20
“Wife, I’ve already asked my assistant to get the marriage certificate reissued. And look–I got you a gift!”
He held up a sapphire necklace to the camera.}
“I know how much you love sapphires. This one was hard to win–it’s a new piece by an internationally renowned jewelry designer. Do you like it?”
A bitter smile tugged at my lips.
He’d clearly forgotten that before becoming a full–time housewife, I was a seasoned jewelry appraiser with a sharp eye.”
On the TV behind me, the news was broadcasting a story. [The CEO of the Patterson Group had just outbid everyone at auction to reward Elise Perkins–the woman who bore him a son–with a royal heirloom once worn by a princess.]}]
And the necklace he gave me? It was a promotional freebie from the auction he attended for Elise.
This shallow display of false affection and hollow generosity made my throat tighten, and tears spilled from my eyes before I could stop them.
“…Mm. I like it.“8
“Maxine, what’s wrong? Please don’t be like this. If something is bothering you, tell me your husband will fix it!” His voice was full of panic.
“It’s nothing. Maybe I caught a cold,” I muttered. “You should get back to work.“}
Without waiting for a reply, I ended the call.
I collapsed onto the bed. Exhausted and devastated, I curled into myself and eventually drifted off.”
But sleep didn’t bring peace. It brought nightmares.
In my dreams, my mother’s devout prayers tangled with Dawson’s sweet lies.}]
“As long as Maxine can have a child, I, Czarina, am willing to go vegetarian for the rest of my life.”}
“Maxine, you are the love of my life. I’ll never let you down.”
A sharp pain in my belly jolted me awake. Outside the door, I heard the voice of Dawson’s friend, Bruce.
“If you’ve always loved Elise, then why did you get involved with Maxine?“}
Dawson’s voice was casual, even amused as he responded, “Because Elise was being forced by her parents to go overseas back then.”> “And I had needs, didn’t I? Maxine was a Catholic and stili a virgin when I confessed to her. I like a challenge–and at least I didn’t have to worry about her sleeping around and bringing back STDs.“)
“But she wanted to be a mother, so I told her I was infertile. It also saved me the trouble of wearing a condom–those ruin the experience anyway.”
Bruce’s tone turned cold with reproach. “You strung her along for nine years. Now you’re turning around and marrying someone else? You stole her best years!“}
“Well, Elise came back–and she gave me a child.” Dawson scoffed.
“Maxine is just a nobody from an ordinary family. I let her live like royalty for years. Isn’t that compensation enough?“}
“I’m marrying Elise in a few days. Just make sure she doesn’t find out anything before then.“}]
Bruce pressed, “If you’re marrying someone else, why not let Maxine go?“}
There was a pause, and then Dawson faltered.”
“…Because He trailed off, suddenly unsure.
Wasn’t this the perfect chance to finally let me go?!
After a long silence, he muttered, “Because Maxine… is the best toy I’ve ever had.“}
Bruce, clearly disgusted, gave up trying to reason with him. “Suit yourself. Just don’t regret it later.” Soon, their voices faded.
I stared blankly at the ceiling, my heart numb from the pain.
Some time later, Dawson entered, his body still damp from the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist. The visible hickey on his neck, like a mark deliberately left by Elise on purpose, burned into my eyes like fire.
I clenched my teeth and turned away so he wouldn’t see my tears.}}
Seeing I was awake, he rushed to my side.!!
“You’re awake, Maxine? I ended the business trip early just to come back to you.“W
The hand he wrapped around my waist trembled slightly, like he feared I might vanish if he loosened his grip. “I got so worried when you hung up on me. Are you sick?”
