"I'm sorry, okay? I didn't do it on purpose! How was I supposed to know she'd suddenly show up? Besides, she didn't seem suspicious just now, did she? You're just too paranoid," Scarlett replied, her voice quivering as though on the verge of tears.
Dexter softened his tone, coaxing her gently, "Alright, I was too harsh earlier. Don't be upset, okay?"
"Hmph, you're always sweet-talking me. When are you going to come clean with her?" Scarlett said, pretending to pout.
"Just wait a little longer," Dexter replied dismissively.
"Wait, wait, wait! You've been telling me to wait for two years already!" Scarlett's voice was full of discontent.
My grip on the door handle tightened, so much so that my knuckles turned pale. Two years. For two whole years, Dexter and Scarlett had been entangled and I, like a fool, had been completely in the dark.
"Alright, didn't you say you had your eyes on that new handbag from L brand? You can charge it to my card," Dexter said, trying to pacify her.
"Hmph, that's more like it. I'll forgive you this time for the sake of the bag, but if you're mean to me again, I won't let it slide," Scarlett replied, her earlier dissatisfaction replaced with giddy excitement.
She seemed oblivious, but after living with Dexter for ten years, I could easily sense the impatience hidden behind his gentlemanly facade. Beneath his surface charm, Dexter was cold and detached.
Luckily for Scarlett, she knew when to stop and didn't push her luck further. I had a gut feeling that Dexter didn't love her, it was likely the thrill of an affair that kept him around.
When I no longer heard their voices, I stayed in the restroom for an extra two minutes before flushing and stepping out. By the time I returned to the office, Scarlett was gone.
Feigning surprise, I asked Dexter, "Huh? Where's your assistant?"
"She had something to take care of," Dexter said, pulling me into his arms with an air of calm.
"Let's eat." He gestured for me to sit down.
The thought of Scarlett sitting in this very chair not long ago made my stomach churn.
I sprang up abruptly, "Oh! Honey, I just remembered I have something to do. You go ahead and eat without me."
"What could be more important than spending time with me?" Dexter teased, pretending to sulk.
I gave him a playful wink and said mysteriously, "Darling, tomorrow's Christmas. I've prepared a special surprise for you."