"Sweetie, wake up. I made breakfast. Have some before you go back to sleep."
Preston was always like this, his gentleness capable of melting me. No matter how thick the walls around my heart were, they would always waver for him.
"When did you get back?" I pushed away all my thoughts and spoke to him as usual.
"I got home at six this morning. Where’s Nancy? Did she take leave?" Preston placed the clothes I needed to wear on the bed and tidied up the bedding.
He followed me to the bathroom, squeezing toothpaste onto my brush while I brushed my teeth. When I showered, he held the towel, ready to dry me off. He then blow-dried my hair.
Could a man like this really cheat? I had asked myself that many times.
"Nancy has some family matters to attend to. I gave her six months off."
"Should we hire someone else? I'm worried about you being alone at home." Preston’s eyes never left me, his gentle gaze making me swoon.
The faint scent of women’s perfume reminded me of how hypocritical Preston was at that moment.
"No need. It’s just six months. I want to travel to Europe during this time."
"Why Europe? Is your health up for it? What were the test results from the hospital yesterday?" Preston asked, visibly concerned as he grabbed my hand.
His concern seemed genuine. I tried to find any sign of pretense in his expression but found none.
Can deep affection really be faked?
"The results were the same as before. You know I’ve always wanted to see Europe, its castles, and landscapes. It would be good for my health."
"Alright then. Sweetie, I’m sorry I’m too busy to go with you to Europe. Remember to take lots of photos, and it would be best if you had a caregiver with you." Preston sighed, visibly relieved.
"Okay, I know."
Preston continued talking endlessly while I quietly ate my breakfast, saying nothing more.
I was afraid of losing my composure, afraid I would confront him, and even more afraid of losing the last bit of sanity I had.
From the moment I knew he was cheating, I had thought about how to retaliate.
Divorce? Time wasn’t on my side. I didn’t want to waste my life on pointless matters. Whether divorced or not made no difference to me. Who cares whose wife you were once you're gone?
Ruining his reputation and exposing a scandal seemed like the only thing I could do.