Chapter 5 Cheating
1112 Words
A group of people were drinking, and the conversation quickly went off on a tangent. But before long, it circled back.
Someone said, "Leo, why don't you give it a second thought? Although Claudia forced the marriage back then, she did save the Wilson family at a critical moment. Now the Wilson family is developing rapidly, far surpassing the Thornhill family. If you abandon her now, it won't sound good when word gets out."
"Yeah, even if there's no affection, you can just keep her around as a trophy wife," That guy continued, "Besides, where else can you find such a stunning, thoughtful, and devoted woman? We’re all green with envy over here."
Leo remained indifferent, raised his glass, and drank it all in one go. "If you're envious, go after her yourself."
The suggestion left everyone genuinely shocked. They couldn’t fathom how Claudia could have fallen for someone like Leo, convinced she deserved better.
David was so surprised by Leo's words that he coughed twice, wanting to persuade him but feeling it would be a waste of breath. Once Leo made a decision, no one could change it.
"I'm hungry, gonna grab some food. Does anyone want anything?" David, though not very serious, was a genuine doctor. He had just gotten off work and was called over, feeling quite hungry.
"I’m good."
"I've had my fill with the drinks." Everyone answered.
David stood up. "Then I'll go myself, take it easy, everyone."
Mind your drinking, and watch your words. Leo might be enjoying their company, but he was a man of real skill and strategy. If someone got drunk and said something they shouldn't, offending him, the consequences would be unpredictable. After reminding everyone, David left the private room.
As soon as he stepped out, he saw a familiar figure ahead. He squinted, thinking the lights were playing tricks on him. After all, how could he see Claudia in a place like this?
Then, the person in front suddenly turned slightly to talk to the man beside her, and he saw the side of her face clearly.
OMG! It really was Claudia.
This place was anything but respectable. The man beside her was dressed like a young master, and the two were close, arm to arm, occasionally gesturing.
From the looks of it, they seemed to be heading somewhere. There were not only many private rooms here but also many restrooms, some seeking thrills.
Then, David watched as the two intimately headed towards the restroom.
'Has Claudia lost her mind? Even though she and Leo are planning to divorce, it hasn't happened yet, has it? If something were to happen with someone else at this time, wouldn't that be cheating on Leo? If Leo found out, would he let her go?' David's mind exploded, nearly losing his balance, and he immediately forgot about buying anything, stumbling back to the private room.
Too aware of the potential embarrassment for Leo, David leaned in to whisper his discovery. "I just saw Claudia. She went to the restroom with a young guy."
Upon hearing this, Leo's previously calm expression suddenly darkened, and even his breath became heavy in an instant, a muscle twitching at his temple.
David quietly shifted his seat to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.
"Weren’t you headed out to grab some food? What’s up with coming back so soon?" A friend asked David.
"Nothing. I'm not hungry anymore." David not only wasn't hungry, he felt like he was stuffed. 'What was I doing going out just now?' If he hadn't seen it, it would have been better.
Even though Leo doesn't like Claudia, what man can tolerate his wife cheating? Leo suddenly stood up, startling David.
"I'm going out for a bit," he said, and then left.
"What's up with Leo? Why does he look so upset?" Friends curiously asked, "David, what did you say to him? Did you set him off?"
David forced an awkward smile. If only it had been his doing, he could have apologized with a round of penalty drinks. But now, it was clear that no amount of drinking would fix this situation. He’d have to warn the clubs and bars; crossing Leo was no joke.
*****
Leo headed towards the restroom and soon spotted his wife standing there, with a man beside her taking off his coat to drape over her.
In a flash, a thought struck Leo. 'She’s marked by another’s scent.' He frowned, extremely displeased.
"Claudia!" Leo's voice was unusually low as if he was holding something back.
When Claudia suddenly heard the familiar voice, she was momentarily stunned. She looked in the direction of the voice, and upon seeing Leo's face, her brows immediately furrowed.
What a small world.
To Leo, it seemed that Claudia, who had been nothing but gentle with the stranger, now showed no sign of shame at being caught. Instead, she greeted him with a scowl of impatience.
'How dare she...' Leo thought, moving closer, his gaze icy as it flicked over the man. 'Not even close to him. Since leaving him, her taste has really gone downhill.'
"Last time you went for ten, now just one?" Leo mocked.
The man was momentarily stunned.
But Claudia's face darkened. "My personal life is none of your concerns, soon-to-be ex-husband."
"Don't forget, we're not divorced yet, and here you are, blatantly going into the restroom with someone for thrills. Claudia, do you really have to cause such a scene?" Leo said sarcastically.
Claudia let out a sneer. She was curious about why Leo had come to find her. Turns out, he was worried about being embarrassed if she was seen going into the restroom with another man.
She remembered the time she had burst into their private room at a party, only to find him in a compromising position with another woman. He had shown no concern for her dignity then.
The memory of their guests’ amused glances, her solitary figure at the door, eyes blazing with fury, while he sat unbothered on the sofa, still stung. She had hardly mustered the courage to ask him to come home with her.
At that time, he coldly replied with just one word, "Leave."
"In the last three years, I’ve lost all dignity. I don’t care anymore. If you’re so concerned, Mr. Wilson, just transfer more assets to me, and we can end this sooner. That way, my actions won’t tarnish your precious reputation," Claudia sneered.
Leo gritted his teeth. "Claudia, do you think I can’t ensure this man is persona non grata in this country by morning?"
"Sorry to interrupt, but…" the man beside them couldn't help but speak up.
- Writer
