Fractured Trust, Reawakened Affection

After eight years of marriage, my husband, who’d been living off me, cheated on me. I kept quiet and secretly poured out the lubricant from the bedroom drawer, replacing it with super glue.

Didn’t we promise not to be separated for the rest of our lives?

Let me help you both!

——

After eight years of marriage, my husband cheated on me. After work, he’d always be glued to his phone, giggling and sneaking out late at night. It was clear that he was having an affair. Maybe he was trying to make up for it with some little gifts.

Roses before dinner, a gold ring on the bedside, the latest handbag...

He felt guilty, so he treated me better.

My husband earned money but didn’t come home; no mother-in-law or kids at home. I even think this kind of life isn’t too bad. I kept telling myself, “Isn’t cheating just something men do?”

I figured I could grit my teeth and endure it, but I didn’t expect that Ethan Malone and his affair would become even more brazen.

***

My best friend and I just got back from a facial and shopping.

As soon as I went upstairs, I heard a series of flirty sounds coming from the bedroom that were unsuitable for approval. “Oh My,” I talked to myself, “What could that be?”

I was so surprised that I dropped the bag and all the fruit and veg rolled everywhere!

Ethan had brought someone home...

I stood there for a moment, looking at the tightly closed bedroom door and suddenly remembered the day before our wedding when we discussed decorating our new home together. Ethan had haf-hugged me, his chin rubbing against my face and his stubble scratched my skin.

I pointed at the bedroom, smiling sweetly and said, "We'll need to soundproof the bedroom."

He just gave a little shrug and said, "Oh well. What if it's not soundproof? It's just the two of us at home, so there's no need to be shy!"

I couldn't help but laugh and give him a playful scolding, "I’m afraid you’ll bring someone else home in the future. I don’t want to hear it."

He looked serious, raising three fingers above his head.

"My dear wife, if I betray you, I will cut off my own manhood!"

He amused me and I couldn't help but laugh along with him, curling up on the floor and joining in on the fun. The sweet words and playful teasing from back then now felt like sharp knives stabbing straight into my chest. My heart ached with every beat.

That woman’s voice was flirtatious as she said, "Ethan, you’ve got to make it official between us..."

Then I heard a familiar voice follow, "I’ve already bought accident insurance for Evelyn. Once she’s gone, all of the Whitmore Family’s assets will be ours!"

"Oh, don’t you believe it? Frederick Whitmore only has one child and she’s just a daughter. If not her husband, who else would get the inheritance?"

The woman laughed seductively, "Oh, Ethan, you’re the best."

I was frozen in disbelief.

I thought Ethan's betrayal was just a case of the seven-year itch, nothing serious, but I never expected him to be so calculating, wanting to put me in a dead-end! At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to burst into the bedroom, catch the two of them red-handed, tear everything apart in a rage and feel so relieved!

But I knew I shouldn't do that. I gently pressed my palm down, trying to calm myself down. Acting impulsively would only hurt me in the end. They deserved to be punished, but I had to be smart about it. I bent down, picking up the scattered vegetables and fruit. The tomatoes had burst, leaving a messy splatter. I wiped up the mess with tissues from my pocket as if cleaning up the shattered pieces of my marriage and tossed everything into the trash.

I turned around and left, gently closing the door behind me for the two of them. Then I took out my phone and dialed the number of my family lawyer.

"Hello, Mr. William? I need to file for divorce immediately."

I calculated the time and walked back into the house ten minutes later.

The woman was already gone and Ethan, fully dressed, greeted me with a smile like nothing had happened, "Hello, my dear, you're back."

I remained calm and said, "You must be hungry. Let’s eat."

Ethan was distracted at the dining table, constantly glancing at his phone. I picked up some food and placed it on his plate.

“Something going on at the office?”

Without missing a beat, he nodded. “Yeah, it’s been busy lately.”

He wasn't even embarrassed to lie!

Suddenly, Ethan's phone rang. He quickly glanced at me before hurriedly retreating to the bedroom to answer the call. My hand paused mid-air and a coldness washed over me. It was that woman again.

He came out shortly after, grabbing his coat, "I'm sorry, my dear wife, something urgent came up at the company. I have to go back quickly!"

I gently adjusted his collar, smiling sweetly, "Go ahead, don't keep them waiting."

He patted my shoulder and walked out, the door slamming shut behind him. I sat there, alone with the dinner that had gone cold.

Quietly, I threw the meal away. The reflection in the kitchen glass showed a face that still looked youthful. It was a well-maintained face, almost forty, still without a fine line. But the eyes could not hide their fatigue.

I remember when we first started dating. Ethan used to tell me I was like a fresh cabbage, pure and full of life. Back then, he was full of dreams, poor but never insecure and completely different from those men who flattered and pleased me for money.

Ignoring my parents’ disapproval, I married him right after graduation. My father had no choice but to support him financially, helping him build his company with my family's resources.

With my family's support, Ethan's company grew bigger and bigger.

I took a look at the information that the private detective sent over. The girl in the photo had a ponytail and big eyes filled with a clear spring, radiating youthfulness.

After five years of dating and eight years of marriage, I thought I meant something special to him. My youth and efforts became a joke in front of this photo!

My nails dug into my palm.

I turned and went to the bedroom. The smell of lingering intimacy made my stomach turn. I held back my nausea as I discreetly set up a hidden camera in the corner and dug out a bottle of lubricant from the drawer. I poured out more than half of the liquid in the bottle, then filled it with super glue.

Super glue. It’s supposed to hold things together permanently, right? How poetic. I’ll use it to celebrate their unshakable bond. Didn’t they promise never to part? Not if I have anything to do with it.

Let me help you both!

…

After going through all of that, I decided to treat myself to a little getaway to Mexico. I just needed a break from everything that was going on. After eight years of marriage, I had tried so hard to be the perfect wife that I completely lost sight of who I was. I was afraid Ethan would feel insecure about his family background, so after we married, I became frugal, stopped traveling abroad and even cut ties with my old friends.

I used to think Ethan truly loved me. When I said I didn't want kids, he went ahead and got a vasectomy. When I joked about wanting a star, he bought the rights to one and gave it to me. But looking back now, it’s clear that his so-called love pales in comparison to everything I gave him in return.

When I landed in Mexico, I treated myself to a massive shopping spree, maxing out several of Ethan’s credit cards. Soon enough, my phone rang. I thought it would be him calling to confront me, but instead, it was a voice I didn’t recognize.

"Is this Mrs. Ethan? This is the Northwestern Hospital. Your husband had an accident and we need you to come in."

I raised an eyebrow. It had only been three days... Ethan couldn't stand loneliness more than I imagined.

For the sake of my husband’s "safety," I booked the earliest flight back and rushed to the hospital.

The doctor had just come out of the operating room and said seriously when he saw me, "Are you Mr. Ethan Malone’s family?"

I nodded.

"Mr. Ethan is in very bad condition. It was a very unusual situation and the surgery was extremely difficult."

Without hesitation, I replied, “Cut it off.”

The doctor’s face twitched beneath his mask, “What?”

I blinked innocently, “I mean it. Just go ahead.”

I added, " There’s no need to worry, Doc. He had a vasectomy years ago—no point keeping it."

His expression froze. “We’ll do everything we can with the surgery. Please sign here.”

I sat back, waiting leisurely.

Five hours later, after an intense operation, the doctors finally managed to separate the two of them. Ethan was no longer in critical condition.

The doctor looked at me, full of regret. “Unfortunately, it could no longer be used.”

I sighed dramatically, "Oh, what a pity."

After saying that, I left the hospital and called my best friend.

"Finally made up your mind, huh?"

With her smoky eye makeup and mocking grin, the woman in front of me eyed me curiously. I nodded, feeling a little embarrassed.

Seeing my reaction, her temper flared. "Look at you, all meek and pathetic. When you caught him cheating, you should’ve called me immediately. I would’ve torn him apart!"

"All these years, he’s been spending your money, using your connections and still had the nerve to find other women. I can’t believe you held out this long!"

I told her how I replaced the lubricant with super glue. Catherine Bellamy burst into loud, shameless laughter, catching the attention of other diners around us.

She lowered her voice, still grinning. "That’s brilliant! But aren’t you worried Ethan will report you to the police?"

I shrugged, "Let him. I’m just a housewife cleaning the house and I got confused about the bottles. How was I supposed to know I poured the wrong one?"

Catherine doubled over, laughing into her hands. "Now that’s the real you! I never understood why you, a rich girl, wasted your time playing the perfect wife. Glad to see you’ve come to your senses."

I nodded, "I've already contacted Mr. William to file for divorce. I have video evidence of their affair. He’s the one in the wrong here. I will ensure he walks out with nothing and returns everything he took from my family!"

Catherine shook her head, not seeming so optimistic, "That’s not going to be easy. Remember, you gave him full control of the company you built and stepped back. That’s not going to help you now. As long as Pinnacle Harvest is still in Ethan’s hands, even if you win the divorce, it won't matter."

Thinking of this, I wished I could slap my past self. How could I have loved him so much that I gave him my entire company?

Catherine tried to comfort me, " But still, congrats on seeing him for what he really is. Better late than never, right?"

I smiled back, feeling grateful, "Thank you, but..."

"I need your help with something."

***

Back home, I noticed a missed call from an unknown number. I hesitated, then dialed it back.

The voice on the other end was cold, "You know who I am, don’t you?"

It was such a cliché line, like something out of a soap drama.

I replied, "Who are you?"

"I'm the mistress."

Her calmness made my heart race. She continued, not waiting for me to say anything, "Evelyn Whitmore, Ethan doesn't love you at all. You’ve trapped him in this marriage. If you still feel a bit guilty, divorce him and give him freedom."

I was stunned, "So I’m supposed to step aside for your tragic love story?"

"We made promises to each other! I washed Ethan’s clothes when he was drunk, cleaned his house in the suburbs and cooked his favorite spicy chicken. I'm only twenty, young and beautiful. What do you have to compare with me? He said he has no feelings for you and didn't divorce you out of pity."

She grew more agitated as she said, "You don't deserve Ethan. He is a charming, successful CEO and you’re just a rough cook stuck in the kitchen. You’re holding him back from finding someone better!"

I couldn’t help but retort, “You’re not the ‘better person’ he’s looking for, are you?” I added, "Sweetheart, that super glue should have sealed your other mouth."

She screamed in anger, "You!"

I rolled my eyes, "By the way, I recorded the call. You know this is evidence, right?"

"Beep beep beep—"

The call ended abruptly. She hung up.

The mistress was making a scene... I sighed, pressing my forehead. Ethan, you really know how to surprise me. But sweetheart, is your love story as epic as you claim?

Ethan had a near-death experience, lying in the hospital in a daze for three days and finally ended up with a hidden illness. Now, we were facing each other in the living room and the atmosphere was awkward.

Ethan stood with his hands behind his back, looking like a schoolboy caught in trouble. I commanded him coldly, "Come here."

He shuffled over awkwardly, like a crab trying to sidestep and gingerly sat down at my feet, wincing in pain. "Honey..." he began.

I ignored him.

"Eve... I was really wrong."

I frowned. "I kept you around because I thought you were obedient and considerate. Ethan Malone, a cheating cat, is destined to be abandoned by its owner."

His face turned ugly and he lowered his head to please me, "Eve, I've already been punished..."

Looking at his restrained appearance, I couldn't help but sneer.

This was about a man's dignity. From then on, he couldn't act human, he must have hated me to the core. But he had to swallow his humiliation and pretend to put on a show for his future. Just like now, he was being submissive, not genuinely realizing his mistake but wanting to continue taking advantage of me, sucking my blood to maintain his lofty status as CEO.

Just as I was about to respond, the doorbell rang. Ethan hurried to the door. Curious, I turned to look and he was blocking the visitor from view. I knew immediately who it was.

Ethan hissed, "What are you doing here? Go back!"

The person was not intimidated at all. She pushed past Ethan and walked straight to me. She had high ponytails and big eyes, just like the girl in the photos.

The young girl was not polite at all. With her hands on her hips, she said, "I'm Beatrice Rothwood. I spoke with you on the phone yesterday. You remember me, right?"

Ethan quickly approached us, pointing at Beatrice’s nose and scolding, "What are you doing here? Beatrice, I tell you, I won’t be divorcing my wife, so stop trying to stir trouble!"

Beatrice was stunned, her momentum instantly deflated and she said softly, "Ethan, what are you talking about? Are you being threatened by this woman?"

She pointed at me as getting angry, "You old woman, clinging to men, look at what you've done to Ethan!”

Me? Forcing him?

What have I forced him to do?

The one being cornered by the mistress is me!

I had no intention of engaging in further conversation, so I picked up my phone to call security. But Beatrice stepped forward and knocked my phone to the ground.

The screen shattered.

I took a deep breath and asked her, "Miss Beatrice, do you have any valuable suggestions about my marriage?"

Beatrice snorted, her eyes full of pride. "I want you to divorce Ethan!"

Upon hearing this, Ethan slapped her hard across the face, "Beatrice, are you out of your mind?"

Beatrice covered her cheek and nervously grasped Ethan’s hand. "Ethan, why are you so cold?"

Her eyes were resolute, "Don't worry, I understand. You’re tired of this woman. If you don't want to be the bad guy, I’ll be that for you!"

Ethan couldn't help but curse, "You don’t know anything!"

Beatrice's eyes were filled with tears, "How could I not understand? Am I not your favorite, the one who understands you best?"

Ethan looked at me in despair and said, "Eve, this woman is crazy, don't believe her."

I sneered, "Miss Beatrice, how did you and Ethan meet?"

Beatrice blushed, "That day, I was mopping the floor at Ethan's company and accidentally knocked over the bucket. Ethan caught me as I fell. He wrapped his arms around my waist. He fell in love with me at first sight. He bought me bags, took me out to eat and stood up for me before my colleagues. I love him and he loves me!"

I glanced at Ethan and scoffed, "I didn't expect you to spend my money on a mistress. You're quite generous."

Ethan’s face turned dark and he fell silent.

Beatrice became anxious, "What do you mean spending your money? Ethan is a CEO and you’re just a has-been!"

She looked me up and down, sneering, "To put it nicely, you're a virtuous wife. To put it bluntly, you're a parasite. Don't think that just because you married Ethan, you can show off in front of me!"

I found it amusing. Who really was the parasite here?

I played with my nails calmly and said, "Let’s not even discuss how much of Ethan’s success is due to his own efforts. As for the little gifts he gave you…"

I paused and looked at her, "Those are our joint property as a couple and I have every right to reclaim them. "

I frowned, "Oh right, I forgot, you're only twenty. You can't afford to pay for those things. That's fine, I'll give them to you. Consider it a reward for serving my husband for so long."

Beatrice’s face turned red and she started cursing.

I laughed, " What’s the matter? Is it not enough?"

I leaned in, gripping her chin, "A Gucci bag, an LV shopping basket, a Tiffany bracelet... they might be second-hand, but they’re still worth more than you deserve."

Beatrice's face turned a mix of colors, showing her anger, while Ethan lowered his head, feeling guilty. Since I had many luxury items, he thought that taking a few to give to his mistress would go unnoticed. The surveillance footage in the cabinet captured everything, but I chose not to expose him.

Beatrice fell silent, pulled a document from her bag and threw it at me. "I didn't want to make a scene," she said.

She raised her chin and smirked, "I'm pregnant with Ethan’s child, two months along. Every man wants a child, Eve. You, who can’t even lay an egg, how can you compete with me?"

As soon as she said this, the air in the room became awkward.

Beatrice looked at Ethan with affection. "Ethan, even though you can’t, I’ve left you with one last child."

She lovingly rubbed her belly, "It's your only child."

I looked at Ethan, filled with sympathy. It seemed his little mistress didn’t know that he had been sterilized eight years ago. He could no longer have children.