Chapter 2 Can We Talk Tomorrow
935 Words
When Cynthia returned home, she tried hard to push the scene out of her mind.
'Maybe the head pat was just his way of praising Jessica for being clever?'
Just like how, when she was little and got a question right, her teacher would pat her head to encourage her.
She busied herself in the kitchen, carefully cooking all of Russell's favorite dishes.
Hot oil splattered onto the back of her hand, raising a clear blister, but she couldn't feel the pain.
When the table was finally set, she sat waiting eagerly. But the only thing that arrived was a text from Jessica: Mr. Shelton asked me to tell you he'll be entertaining clients tonight and won't be coming home.
Attached was a photo of Russell, passed out drunk. On the collar of his white shirt was a glaring, unmistakable lipstick stain.
Cynthia typed slowly: Okay. Thank you for taking care of him.
After sending the message, she quietly finished eating the cold food.
Her tears dripped into the food, leaving a salty taste.
Only then did she realize something. She wasn't happy.
But she wasn't the only unhappy one.
Jessica wasn't happy either.
She stared at the message on her phone. She had meant to show off. But Cynthia's polite gratitude made the whole thing feel boring.
Jessica scoffed. "Mr. Shelton, your wife really is stupid. She's thanking me?"
Russell chuckled as he unbuttoned her blouse. "I told you she's easy to fool."
"Besides, she embarrassed me tonight. I didn't feel like going home. You're the only one who truly understands me."
The next morning, Russell returned home. Cynthia walked up to him and quietly showed him the photo. "Is that a lipstick mark? The color looks like Ms. Galvan's."
Russell froze. For a moment, he considered lying, but the lip print was unmistakable.
"I drank too much," he said carefully. "Someone bumped into me. It rubbed off."
He watched her expression closely.
Luckily, she didn't seem to doubt him.
Cynthia nodded slowly, twisting her fingers nervously. "I don't like it. It makes me unhappy. Can you transfer her somewhere else? Maybe hire a guy?"
Russell frowned. "There's nothing going on between us. Don't you trust me?"
"I do," Cynthia said stubbornly. "But I still want her transferred. Can't you do that?"
In the past, he had catered to her every whim. Now, he wouldn't even change his secretary?
Russell's expression darkened. He didn't answer.
Terrified of making him angry, Cynthia quickly grabbed his hand, her voice dropping into a soft, coaxing register. "Okay, we don't have to transfer her. Just don't be mad, okay?"
Russell noticed the blister on her hand. His brow furrowed deeply. "What happened here? You didn't treat it?"
"I burned it while cooking last night." She smiled sheepishly. "It didn't hurt before. But now that you're worried about it... Suddenly it does."
Tears welled in her eyes from the pain.
Russell tapped her forehead. "You i***t! Tell me right away next time you get hurt."
His scolding made her feel strangely warm.
"Will you watch a movie with me tonight?" she asked shyly. "Since I'm so pitiful?"
Russell sighed and nodded indulgently.
"Alright. But first, we treat this."
He gestured to her burn, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We're going to the hospital."
At the hospital, Russell appeared extremely concerned. "Doc," he said seriously, "please use the best medicine. She loves beauty. There can't be a scar."
The doctor smiled. "You're lucky to have such a caring husband."
Before Cynthia could respond, Russell's phone rang. He ended the call, grabbed his coat, and spoke so fast she couldn't get a word in.
"Cynthia, something urgent came up at the company. I have to deal with it."
He was gone before she could say anything.
Cynthia stared at the empty doorway. "But... We said we'd watch a movie tonight..."
She wasn't unreasonable. It just hurt.
Russell used to put her above everything.
Once, he even walked out of a billion-dollar product launch because she got lost on the way there.
She had scolded him for neglecting work. He had laughed and said, "Money can always be earned again. But I only have one Cynthia."
Cynthia wiped her eyes. Maybe he had finally taken her advice and started focusing on work.
She returned home dejected, curling up on the sofa to scroll through her phone. Suddenly, a breaking local news alert popped up.
Exclusive Footage: Rising Business Star Russell Shelton Heroically Rescues Woman from Fire!
The photo showed Russell in a bathrobe, covered in soot. He was carrying Jessica bridal-style out of the burning building.
They clung tightly to each other. Because of their striking looks, the photo had already gone viral.
Netizens were swarming the comments: They look perfect together! True love in the face of danger!
Trembling, Cynthia typed a comment: He's not her husband! He's my husband!
Instantly, a wave of mockery drowned her out: Delusional fangirl. Get help!
She exited the app and frantically called Russell.
After more than a dozen rings, he finally picked up.
Before she could even ask if he was okay, he snapped at her. "Cynthia? What's wrong? I'm working late and really busy. Can we talk tomorrow?"
Through the speaker, she could hear his heavy, ragged breathing.
She knew that sound too well. It was the sound he made when he was turned on.
Her heart plummeted into an icy abyss. Her voice shook.
"Turn on your camera. Let me see you."
"I saw the news about the fire," she said softly. "I just want to make sure you're safe."
- Writer
