The Fatal Test

Chapter 2 It's Disgusting

Benjamin, provoked by her words, pulled out his phone and pointed it at Noah, yelling, "Bullshit! His lab just called me to collect the body! You can come with me right now and see for yourself!"

At this point, Noah was on the floor, clutching his swollen cheek. He said in an aggravated voice, "I know you don't like me, but you can't just slander me. William is just asleep, not dead... He's Charlotte's husband. Why would I do anything to him?"

At that moment, I truly admired Noah's acting. It was a shame he wasn't an Oscar winner.

He acted as if he wasn't the one who coldly instructed the lab staff to dispose of my body.

After hearing Benjamin's words, Charlotte's face immediately displayed a disdainful smile. "I knew it. You're saying all this just so I'll go back and see William. He told you to say that, didn't he? He'll say anything to get my attention."

She flipped her hair and said to Benjamin, "Tell him to give up. If he keeps causing trouble, I'll divorce him! He shouldn't push his luck!"

Benjamin nodded, knowing it was pointless to reason with them. He glared at the pair, sneering. "Fine! Charlotte! Remember what you said today! I won't let you get away with this!"

With that, he left abruptly, no longer paying them any attention.

Watching his retreating figure, my thoughts raced. I had only known him for a short year.

Yet, upon hearing the news of my death, he dropped everything to see me and handle my affairs. While Charlotte, whom I had loved wholeheartedly for so many years, treated me like this.

For a moment, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry at my misfortune.

Watching Charlotte pull Noah away, I desperately wanted to ask her what our years together had meant. But I could only helplessly watch them leave hand-in-hand, like young lovers in the throes of passion.

Who would even remember me?

*****

Charlotte ultimately brought Noah back home, to our home.

Looking at the familiar decor, a wave of memories washed over me.

Fresh out of graduation, I worked tirelessly, often late into the night, sometimes even until dawn, taking on extra jobs, all so Charlotte wouldn't have to suffer when she married me.

Finally, I bought this house in full, hoping to see a smile on her face. But she was rarely home, always out and about. The house felt eerily empty, and I always felt a bone-chilling coldness whenever I returned.

Noah, upon entering, showed no sign of being a first-time visitor. Instead, he walked to the sofa with practiced ease, even locating the fruit bowl without hesitation and helping himself.

Charlotte, entering after him, smiled tenderly. "I remembered you like these, so I bought them specifically for you. So you won't dislike the fruit here every time you come."

Noah nodded. "Charlotte, I know you're the best to me."

Then, his gaze fell to the floor, and he frowned. "Why is this vase still here? It's such an eyesore!"

I froze. What did he mean? How did Noah know where the vase was placed? Wasn't this his first time here?

Without a moment's hesitation, Charlotte walked over, picked up the vase, and threw it to the floor.

Shards scattered everywhere, yet Charlotte remained expressionless as she retrieved cleaning supplies and swept the broken pieces into the trash. "If you don't like it, we don't need it. It disgusts me anyway."

I stared at the shattered vase. The entire house had been designed according to Charlotte's preferences. She had overseen the purchase of all the furniture.

This vase was the only thing I had insisted on keeping, something that belonged to me. Despite her numerous taunts, I couldn't bear to part with it.

I never imagined that, just because of Noah's single remark, Charlotte would so readily destroy my vase. Her indifference showed she didn't care whether I would be upset when I returned.

After all, I loved her so much that I couldn't even bring myself to speak harshly to her, let alone argue.

It was my love that gave her such confidence.

Looking at the shards, Noah smiled triumphantly, yet still feigned concern. "Will William be upset when he comes back? I think he liked this vase. What if he yells at me? I'm so scared..."

He nestled into Charlotte's arms, his face expressing apprehension about me.

Charlotte simply scoffed. "How dare he! Who is he to yell at you? You're just too kind, and that's why he bullies you!" Her chest heaved as she spoke as if the mere mention of my name disgusted her.

Noah nodded, lowering his lashes. "Thank you, Charlotte. You're so good to me. If it weren't for your constant support, I wouldn't have been able to establish the research institute..."

Charlotte smiled. "What are you talking about? My money is yours. If I don't treat you well, who will?"

Hearing her talk about her money, I almost couldn't contain my laughter.

Charlotte hadn't worked since we got married, spending her days shopping and traveling. All the money was mine.

Ever since Noah returned to the country, her expenses had become alarmingly high. It was becoming a struggle for me to keep up. I had my suspicions, but only now did I realize she had been using the money to fund Noah!

Noah squeezed her hand tightly. "Charlotte, once I earn a bit more, I'll definitely give you a good life. Then you won't have to stay with him for money anymore. I'll make you happy."

Charlotte was so moved she couldn't speak, tears welling up in her eyes as she nodded repeatedly.

It made me want to curse. I could only close my eyes and turn away.