chapter 5
651 Words
They'd already ordered in advance. Lean slid an exquisitely packaged box towards me, saying softly, "Alice, you've always loved this brand. Open it."
My eyes fell upon a necklace I'd admired for ages. Picking it up to examine it closely, I indeed discovered the letters LAY engraved on the back.
I snorted derisively, about to speak, when Anna cut me off.
"What's that look for, sis-in-law? Don't you like the necklace? Lean and I spent ages picking it out together."
"Well, thank you both for your trouble," I replied calmly.
Only then did Lean notice something was amiss.
"Alice, you don't like it? If not, I'll gladly take you to choose another one you do like," Lean offered sincerely.
Seeing my reflection in his eyes struck me as deeply ironic. How remarkably thick-skinned he was.
"Why is there an outsider present on our wedding anniversary?" I asked directly.
"Sis, are you saying I'm intruding on you two?" Anna instantly looked hurt.
"Alice, don't misunderstand. An Yue just returned to the country and doesn't have many friends here. She seemed rather lonely on her own, so we invited her to dinner. It's just an extra pair of chopsticks. You're usually so understanding."
"Yes, I am understanding, but understanding has its limits," I replied coldly.
"Brother Lean, if my sister-in-law doesn't welcome me, then I shan't disturb you any longer." With that, she rose and dashed out.
Seeing this, Lean immediately rose. As he took a step to follow, he turned back to me. "Alice, eat first. I'll go check on her. I hope nothing's happened."
With that, he dashed after her.
I couldn't fathom how someone could change so abruptly. Was his disguise that flawless, revealing not a single c***k? Or had I simply trusted him too much?
Watching the dishes arrive one by one, my heart grew colder. They were all Anna's favourites—and naturally, Lean's idea of my favourites too.
I sat there alone, staring at the candlelit dinner spread laid out before me, finding it deeply ironic.
"Madam, would you like these dishes reheated?" the waiter inquired.
Only then did I realise I'd been waiting an age, the food now cold.
"No, thank you. Just bring the bill." I didn't want to wait any longer, nor ask any more questions.
I couldn't bear to eat these dishes now; the sight of them made me feel sick.
Walking alone through the streets, I entered a restaurant we frequented before our marriage. I ordered our usual dishes – familiar flavours I hadn't tasted in years.
I brought Lean here early in our marriage, but his look of disgust was impossible to hide. I never returned.
He never cooked the dishes I actually liked, always preparing what he imagined I'd enjoy.
Back then, my heart was wholly his, so I naturally complied.
Now, why should I compromise myself? I've decided to stop loving him.
Lean and I met at a drinks reception with a business partner. I was new to the workplace, forced to attend company events. Back then, Lean was a spirited young man.
The partners were pressuring me to drink, and my boss was quietly encouraging me to comply. I felt utterly alone and helpless. That's when Lean stood up for me, speaking on my behalf and drinking in my stead.
In that moment, I thought him both dashing and responsible.
We began seeing each other, and it was I who confessed my feelings first. He accepted.
After a year of dating, we met each other's parents and set a wedding date. Married life proved sweeter than I'd imagined. He doted on me excessively, and I counted myself fortunate to have married such a good husband.
My dependence on him deepened, and he provided me with ample security. I never once suspected him of being close to any other woman.
His recent transformation makes him seem like a stranger.
- Writer
