He lowered his posture, his face full of eager apology, like a puppy wagging its tail. In the past, every time he showed this pitiful expression, I'd soften and forgive him. But not this time.
"I saw a story online about a couple married for ten years. The husband cheated in the end. I just feel sorry for the woman," I said lightly, making up a lie.
Matthew let out a sigh of relief and teased, "Is that all? That tragedy will never happen to you. Miranda, you should know how much I can't live without you. You are my life."
Listening to his resolute promises, I didn't run into his arms to act coy like I usually would. Instead, I gave a faint smile and nodded.
After dinner, Matthew belatedly noticed something unusual, the room felt emptier. Our wedding photo was gone.
"Miranda, where's our wedding picture?" His voice trembled slightly and his dark eyes betrayed a flicker of panic.
Of course, I threw it out. Yesterday, when I came home and saw that giant wedding photo on the wall, it felt like it was mocking me. I smashed it and discarded it without hesitation.
"The nails on the wall loosened and it fell. The frame broke, so I sent it to be repaired," I explained calmly. Matthew believed me without suspicion.
On the surface, we returned to our sweet, loving routine. But for me, it was all an act.
I quietly began packing my belongings, waiting for my immigration application to be approved so I could leave.
When Lindsay showed up again, I wasn't surprised, she was in a hurry to secure her position, after all. In a private booth, she stroked her belly, smugly declaring, "I'm pregnant with Matthew's child. It's a boy. You're just a barren old hen. If you're smart, you'll step aside now and save yourself the embarrassment later."
A pang shot through my chest and I felt my heart shatter into countless pieces.
Because of my health, I couldn't have children. Matthew had once held me and comforted me, saying he didn't like kids anyway, he only wanted me. But now, another woman carried his child and had the audacity to confront me.
My lips turned pale and I gripped the table tightly to steady myself, maintaining my composure and sneered, "Who gave a disgraceful mistress like you the confidence to challenge me face-to-face? Do you believe that if I tell Matthew right now, he'll make you vanish from the entertainment industry?"