My Actor Husband's True Face

Chapter 14

No one spoke, silence enveloped them, only their eyes met for a few moments. Shannon didn’t know what to say, but one thing was certain, she really wanted to end her marriage with Maxime.

From the beginning, their marriage was never meant to have meaning, just a bond formed from an impulsive decision and her one-sided feelings. It took a lot of conviction for her to reach this current awareness, the belief that separation was the only way to find herself again.

Too many mistakes had been made during their three-year marriage and she didn’t want to drag it on any longer.

She turned her face away and replied, “No way. I’ll explain it to Grandpa later. He’ll understand.”

“Why are you so stubborn?” Maxime pulled her hand roughly, forcing her to face him. “If that worked, would Grandpa’s condition be this bad?”

Shannon fell silent, her gaze growing more serious and worried. With a slightly trembling voice, she asked, “How bad is it?”

Maxime let out a heavy sigh, looking exhausted, even the look in his eyes wasn’t as sharp as usual.

“The doctor said Grandpa’s heart condition is getting worse. His old age makes treatment more difficult. He really needs to be kept away from anger and stress, his emotions must stay calm... even a little sadness or anger could be dangerous.”

Maxime explained what the family doctor had said, even showing Old Caldrich’s medical report.

When Shannon heard that, she felt worried too. Old Caldrich was more than just Maxime’s grandfather to her. But then she remembered who Maxime was, so the next second, when she looked at the man again, her worried gaze faded a bit and was replaced with distrust.

“You’re not lying, right? You’re not acting?”

Maxime clicked his tongue and replied coldly, “Do you really think I’d act about something this serious? Didn’t you also see the medical report?”

Right, Maxime wouldn’t lie about something like this, Shannon thought.

However, that didn’t mean she agreed with Maxime’s proposal to maintain their marriage.

Seeing Shannon’s hesitation, Maxime was actually a little annoyed. He felt that this woman was too infuriating. Wasn’t this what she wanted, his pursuit?

“As I said, let’s make a deal, the marriage stays, you move back in, and we pretend everything’s fine. How about it?”

Letting out a deep sigh, Shannon responded after thinking for a moment, “Okay, but I don’t want to live in that house anymore.”

“Yeah, that’s fine, I’ll buy a new house. Where do you—”

“That’s not what I meant,” Shannon cut him off. “I’ll keep staying with my friend.”

“This won’t work!” Maxime raised his voice, making Shannon look at him closely.

Realizing his mistake, he could only massage his forehead and tried to maintain his calm appearance.

Then he explained, “You know how Grandpa is, right? If one day he finds out you’re still living with your friend, he’ll get suspicious, and the problem won’t be as simple as this time.”

“Just consider this my request to you. If you don’t like the previous house, let’s buy a new one. As long as Grandpa knows we live in the same house, he should be fine.”

Shannon thought about it, and she understood Maxime’s concern, because she also worried about Old Caldrich. At the very least, for the sake of that old man who had been good to her these past three years, Shannon felt she needed to give in.

“Alright, I’ll come back home in a day or two.”

“Why not now? I’ll help you.”

Shannon shook her head to refuse. She didn’t want to trouble Maxime, but the man spoke again.

“If Grandpa wakes up later and asks about you, I’ll have an answer to give.”

Maxime’s reason was very reasonable, and Shannon had no choice but to agree. So she nodded, but firmly added, “I’ll go back now and my friend will help me, you better just go.”

She didn’t wait for the man to say another word, quickly opened the door, and left.

Maxime could only watch her back as she walked away and disappeared. After that, he called his mother’s number.

…

On the other hand, as soon as Shannon returned to Becca’s apartment, she was yanked forcefully and made to sit on the sofa. Becca started questioning her about everything, and Shannon could only answer honestly.

“Tsk, that shameless man! He’s using his grandfather to get you back, don’t fall for it!”

Shannon understood Becca’s anger, but she couldn’t fully agree with her.

“He’s also under pressure. After all, Grandpa’s condition really isn’t good.”

“So, you’re going back to him? You’re not getting a divorce?”

Shannon shook her head and gave an apologetic smile, her expression helpless as she explained, “Grandpa Caldrich is the only person who’s given me warmth like a real elder ever since my own grandfather passed away. Even if I really want to separate from Maxime, I can’t be that cold toward Grandpa, can I?”

“Tsk…” Becca scoffed, but she didn’t scold her anymore. Instead, she pulled Shannon into a tight hug. She knew exactly what it felt like to be in Shannon’s shoes. If she had someone like Old Caldrich who was that kind to her, she’d do anything to repay that kindness too.

That night, Shannon packed up her things and returned to the house she had left nearly a month ago.

“If anything happens, don’t hesitate to call me,” Becca said before they parted.

Shannon nodded. “Alright. Thank you.”

“Thank you? Don’t say that to me!” Becca snapped, though she couldn’t help but offer more advice before driving off.

Shannon let out a long sigh and opened the door, the fingerprint lock was still registered. The room was dimly lit, with only a small lamp on, giving the impression that no one was there.

She didn’t bother turning on the main lights and walked in, dragging her suitcase toward her room. Her bedroom was on the second floor, directly across from Maxime’s, so she could see light coming from the c***k beneath his door.

So he is here, she thought, and continued toward her room. But just then, the door across from hers opened, and out came a figure she didn’t expect, but wasn’t surprised to see.