“You’re being petty. It’s just one bad kidney—stop acting like it’s the end of the world. The company needs us to keep it afloat. Can’t you think about something other than yourself for once?”
I looked at her and suddenly smiled.
“Alright then. Take good care of him. Wouldn’t want to offend a client,” I said quietly.
Without another glance at them, I turned and left the ward.
I remembered how, back when Eric first joined the company, Charlotte always gave him special attention; calling on him during meetings, taking him along on business trips.
I’d even convinced myself it was normal. She was the boss and he was a subordinate. It was just her being responsible.
On my way to the clinic, my phone buzzed. It was a text from Charlotte.
[Sorry, I was a bit harsh earlier. Don’t be mad.]
[Once I finish things here, I’ll come find you. The company needs us both right now. Don’t start anything unnecessary.]
I stared at the screen for a while, then set the phone down without replying.
During the check-up, the doctor examined my scans with a serious look.
“The recovery isn’t good,” he said quietly.
“And honestly, your chances of returning to a normal life are very low.”
He looked up. “Where’s your wife? Why isn’t she here with you?”
I sat there, strangely calm and finally replied in a faint voice, “She’s dead.”
A week later, Charlotte finally came home—with Eric beside her.
What shocked me even more was that Eric was holding their bastard child.
“Sorry, Andrew, I didn’t mean to trouble you,” he said, looking at me nervously. “My wife’s been really busy lately, so she asked me to take care of our baby. Honestly, I have no idea how to look after a kid, but Charlotte said she loves children. She suggested I move in here–to make it easy for all of us.”
I threw a glance at Charlotte. There wasn’t a trace of guilt or fear in her eyes.
As if her lie was flawless—something I could never expose.
“Eric’s wife won’t be back for a while,” she said naturally. “So let him stay with us in the meantime. We don’t have kids anyway and we could use the practice.”
Then she patted my shoulder lightly. “It’s all for the company.”
I forced a pale smile. “Sure. Come in.”
Taking the luggage from Eric’s hand, I played the part of the understanding husband. Then I went to the kitchen and made him a cup of honey tea.
“Here, drink this. You must be thirsty.”