He said,
“Monica’s husband is away for work all year. I’m just helping her on his behalf. Don’t overthink it.”
The day I burned with fever, Ryan was out having dinner with Monica.
Every time I needed him, he was at her house.
My thoughts drifted back to the present.
Looking at the wedding decorations plastered across the house, I let out a bitter laugh.
The bright red symbols I had stayed up late cutting mocked my foolishness.
Numb, I tore them down one by one.
This time, I swore, I would get evidence of their betrayal and expose them completely.
The next day, our company held a team-building event.
When it was time for our group’s yoga performance, Monica insisted on partnering with me, demanding difficult moves.
I didn’t want to agree.
“Monica, your stance isn’t stable. You’re not suited for—”
Before I could finish, Ryan snapped at me.
“Don’t underestimate Monica! She might look fragile, but she’s probably a hundred times stronger than you!”
The air fell silent.
People around us murmured.
“First time I’ve seen a man defend someone else by humiliating his own wife. Incredible.”
I looked at Ryan’s handsome face, sighed helplessly, and endured.
During the performance, Monica deliberately let go, making me crash onto the hard grass below.
The moment my chin hit the ground, two of my front teeth flew out.
I thought they might help me up.
But instead, they doubled over laughing at my misfortune.
Monica sneered.
“Little sister, did you just eat dirt? That’s hilarious!”
“With your teeth gone, will your words whistle through the gaps now?”
Ryan laughed so hard his shoulders shook.
Struggling to rise, I realized my forehead was bleeding as well.
I glared at Monica, demanding an explanation.
She pouted pitifully, hiding behind Ryan.
“Little sister, don’t stare at me like that—you’re scaring me…”
Ryan shielded her with his body.
“Emily, calm down. Don’t be so aggressive!”
“You fell because your skills are poor. Don’t blame Monica.”
“Look at your petty attitude. Losing teeth serves you right!”
I swallowed my fury.
“She’s never even practiced yoga, yet she insisted on partnering with me and made me fall. I’m the victim here—can you get that straight?”
Monica’s eyes shimmered, like a wounded deer.
Seeing her flushed nose, Ryan scolded me for being too harsh.
In front of everyone, he pulled Monica into his arms to comfort her.
After the event, I overheard their conversation.