Chapter: 3

Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it."

Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "‘Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat. I'll even put on my sharpest heels, ready to kick him in the nuts!"

Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, though her heart still felt heavy.

Monica's tone suddenly shifted, curiosity sparking in her voice. "But, seriously, who was that guy you were with last night?"

Alicia froze mid-step, a bad feeling creeping up her spine. "Didn't you hire that male escort for me?" she asked uneasily.

“I did call one," Monica said, her voice suddenly serious. “But you never showed up. He texted me this morning, saying he waited all night and didn't see you. So. who were you with?"

Alicia's breath hitched as the realization slammed into her.

Before she could respond, the door to her bedroom creaked open.

She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. His damp hair clung to his forehead as he stared down at her, his voice low, menacing.

“What male escort?"

Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband.

His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger.

The only thing out of place was the love bite on his lips.

Was the kiss he shared with someone else so intense?

A wave of disgust washed over her, and it was all she could do not to gag. Her fingers tightened around her phone as she turned it off with a soft sigh. "It's nothing."

Without waiting for a response, she started to walk inside.

Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?"

He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home.

Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow.

She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. “Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work."

A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... ‘special someone'."

Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation.

Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk."

Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch.

“So, are you planning to finally go public with her?"

Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking.

"What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?"

Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her."

He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone.

It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart.