My Cold Husband

Give Him A Chance

Janine POV

I still can’t sleep. I’m completely tangled up over Luc. It’s almost three in the morning, yet my mind won’t rest. I keep thinking—why is Luc doing all of this?

Why is he like this? Why is he being sweet and kind to me again? Isn’t this exactly what he wanted—me to stay away?

How am I supposed to leave if he treats me like this?

He left the party to go to Diego’s bar afterward. He wants me to come along, but I refused—I’m not into that scene, and I don’t want to cling to Luc constantly.

So here I am in the kitchen, unable to sleep from overthinking. I went to get a glass of milk, hoping it might help me finally rest.

“Ah! My bald cat!” I jumped when someone grabbed my arm.

I turned, and it was Luc. He looked a little drunk.

“Wife! I miss you, hic!” Oh, he really is drunk. His face is flushed red—I don’t want to drink with him; I might react to his skin.

“Wife, sorry for what I’ve done to you. I was such a fool for not appreciating you. Shoori puhh!” I laughed because he even mimicked Chuchay.

“I’ll call one of the staff and the guard to bring you to your room. Then I’ll have someone make you coffee. Don’t worry, I’ll ask Ate Lilia to send it up, or maybe Sophia so you’ll be comfortable.”

He doesn’t want me fussing over him when he’s drunk—he says he doesn’t know what I might do. Then he suddenly stepped closer.

“Wife, maybe you can do it for me. Hic! Please, promise! Hic! I won’t hurt you, wife.” I was shocked—he sounded like a child asking for candy.

“Okay, I’ll just send it to the other room.” He really doesn’t want me entering his room.

“No, wife, right in my room.” Is this for real? Before, when he was drunk, he would still be angry at me, full of blame.

“Okay, fine. Let’s go.” I guided him as he leaned against me. All the while, he kissed my cheek and smelled my hair. What’s happening? Does Luc have cancer? I let it be, because he’s drunk, and I don’t want him to get upset and hurt me.

Once inside the room, I laid him on the bed. After arranging him comfortably, I went to the cabinet to get a change of clothes for him.

I saw a brown envelope on the side. I picked it up and opened it. An agreement contract. Who is this for? I was about to check, but Luc called me, so I immediately put it back.

Returning to him, I noticed he was drenched in sweat, his skin flushed. Before turning on the AC, I needed to change his clothes.

“Sorry, I’ll undress you, okay? You’re sweaty, might get sick.

” I said shyly to Luc lying down, but he didn’t respond. He was probably asleep.

As I undressed him, I saw his abs… wow! Eight-pack! I bit my lip. Why is he making me sweat like this? I’m the one who has to change him.

My mind wandered—thoughts of everything. Not good. I went to the bathroom to grab water to wipe him down.

Finally wiping him calmed my racing heartbeat. As I cleaned him, my eyes drifted again to his glistening abs.

I let out a breath. Lord, just when I was moving on… this is what you set before me? A blessing?

Afterward, I dressed him—first the top, then his pants. He was still asleep. As I adjusted his pants, something fell from his pocket.

I quickly grabbed it, worried he’d notice. It was our wedding ring. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at it.

“Even once, I never saw you wear this,” I said while looking at his face. Even asleep, he’s still handsome.

“Maybe you truly despise me. You were so angry at me. I’m sorry I made your life miserable. Sorry for being selfish. Sorry for forcing us to marry. Sorry for dreaming you’d be mine. For trying to claim your heart even knowing it never belonged to me and never will. Sorry.” Holding our wedding ring, I took mine and set it aside.

“I should have been content with the friendship we had. Then we could’ve been fine even if I secretly loved you. Here, I’m returning this to you. Sorry, this is all I can give back, because what I stole from your time—when you should’ve been with him—can’t be returned. Forgive me. And, it wasn’t even truly mine; you never bought it for us. I just inserted myself. It belongs to your loved one.” I started to leave but realized I forgot something.

“Thank you, by the way. Because I got into your room, and you let me take care of you, even just now. I’m letting you go, Lucas. From now on, your freedom from me is my happiness, because I know you’re happy there.” If he were awake, he would’ve shouted at me.

I kissed him on the lips one last time and left his room.

Tomorrow, I’ll start looking for a place to move to and sign the annulment papers.

Janine POV (The Next Day)

I woke up early. I planned to find a place to move today.

I texted Cindy last night to meet at a nearby coffee shop, to avoid Luc. I need to leave quickly and get the annulment papers from the lawyer.

I got ready quickly, worried Bess might take a long time—awkward enough already in front of people.

Coming downstairs, Luc was in the living room, reading the newspaper. Probably waiting for Sophia. I was about to leave when Luc spoke.

“Wife, good morning.” I stopped and looked back. Rude not to greet him.

“Good morning too.” I turned to leave when he suddenly grabbed me. He really loves grabbing people unexpectedly.

“Sit down, eat your breakfast.” And he smiled—I melted. But no, I can’t give in, I need to ignore it.

“But Luc, I need to leave—Be—” I couldn’t finish, because he shoved food in my mouth. I resisted, but wow, it tastes amazing…

My favorite pancakes! I quickly finished what was on my plate. Luc added more butter and syrup—it was even better.

“Wife, you like it?” I nodded. This food is truly the best! I saw him smile after I said that and ate. A while later, noisy heels approached the dining area.

“Oh, Bess! You’re amazing! Here just to eat pancakes?” She suddenly sat down. I gestured to our house staff to give her a plate—they did, even bringing two more.

“Pretending to be angry, you’ll still eat!” I heard Nilo, popping in. Bess shot him a sharp glance.

“What, are you being nosy? You’re just Luc’s driver, right?” Nilo scowled. Really just a driver?

“Handsome too!” Suddenly, Bess looked for something by Nilo’s side, curious.

“Where? Nothing! You’re good at dreaming too!” I laughed at them, but Luc stopped them—just eat.

“Bess, I found a place for you to move. I spoke to my colleague selling his condo. There’s also a townhouse. I told him we’d check later.” I smiled, and Bess nodded awkwardly. Why announce this in front of Luc?

“Wife, moving? Do you feel cramped here in the mansion? But if you feel cramped, why pick a smaller place? Want me to buy a bigger one and make your room twice as big?” Cindy and I were stunned. Nilo just ate calmly, laughing.

I saw sadness on Luc’s face. Why? He should be happy. This is for him, even for my life.

“Because I need to get used to being away from you. For us, to be happy.” I explained quietly, knowing it would really please him—but why do I see something else now?

“Why? You think leaving will make me happy? Did I say move out? Why cramped in your room? I’ll make it bigger for you.” Bess and I were surprised, but Nilo just ate and laughed.

“Please, wife, don’t leave, please.” What is happening with Luc? I don’t understand him.

“Luc, it’s not possible. I have to leave. I can’t anymore. Sorry.”

I grabbed Bess to leave.

It was night when I got home.

Bess and I first visited the place she mentioned, and looked at items for my move.

Everything was paid. I bought both places because Cindy needs to know about the money. I’ll decide later where I’ll live.

I was in front of my room, feeling a bit sad. I’ll miss this home I’ve lived in for three years. I unlocked the door, using my key from my bag. I probably locked it earlier before leaving.

“Wait?! Why won’t it open?” Manang passed behind me.

“Oh! Iha, Luc told me not to let you in. He also removed your things.” I gasped in frustration. Why is he making me leave immediately? He knew I was still looking for a place.

“Where is he, Manang?” I asked.

“In the dining area, been waiting for you. Go now.” I hurried down. Annoying! Why is he like this? Pretending to be sad earlier… all an act!

Arriving in the dining room, he was calmly seated in his usual spot, watching me. His face was bright. Happy?!

“Luc, why did you lock my room immediately? Where are my things? I’m leaving, if that’s what you want.”

He smiled sweetly. Ah, he’s teasing!

“Wife, sit down. Join me for dinner. I’ve been waiting, starving.” I was irritated with this man!

Too much!

“Where are my things? Ahh! Mine, I’m leaving!” He laughed suddenly as I looked away, annoyed.

“Wife, easy, okay? Let’s eat.” Looks like I’ll lose—might as well sit.

“For you, wife.” I was surprised when he gave me my favorite flowers, white tulips. Should I take them?

“Wife, my hands are getting stiff, take the flowers, now.” He smiled as he handed them. I took them—maybe this is our first and last dinner as a couple. We’re a couple, on paper.

Suddenly, he snapped his fingers—the lights went out. Brownout? We have a generator. Surprised when Luc lit candles on the table. Trying to save? Or struggling?

“What are you thinking, wife?” he asked, looking at me. I was looking around.

“Are you struggling, Luc? That’s why candles? You should’ve said—” He laughed loudly.

“Wife, I’m not struggling. With all my money and future money, even if we buy more mansions as a couple, we won’t go hungry! I’ve been romantic here, but you were thinking otherwise.” He laughed again.

So this is a romantic dinner? And he didn’t even tell me? I admired everything—candles, little lights, words like wife, sorry, wife don’t leave me, hearts. So beautiful, so real.

“What does this mean, Luc?” I asked seriously.

“I want you to be happy, wife.” He said sincerely. I was confused by his words and actions—I need to know the truth.

“Luc, why? Why are you doing this to me? You’re only making things harder. I’m ready to give in. Isn’t that what you wanted? I want to move on.” Tears fell—I couldn’t understand anymore.

“If you’re fooling me, stop, please. I’m tired, I want to live properly. Even if no man comes to love me, if he does, I promise God I’ll love him fully.” He approached me, seemingly hurt by my words

“Wife, please, don’t move on. Don’t leave me, please.” He held both my hands and kissed them repeatedly. What does he mean?

“Why, Luc? Why don’t you want me to move on? What do you want? Clarify!” I couldn’t help but shout in frustration. I just wanted to leave. Suddenly, he grabbed and hugged me.

“Wife, honestly, I don’t know why or what my reason is. I don’t understand what’s happening to me either. All I know is, I don’t want you to leave, I don’t want you to move on. I’m afraid of losing you. I don’t know why. But I’m asking, help me find out what I truly feel. Please, wife.” He said seriously, holding me close.

“What help do you want? How can I help you? In what way?” I asked, not knowing how to help him.

“Wife, don’t leave. Let’s fix all our mistakes. Let’s be together until we know where this is going. I promise, I’ll make you happy. You won’t be sad, wife.” I was completely confused.

Do I agree? What if he finds out he doesn’t love me after all?

I might just get hurt even more.