My Cold Husband

The truth I denied

Lucas POV

We’ve been like this for two years now—living under the same roof, yet completely divided. Because of what she did, my life was ruined.

I treated her like a sister, because that’s what my girlfriend wanted—for us to be close.

She was actually the first one who called me to introduce herself. I didn’t want to answer at first, but my girlfriend wanted us to be friends.

So I became friends with her, and over time, I found her kind. She was always sweet to me, so I made that friendship real.

But when I finally introduced my girlfriend to her, she suddenly avoided me and stopped talking to me. It hurt a little, but I assumed it was because of my girlfriend—that’s why she distanced herself.

I was fine with that. Things were still okay whenever I visited their house. But I never imagined she could do what she did.

Flashback

I was driving to the mall. Jewel asked me to pick her up.

I couldn’t wait to see my fiancée. I loved her deeply—she was the woman I wanted to spend my life with.

She made me work hard to win her over—it took a whole year. But that’s how it is when you’re handsome, you’re not accepted easily. Her name was Jewel, after all, so she deserved to be cherished and protected.

She liked me too—she was just playing hard to get, according to Sophia, her best friend. We’d only been together for six months when I proposed. I didn’t want to lose her.

Next month, I’d be taking over the family business, and my friends and I already have our own company. I could provide for the woman I loved.

My phone rang while I was daydreaming about our future. I smiled—it was Jewel calling.

“Hello, hon. I’m already on my way,” I said lovingly.

“Hon, sorry. You don’t have to pick me up. I have somewhere important to go,” she replied sweetly. I could already imagine her cute face while saying it.

“Then I’ll come with you. At least I’ll be with you,” I said. I already missed her.

“Hon, no need. I’m with Sophia. We’re looking for what I’ll wear on our honeymoon—I want it to be a surprise!” Her tone was playful, even a little sexy, making me laugh.

“Okay, hon. Keep it a secret so there’s excitement on our honeymoon,” I joked. I heard her laugh.

“Okay, hon. See you later. I love you.”

Her voice was music to my ears. When you’re in love, everything sounds beautiful.

A little later, my phone rang again. This time, it was Janine.

“Hello, Janine,” I greeted her cheerfully. I couldn’t deny the happiness I felt.

“H-hello, Lucas. Can you come to our house now if you’re not busy? I baked a cake for you—a friendly gift. I also have a surprise for you both.”

“Sure. I’m on my way,” I replied. I missed her cake—it was always good.

When I arrived at their house, the people there were already familiar to me. I saw Janine standing by the door.

“Lucas, y-you’re here!” She looked genuinely happy.

“Of course. What’s your surprise?” I asked teasingly.

“Uh… I baked a cake for you. Let’s go to the kitchen,” she said nervously.

I frowned. Something felt off.

She handed me a slice.

“It’s good,” I said. “You’re really great at baking.”

“Drink this so you won’t choke,” she offered.

“The tea’s good too,” I said. “You’re really the best.”

Suddenly, I felt an unusual heat spreading through my body. She turned to leave the kitchen, but I stopped her.

“Wait.”

She was startled when I grabbed her hand.

She stepped closer—and the heat intensified.

I kissed her—just a light touch at first, but it wasn’t enough. I kissed her again, longer, hungrier. She responded.

I lifted her.

“Where’s your room?”

A part of me wanted to stop—but something stronger pushed me forward.

In her room, I kissed her again—more intensely. I heard her soft moans. I removed her blouse.

I kissed her neck, down to her collarbone and chest.

“I don’t like your bra,” I joked. She laughed.

I took it off and kissed her again. Her hands roamed my back, sometimes pulling my hair. My body burned even more.

I removed her shorts and underwear. I looked at her.

“So beautiful.”

I kissed her again, slowly moving down. I heard her begging.

“Please… Lucas, love me.”

She helped me take off my pants. She held my face and kissed me first.

“Do you want me? Say my name.”

“Lucas… I want you.”

I met her gaze and kissed her. Slowly at first, then faster—until we were exhausted and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Then I heard noise—crying, anger.

It was Jewel—crying—sitting at the foot of the bed. Janine was crying too, wrapped in a blanket.

“Why did you do this, Luc?” Jewel asked angrily. “Was I not enough?”

“Hon, I didn’t want this. I’m sorry,” I said desperately.

I turned to Janine.

“What did you do to me?!” I shouted. “Why did you do this?!”

“Luc, don’t be stupid. You wanted it too,”

Janine’s mother yelled, hugging her daughter.

“Juanito, what’s your decision?” she asked firmly.

“Samaniego,” she said authoritatively, “you will marry Janine.”

“But I don’t love her,” I pleaded. “I love Jewel.”

“My decision is final. You will take responsibility,” she replied angrily.

End of Flashback

Every time I remember that day, my world collapses. From then on, I took revenge on Janine. I never forgave her. Did she think she’d be happy in our marriage? I made her life miserable.

But as time passed, she only became kinder.

Sophia told me Jewel was coming back—the woman I loved. It was time for Janine and me to separate.

Back then, I lost control and tried to end my life because I thought Jewel was marrying someone else. It was just a joke—a test to see if I still loved her.

I woke up early, burdened with guilt. I needed Janine’s signature on the annulment papers.

I asked her to have breakfast with me.

She wasn’t in her room.

Her mother called me.

“Luc, I need a favor,” she said. “Help me convince Janine to sign the annulment.”

I agreed.

“I have a partner—Jerome,” she added. “He loves my daughter. After the annulment, their engagement will be announced.”

Something clenched in my chest.

At the office, I couldn’t sit still.

“Do you love her now?” Nilo asked.

“No,” I laughed. “I’m happy.”

“Liar,” they said.

“You might regret it,” Diego warned.

When I got home, Janine wasn’t there. The house was quiet.

Days passed—I didn’t see her.

One morning, I waited for her.

I pulled her toward the kitchen.

She had lost weight—but her eyes shone brighter.

I took out the annulment papers and handed them to her. She smiled and looked for a pen.

I gave it to her.

But when she was about to sign, I suddenly pulled the papers back.

I didn’t know why.

My chest hurt.

I excused myself—pretending I had a meeting.

I came back and whispered in her ear.

She didn’t react.

Why does the thought of losing her scare me?

What’s happening to me?