snap inside me.He'd really changed.The guy who used to look at me like I was his whole world wouldn't say something like that. Wouldn't use our past as ammo to dodge the presen

Chapter 6

A scream snapped me out of it.Through the cracked door, I saw her—full-on tumble down the stairs.I rushed out. She was twisted at the bottom, clutching her stomach, pale as a ghost.Out of reflex—or basic decency—I called 911 and rode with her to the hospital.The whole way there, I stared at her barely-there bump, my brain screaming what I'd never say out loud:'Please let it be a miscarriage. Let her never carry again.'Then Matthew showed up.His face? Blank. Like even he didn't know how to fake it.He grabbed my arm, eyes scanning me. "Peyton, are you okay?"I almost laughed. "Why wouldn't I be? SHE'S the one who fell."He exhaled, just a little. "Good. Is she... is the baby okay?"I shook my head, but before I could say anything, a nurse cut in. "Is Peyton Palmer here? We need your signature."I followed her, signed whatever, then rushed back.Peeking through the door, I caught him at the end of her bed—stone cold."Stop playing games, Vivian."And just like that,

Chapter 7

For a split second, I almost bought it—that maybe I still meant something to him.At least he looked freaked.He stumbled out. "P-Peyton, you... finished the payment? When did you get here?"The shake in his voice almost made me smile. "Just now."Those two words? Calmed him right down.Me? Still felt like someone parked a truck on my chest.I dropped my gaze so he wouldn't see the disappointment. "I'm tired. I'm heading home. You handle things here."He paused—totally clueless. Voice even sounded relieved. "Okay, get some rest. Text me when you're home."I wandered out of the hospital in a fog, my brain stuck on repeat.I didn't get it.Why does giving everything still end in betrayal?Why can we tough it out together, but never share the good stuff?How could he just toss out years of love like it's nothing?I loved Matthew. For so long. Gave up everything for him.He was all I had left—my only real family.And now? I was just another task to check off.No fear of los

Chapter 8

Not long after I sent out my applications, the door clicked.Matthew was back.He walked in, pulling a gift box from behind his back like it was some grand gesture."Peyton, you've had a rough day. I got you something."I froze, then took it.The second I opened the box, my whole body locked up.It was that necklace.The exact same one he gave Vivian.I forced a smile. "What made you buy this?"He sat beside me, all proud. "You always said it was too expensive. I knew you liked it, so I finally got it for you. Do you like it?"My fingers clenched around it, hard.Pain shot from my chest straight through my arms.So he knew.He knew I loved it. Knew I wanted it.And still gave it to her first.It wasn't about not understanding.He just didn't think I was worth it.I couldn't stop thinking about it—what did Vivian have that I didn't?What made a guy like Matthew, who used to be ride-or-die loyal, just toss his morals?Only answer I could come up with?Novelty.Ten ye

Chapter 9

The guilt in Matthew's eyes faded fast.He ruffled my hair like I was some obedient kid. "Good girl."That soft, familiar look returned—but all I saw was relief.Like he'd just dodged a bullet.After he left, I crawled into bed.By noon the next day? Still no sign of him. No texts. Nothing.Right as I was about to make lunch, my phone buzzed—job interview.A company in a nearby city. One I used to dream about back in college.They'd offered me a spot after I won a competition.I turned it down for Matthew.This time? No hesitation.I packed my bags.I needed out.He could deal with the wreckage on his own.Before I left, I texted Matthew:[Going on a month-long trip with friends.]I thought he'd at least ask who.All he said was: [Okay. Stay safe.]He knew I had no friends.My whole world had been him.I stayed in that city for a full month.He never checked in. Not once.The call connected. The silence hit first."Hey? Matthew, I'm back.""Mm. Things are tricky

Chapter 10

Vivian, baby bump and all, clung to Matthew's arm as they strolled out of the hospital and into the complex next door.They moved slow, casual—like a couple out for a chill afternoon.I didn't even wait for the light. Just ran across the street, half in a daze.The security guard stepped in front of me at the gate."You live here? Visiting someone?"I couldn't stop staring at them.They moved so naturally—like this was normal. Like they belonged.My chest squeezed tight."Do they live here?" I asked.The guard followed my gaze. "Them? Oh yeah, long-time residents. She's pregnant now—they've been out walking together a lot lately."Right on cue, some woman passing by waved at Matthew."Oh! Mr. Langford, out walking with the wife again? So sweet!"He nodded. Didn't even bother correcting her.Vivian just smiled—like she belonged there. Glowing.It felt like getting struck by lightning. My knees almost gave out.This wasn't their first stroll.The neighbors already thought

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