My Cold Husband

Conflicted Desire

Lucas POV

My whole day at work ended up being nothing but boring. I just wanted to go home.

I need to see her and ask her—if she already wants Jerome. I want to clear my doubts.

“Luc, let’s have dinner! My treat!” Sophia entered my office cheerfully. s**t! Now she wants to invite me out? I’m not in the mood to have dinner with her or eat out.

“Sophia, I’m tired. I just want to go home and rest,” I said. She frowned, clearly disbelieving me.

“Really? You didn’t do anything all day but watch the clock. Do you have a problem?” she asked, raising her eyebrow.

“No problem. Can’t I just… not be in the mood?” It’s about time she leaves—I need to go home.

“Okay, just Nilo and me then.” Great! She dragged Nilo along, who looked startled, his expression amusing.

“Alright, bye.” I excused myself quickly and headed to the parking lot. As soon as I got in the car, I sped off. I just hope she’s at home.

I stopped at a red light.

Shit! If only I could just drive already. But then my eyes caught a new restaurant nearby, and I saw Janine with a man.

Is that Jerome? Luckily, the light turned red, or I wouldn’t have seen Janine. I turned my car toward the restaurant.

I went in and sat at a nearby table.

A waiter approached me, but I told him to wait—I was expecting someone.

“Oh, bro?! I thought you were going home already?” Sophia exclaimed. s**t, Nilo and Sophia were staring at me, wondering.

“Yeah, I was going home. But I saw this new restaurant nearby. Just curious, maybe it’s good. So I came in—hungry anyway. And for when we eat out with Vince, we could try this place too,” I explained. Sophia nodded, but Nilo still frowned, glancing around.

I tapped his chair so he would turn and sit as well. Feeling like a detective!

“So why haven’t you ordered yet?” Sophia asked. Nilo grinned.

“Ah! I was going to message you that we could just eat here. But you got here first,” I explained.

“Ahh, okay.” Sophia sat down with Nilo. We placed our orders, the food looked delicious—but none of that caught my attention except the woman at the other table.

While eating, I couldn’t stop watching Janine—smiling, sometimes laughing, joking around. It’s like seeing the old Janine again—confident, happy, playful. Ever since I made her life miserable, her joy was gone.

Did I go too far?

Sophia excused herself to the restroom. I saw Janine standing, apparently ready to leave. I wanted to go home too to talk to my wife, but I couldn’t see her anymore.

“Bro, just go home,” Nilo said, smiling.

“I may look good, but I’m not blind. You’re over-denying it, but we know you, bro, head to heart. We support you all the time.” His words made me frown—so deep.

“Hey! Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m just tired and want to go home,” he laughed and tossed me some ice.

“Okay, fine. Leaving. Good luck!” I left immediately without saying another word.

I reached the mansion quickly. Excited to go in, even though I wasn’t sure if my car was parked properly.

I immediately asked the guard if Janine had arrived—she hadn’t. She should have been here earlier! Moments later, I heard a car stop in front of the mansion.

I went out. Janine was in the car with Jerome. They seemed to be laughing again.

Janine got out and ran, like a child. Jerome followed to catch her. They disappeared from my sight, so I grabbed my car to follow them.

Turning at the corner, I saw them

roughhousing on the grass. Jerome’s face was close to Janine’s, as if about to kiss her.

Shit! I honked immediately. They were startled, thinking they could get away. No way!

I got out and scolded them. They were holding hands like kids facing their parents. s**t, are they…? I asked Janine why she came home only now. She said they were working overtime and Jerome had a presentation.

They just ate, but I got home before them. My anger flared when she said he was her boyfriend! I pulled Janine behind me.

I told Jerome to stay away from my wife. His answer? He refused. That made me even angrier.

I was about to go after him when Janine stopped me. She faced me.

“Enough, Luc. I’m tired of loving you,” she said.

I didn’t understand. I felt both hurt and confused.

Jerome approached, but Janine blocked him. She stood in front of me.

“Go ahead, enjoy your day with Janine in your mansion. Because she’s going to be mine,” Jerome teased. I froze.

What am I supposed to do? Why am I like this? Janine went inside without even looking at me.

Sophia confronted me after Janine left, looking unhappy at what she witnessed. I didn’t even notice because I was too focused on Janine.

“What’s wrong with you, Luc? What does that mean? Earlier, why did you act like that toward them? Shouldn’t you be happy she’s leaving your life? Are you in love with Janine now? What about your plan with Jewel and the promise to her?”

I didn’t answer her and ignored the questions.

Even though I admitted my inner chaos,

I needed to be alone first.

I got into my car and drove to a nearby bar to kill time.

“Hi Luc! Long time no see! Since you got married, you haven’t been here?” the bartender greeted me.

Since marrying Janine, I stopped going out at night. Even though I’m cold to her, I still respect her. When I want a drink, it’s at home or with my friends.

A woman, looking like a model, sat beside me. I just smiled—no interest.

“Scotch.” As soon as it was handed to me, I drank it immediately. Not enough, so I asked for another. She held my hand, but I didn’t respond.

“Selfish,” Vince said. He was with Diego and Nilo. Jeric was still in America.

“Tss, you really talk too much, Monteverde!” I said annoyed at Nilo. They laughed. We booked a VIP room to avoid interruptions, Vince said.

“Bro, what happened?” Diego asked mischievously.

I drank and spoke briefly:

“I don’t know.”

“Are you still in love and waiting for Jewel?” he asked again.

“Yeah, of course,” I replied.

“And Janine? Why are you acting like a jealous husband?” Nilo asked. I ignored and drank again.

“You’re confused, bro, but you need to be a man. Make the right decision so no one gets hurt—including yourself in the end,” Vince said seriously.

“You need to be fair, bro. If you still love Jewel, let Janine be happy with Jerome,” Nilo added.

Suddenly, irritation rose in me, and I slammed my glass on the table.

“All I know is, as long as Janine and I are not annulled, she’s mine—my wife. No one can take my wife!” I said seriously.

“What do you want to happen?” Vince asked, smirking.

“I fight for Janine. I won’t let anyone take my wife. As long as she’s still mine, I have the right. May the best man win!”

My friends laughed, but they all supported me.