Wendy playfully nudged his shoulder with a feigned annoyance. Jonathan chuckled, then as if a thought struck him, he suddenly asked me, "Daphne, what were you doing suddenly barging into my study?"

"Getting my safe deposit box that I left here."

I lifted the small box in my hand. It held my and Jonathan's marriage certificate and our household registration book.

But he had clearly forgotten about it, his brow furrowed as he pressed.

"What did you put in there? You've been acting strangely lately. Did you buy something behind my back?"

Jonathan walked over and snatched the safe deposit box from me.

Faced with the combination lock, he was clueless. He narrowed his eyes at me, his gaze threatening.

I said softly, "Our wedding anniversary."

That date had just passed not long ago, but the man before me kept trying different combinations and still couldn't open it.

Finally, he was utterly fed up. Then, he threw it back at me and snapped.

"I don't care what you bought. Throw it out. Daphne, you don't deserve to spend my money."

I didn't say a word, clutching the safe deposit box as I returned to the guest room.

Jonathan seemed to want to say more, but Wendy suddenly claimed she felt unwell. He quickly carried her back to the main bedroom.

After settling Wendy down, he came downstairs and, unusually, instructed the housekeeper, "Make a few dishes tonight that are good for blood. The ones Madam likes."

Back in the guest room, when I stepped inside, I saw my suitcase had been smashed and the things inside were either broken or missing.

I was thankful I had my ID card on me and some other documents had survived only because I had forgotten to pack them.

I opened the safe deposit box and carefully placed everything inside into my inner pockets.

Just as I was about to leave, Wendy leaned against the doorframe, blocking my way.

"Wow, Daphne. I didn't think you were this good at pretending."

Her red lips were slightly curled. Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

"You can still pretend to be so calm, even though I have ridden on your head and bullied you."

I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms.

Then Wendy suddenly acted like she remembered something and dramatically covered her mouth.

"Oh, right. Do you know why Jonathan didn't drive you to the hospital last month when your old man was on his deathbed?"