Chapter 2
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Eric carefully prepared dinner, making all of Lina’s favorite dishes.
“Honey, you’ve lost some weight lately–have more of this meat,” he said, placing her favorite foods right in front of her.
He only started eating his own meal with a smile once he saw her take a bite. To Lina, the food tasted bland and unappetizing, but Eric didn’t notice the disappointment in her expression.
“By the way, the Lakeview Estate is nearly finished. Let’s invite some friends to go camping there tomorrow!”
Eric had built this vacation villa especially for Lina, remembering that she once mentioning he This book had been added on your bookshelf. Duntains and water. He had spent a fortune to buy a lakeside plot and construct the Lakeview Estate just for them.
Lina wanted to decline the plan–she wasn’t in the mood to enjoy it now–but Eric had already begun inviting friends on his own. After making the calls, he didn’t even finish his meal before starting to pack her things.
“I’ll get you a blanket. It might be cold tomorrow. We need to bring your thermos and the tea you like…”
As Eric packed his things, he chatted away, maintaining his usual thoughtful demeanor. Lina couldn’t help but laugh at his facade. She thought, “Isn’t it exhausting? Cheating while pretending to care for me.”
The following morning, Eric took Lina to Lakeview Estate for her first
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visit. The estate featured a sprawling white castle over an extensive land, surrounded by fields of lilies–her favorite flower–and charming little animals. A place she once would have loved now left her indifferent.
“Hello, Lina!” greeted Andy Soriene, Eric’s close friend, along with a few others she barely recognized.
Lina returned their greetings politely and then sat alone as the others busied themselves.
Eric insisted she not do anything. “Honey, just relax and don’t overexert yourself.”
Eric’s behavior didn’t surprise anyone. Their social circle knew how devoted he was to her. He brought her fruit platters, wrapped a blanket around her shoulders, and attended to her every need.
This book had been added on your bookshelf.
“Would you like some got it just for you.”
.
Lina nodded, prompting Eric to eagerly snatch all the grilled skewers from his friend’s hand. He didn’t mind being teased as a “friend abandoner for love“-he was too engrossed in watching Lina enjoy each bite. Noticing some sauce on her lips, he quickly grabbed a napkin to wipe it off.
“You’ve turned into a little tabby cat. Have some juice–your lips have been dry lately, and you need more vitamins.”
He handed her a glass of juice with care, only smiling with satisfaction once she had finished it.
“Honey, being with you like this is wonderful. If you love it here, should we come every week?”
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Lina smiled but thought, “Every week? I’m afraid next time, it won’t be me–he’ll be with another woman.”
Feeling bored, Lina opened Instagram and came across a photo posted by Bonnie Sobre with the caption, “Vacation with my husband today.” The picture was taken at Lakeview Estate. Lina’s hands began to tremble uncontrollably. Bonnie was the woman Eric was cheating with, and she was also the president of Lina’s fan club. A month ago, Lina had discovered Eric’s affair through Bonnie’s Instagram. She thought, “He really can’t keep away from her, can he? Even while camping with me, he has to bring Bonnie along.”
“Wow, Bonnie, I’m so envious! You just returned from the Maldives last week, and now you’re in another beautiful spot. Your husband is truly incredible.”
“Right now, besides being jealous of Lina, I’m also envious of Bonnie- how do some people get all the good fortune?”
“Bonnie, could you introduce us to your husband too? We’re all eager to know what kind of man is so perfect!”
***
Lina bit her lip in distress while reading the comments in the fan group. She wasn’t sure how long Bonnie and Eric had been together, but she knew Bonnie was her polar opposite–a vivacious, cheerful girl who was not only beautiful but also full of enthusiasm.
“Don’t worry, everyone. I’ll introduce him to you later.”
As soon as Bonnie sent off this reply, Eric’s phone rang. Lina observed him as he smiled, lowered his head, and concentrated on typing a message, displaying a brightness in his smile she’d never witnessed before–so bright that he subconsciously licked his lips.
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“You all enjoy yourselves first. I’ve got a conference call to handle.”
He turned to Lina and said, “Honey, I need to go for a moment. If you want something to eat, just ask Andy.”
Before Lina could say anything, he left his laptop and hurried toward the white castle, seemingly unable to wait. Lina grinned. Were they meeting inside? But Eric had promised she would be the first to stay there.
When she checked the group messages again, Bonnie had uploaded a picture of the castle’s entrance hall. In the photo, she was hugging a man and taking a mirror selfie. Even though the man’s face wasn’t visible, Lina recognized the outfit–it was exactly what Eric was wearing today.
Bonnie wrote, “My husband is shy, so I won’t show you his face.”
“Wow, he looks tall, wealthy, and handsome even from the back! You’re so lucky, Bonnie!”
“His physique is just as good as Eric’s!”
***
Bonnie even sent a voice message where the man calling her “Honey.” Others might not recognize it, but Lina knew that tone–it was Eric when he was turned on. So he was calling someone else “Honey” too.
Lina forced herself to switch off her phone, her heart racing as if it were she who was having an affair. They had dared to do this here. About an hour later, Eric came out of the castle. His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing a faint lipstick mark, and his exposed collarbone was dotted with uneven love bites–all of which pierced Lina’s heart. She wanted to scream at him, “Couldn’t you wait? Was it that thrilling
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to betray me right under my nose?”
“Honey, are you cold? Do you want to go inside and rest?” Eric asked softly, pulling her close and kissing her forehead.
She quickly stood up, unable to endure his affection when he had just been with Bonnie. Every touch from him now made her feel sick.
“I am tired. I want to leave now.”
Rest inside? In the room where they had just been together? Lina couldn’t bear it.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Should we go to the hospital?”
The worry in Eric’s eyes appeared genuine. He looked at Lina with concern, but she gently brushed his hand aside, smiling as she shook her head. Before she could say anything, Eric had already lifted her into his arms and headed for the garage.
“Honey, if you’re feeling tired, let’s head home. Don’t worry–I’ll always be by your side.”
As they walked past the white castle, Lina glanced back and saw Bonnie in pajamas, smiling at her with a laid–back expression. In that instant, Lina realized–it had all been intentional.
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