"Nothing to do with me?" I chuckled bitterly, the anger rising inside me. "You give another man a million-dollar watch, book him a trip to the Maldives, and I'm just supposed to stay quiet about it? As your husband, don't I have the right to question this?"
Francine took a deep breath, clearly trying to keep her composure. "Carson, can you stop making a scene? Evan closed three major deals last month. He generated tens of millions of dollars in profits for the company. What's wrong with rewarding him?"
"Rewarding him is fine, but why the Maldives? Why couple watches then?" I pointed at her wrist, where the same watch Evan had gotten was now adorning her. "I checked online. This is a limited-edition couple's watch, right? Don't tell me this is just a coincidence."
Francine's gaze flickered for a brief moment before she regained her composure.
"God, Carson! When did you become so paranoid? The company bought the watch, and our partners arranged the tickets. You're the one making this dirty!"
"Dirty?" I clenched my teeth. "Francine, I'm not blind or deaf. Do you really think I don't hear the rumors going around the office?"
Her expression shifted instantly. "What rumors?"
"You and Evan..." I didn't finish my sentence, but she immediately cut me off.
"Enough! Carson, I work hard every day, and this is how you treat me? If you don't trust me, there's nothing left to discuss," she snapped. "You don't have to wait for me for dinner tonight. I'm working overtime with a client."
With that, Francine turned and walked out. Evan stood off to the side, a faint, knowing smile on his lips.
...
Back home, I sat alone on the balcony, smoking one cigarette after another.
My marriage was once everything to me. It was happy and fulfilling. But ever since Evan joined the company, everything has changed.
Initially, it was limited to professional interactions between them. But soon, it turned into something constant over time, always together, hand in hand.
They even traveled for business together.
Then, her phone's password changed.
When I heard the rumors in the office back then, I tried to remind Francine gently, "Men and women should maintain some distance. You two are getting too close. It might lead to misunderstandings."
Francine laughed it off, dismissing my concerns with a wave. "Evan's just my assistant. Can't you stop being so petty?"
But reality was different.