Watching Her Marrying Someone Else in His Last Breath

Third Person's POV Everyone believed Edmond Warner’s love for Haven was unshakable. Their relationship was a gold standard for romance, inspiring countless admirers who saw their bond as proof that true love still existed. If Edmond and Haven weren’t in love anymore, many thought, then maybe love itself was a lie. But even the strongest love could falter. The female junior apprentice sighed as she reminisced. “When I started school, you two were already in your third year. I remember the day you had acute appendicitis. Mr. Warner thought it was terminal and was ready to donate his organs to save you. Then, at your wedding four years ago, I saw him cry like a child, saying he’d finally married the girl of his dreams.” Haven’s eyes glistened with sorrow. Those memories, once beautiful, were now too painful to bear. Having experienced Edmond’s all-consuming love, it was harder to forgive his betrayal. Her mind then drifted back to four months ago, the day she discovered she was pregnant. What should have been a joyous moment turned into a nightmare when she saw Edmond checking into a hotel with Hattie Mann, a female student they had both sponsored. It wasn’t an isolated incident, though. Edmond often claimed he was away on business trips, but Hattie always sent Haven their intimate photos and videos as taunts. The betrayal cut deep, but last week, it reached an unbearable breaking point. Haven, overwhelmed by grief, lost the baby. That night, alone in her hospital bed, Haven cried until dawn. “Maybe... he doesn’t love me anymore,” she whispered to herself. She then forced a faint smile at the junior apprentice and left with a heavy heart. Back home, Haven placed her miscarriage report and their torn marriage certificate into a small, ornate box. Edmond arrived not long after, holding their daughter, Leigh, in his arms. His face lit up when he saw Haven. “I came straight home after my trip and picked up Leigh on the way." He then noticed the box, and his eyes sparkled with excitement. "What’s in the box? An early anniversary gift?” Haven stared at him, searching his face for a shred of guilt. But Edmond’s eyes brimmed with warmth and love as if he truly believed in his devotion to her. Then she noticed it—a faint lipstick stain on the collar of his crisp white shirt—whether it was carelessness or a deliberate provocation, she didn’t know. Her chest tightened as if someone had carved out her heart, and she instinctively clutched at it in pain. Seeing her discomfort, Edmond panicked and held her tightly. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” Haven took a deep breath, willing herself to remain composed, and handed him the box. Seeing the box again, his eyes lit up like a child’s on Christmas morning. “Is this really an anniversary gift for me?” But as he reached to open the box, Haven pressed her hand on his. “Our fourth anniversary is still in next month. Open it then.” Edmond smiled and kissed the corner of her lips. “Alright,” he said softly, placing the box on a nearby shelf with care, as if it were the most precious gift in the world. Watching him do it, her thoughts run wild. 'Edmond, are you just that good at pretending, or do you truly believe you can love two people at once?' She swallowed the ache in her throat as her thoughts continued, 'This will be the last thing I ever give you. I hope it brings you the happiness I can’t anymore.' The next morning, Haven woke to Edmond’s kisses. His touch was urgent and his desire was palpable. After weeks of being “away on business,” his restraint had finally snapped. But as his lips traced her skin, all Haven could think about was Hattie. The same fiery passion Edmond now showed her, she knew he had likely shared with someone else. The thought turned her stomach, and a wave of nausea rolled through her.

Third Person's POV Haven pushed Edmond away and rushed into the bathroom, covering her mouth as she retched. She ended up throwing up, her face pale as paper. Edmond followed her in, patting her back gently with concern. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Handing her some water to rinse her mouth, Edmond looked remorseful. “It’s my fault. I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t been taking good care of you. From now on, I’ll stay by your side and help you take better care of your health. You probably haven’t been eating properly again. You only listen when I’m watching over you.” His voice was full of tenderness, every word laced with care and affection. After rinsing her mouth, Haven replied, “I’m fine. My stomach has just been a little upset lately.” Hearing that, Edmond stepped out and returned with a card. “This is for a new restaurant that just opened. It’s very clean, and I know you’ll like the flavors. This is a lifetime membership card. When I’m not home, you can take Leigh there to eat.” Haven stared at the card in her hand, puzzled. What kind of restaurant gives out lifetime memberships to its customers? Edmond thought for a moment and said, “Actually, I don’t have any plans today. Why don’t I take both of you there? We can try the food, and I can ask the chef to remember your preferences.” As he spoke, Edmond had already picked out an outfit for Haven and was crouched down helping her put on her shoes. Even though he had achieved great success, Edmond never acted superior around her. He treated her with the same tenderness and care as always. If Haven hadn’t seen the truth with her own eyes, she would never have doubted him in this lifetime. But Edmond, why did you have to change? When the three of them arrived at the restaurant, looking every bit the picture of a happy family, a couple preparing for their wedding was there to finalize their reservation. The bride-to-be immediately recognized Edmond and Haven and ran over, visibly excited. “Are you Mr. and Mrs. Warner? This is amazing! I never imagined I’d meet you here. I’ve memorized your love story by heart. I used to be against marriage, but your story inspired me to believe in love and take this step.” The bride-to-be pulled her fiancé over. “Look, this is the kind of love I want us to have.” Her fiancé extended a friendly hand to Edmond. “Mr. Warner, it’s an honor to meet you. You’re a role model for marriage. I’ll make sure to treat my wife with the same devotion after we’re married.” Listening to their words, Haven felt sadness well up inside her. She wanted to tell the bride-to-be that their love wasn’t worth emulating. But seeing the happiness and anticipation in her eyes as she looked forward to married life, Haven could only offer her blessings. “I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together.” In her heart, she silently added, 'Don’t end up like me.' After the couple left, Haven took her daughter’s hand and sat down. However, Edmond, who had promised to enjoy the meal with them, was instead engrossed with his phone. Their daughter, Leigh, tilted her head and asked in her sweet voice, “Daddy, what are you doing?” Edmond froze for a moment at her question. He glanced at Haven, then gently reassured them, “Haven, the company is working on a new project right now. You and Leigh should eat more.” 'A new project?' Haven doubted inwardly then her gaze fell on the reflection of his phone screen in the lenses of his gold-rimmed glasses. It was showing a girl in a sexy black outfit dancing provocatively. That girl was none other than Hattie, the student she and Edmond had sponsored together for university. It turned out Hattie had become an influencer. Just a second before Edmond looked up to reassure her and their daughter, pretending to be busy with work, he had sent Hattie two lavish virtual gifts—the “Tiktok Universe.” As Haven nodded and picked up some food for her daughter, Edmond bowed his head again, continuing to flood Hattie’s livestream with more Tiktok Universe.

Third Person's POV Haven unlocked her phone and searched for Hattie’s livestream. Soon, the stream’s title popped up in bold letters, read as [My boyfriend upset me today. Let’s see if he can make it up to me.] Onscreen, Hattie pouted at the camera, flashing a radiant smile as Edmond’s endless barrage of “TikTok Universe” gifts lit up the chat. “Don’t think I’ll forgive you so easily just because of this,” she teased coyly. Then, a comment appeared on the screen, written by Edmond using his fan account: [Change your outfit. Don’t make me angry.] Instead of complying, Hattie shook her head and stubbornly refused, “No way. Who told you to ditch me today? If you won’t keep me company, I’ve got plenty of fans who will.” As such, the chat immediately erupted with provocative comments. [Commentator 1: Beauty, if your big shot won’t spoil you, I will.] [Commentator 2: Who could resist pampering a beauty like you?] [Commentator 3: Add me on WhatsApp, baby. I’m head over heels for you.] Having read the comments, Haven glanced at Edmond, who was also watching the livestream. As expected, his face had darkened, and he gripped his phone tightly. Moments later, the second phone on Hattie’s table lit up during the stream. She glanced at it and then turned back to the camera with a bashful smile. “Well, since you gave me a restaurant, I’ll let it slide this time.” The audience was skeptical. After all, what kind of boyfriend casually gifts a restaurant just to make a girl happy? Viewers bombarded the chat the second time around, but this time, accusing her of exaggerating for attention. Hattie bit her lip, feigning indignation. “I’m not some shameless influencer chasing clout. My boyfriend always keeps his promises. The deed for the restaurant will arrive soon, you'll see.” Meanwhile, hearing the word restaurant, Haven’s heart, which had already felt lifeless, trembled slightly. 'Please, not this restaurant. Please, let it not be this one,' she repeatedly wished inwardly. But reality never aligned with her hopes. When Hattie proudly held up the property deed in front of the camera, flaunting the deep love and indulgence showered upon her, Haven’s heart clenched so painfully it felt as if she couldn’t breathe. On the other hand, Edmond, oblivious of being caught, continued sending “TikTok Universe” gifts, following up with another comment. [Since you’ve got the gift, change your outfit. I don’t want any other man seeing your beauty.] Feeling satisfied now, Hattie blew a kiss at the camera. “Anything for you, honey. Love you the most.” Haven’s hands trembled as she gripped her phone, her eyes flicking up sharply to Edmond. He sat just a few feet away, smiling indulgently at his screen as he replied to messages, utterly oblivious to the storm raging inside her. Her already broken heart twisted in unbearable pain. The man, who once burned with youthful passion and vowed to love her forever, now felt like a stranger—a shell of the man she thought she knew. “Haven? Are you okay?” Edmond’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. He had noticed her pale complexion and set his phone down, flipping it face-down on the table. Concern etched across his face, he reached out to her. His eyes were so tender, so filled with apparent love, that no one would ever believe he was capable of betrayal. The irony stung like salt in a wound to Haven. Forcing herself to stay composed, she inhaled deeply before murmuring, “I’m fine, just feeling… a bit weak.” Her frail health had always been a concern for Edmond. He gently stroked her back and spoke softly, “In a few days, we’ll go see the doctor again. I can’t leave you home alone if you’re not well—it worries me too much.” His care seemed flawless, almost convincing. Leigh, on the other hand, rested her little face in her hands, watching her parents with wide-eyed admiration. “When I grow up, I want to find a boyfriend just like Daddy!” she announced innocently. But her innocent declaration brought a fleeting, bitter smile to Haven’s lips.

Third Person's POV Edmond’s face lit up at Leigh’s innocent words. He leaned over to kiss her cheek and said, “When you grow up, Leigh, make sure to look carefully. I doubt anyone in the world could love their wife more than Daddy loves Mommy.” Haven glanced at Edmond and her chest tightened at his confident smile. Sure, his love for her hadn’t faded yet, but he still sought the excitement of fresh, younger bodies outside. She couldn’t help but wonder, 'Edmond, do you really think that as long as you love me, it excuses everything else you do?' The devoted, earnest man she’d married was gone, replaced by someone she barely recognized. Soon, their warm family dinner was cut short by a phone call. Edmond had been laughing with Leigh when the phone vibrated on the table. He paused briefly, not even glancing at the screen. Instead, his eyes flicked instinctively to Haven. She already knew who it was. There was no need to check. Still, she acted as if she hadn’t noticed anything and asked casually. “Aren’t you going to answer it?” “It’s probably work, " Edmond lied, and then excused himself, "You two keep eating.” Without saying anything, Haven just gave a small nod. As such, Edmond picked up the phone and lowered the volume. “Hello?” From the other end, Hattie’s playful voice purred, “The custom kitty outfit I ordered just arrived.” Edmond’s breath hitched. He reached for his glass of iced water, gulping it down to suppress the heat rising in his chest. Then Hattie’s tone turned even more seductive. “This lonely little kitty is all curled up in bed alone. So boring.” Edmond’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “I’ll be there soon.” After ending the call, he turned to his wife and daughter, his expression calm. “Something came up at work. I… might need to head back for a bit.” Haven’s eyes locked onto him. She didn’t say a word, but her gaze was steady, unflinching, as though peeling back the layers of his facade. Her silence made Edmond uneasy. “Haven? Why are you looking at me like that? If you don’t want me to go, I won’t. You and Leigh mean more to me than anything else.” Finally, she broke the silence, her voice even. “It’s fine. Go handle your work. Leigh and I will head home on our own later.” Edmond hesitated but then shook his head. “No need. I’ll drop you off first.” On their way home, Haven noticed Edmond kept checking his watch while they were stuck in the traffic. Soon, when they finally reached home, Edmond immediately rushed out the door as soon as the two stepped inside. Seeing the rush of his husband, Haven decided to follow him. After entrusting Leigh to their housekeeper, she picked up her keys and used the car’s tracking system to trace Edmond’s location. When she finally arrived, she saw Edmond had just pulled up to a house. From her car, Haven watched as Hattie appeared at the doorway, kneeling down, dressed in cat ears, paw gloves, and a tail. The latter looked exactly like a playful, seductive feline that came to life. Being reserved, Haven had never played games like this—never thought she needed to. But clearly, Edmond enjoyed it as he hurriedly pulled Hattie off the ground and pushed her against the stone pillar by the door. Unable to contain his urge any longer, he kissed her passionately right there and then without any care in the world. Hattie laughed softly, pretending to resist, but then kissed him back, her hands sliding over his chest. “You’re so impatient,” she teased. “But I’ve got something even more fun waiting inside.” Edmond grinned, gripping her by the tail. “You little minx.” Hattie tugged on his tie, her smoldering gaze locking onto his. Step by step, she led him into the house. Meanwhile, Haven sat frozen in her car, watching everything unfold. Edmond’s anticipation, the way he looked at Hattie—it was like a knife twisting in her chest. The tears came slowly at first, then all at once. She collapsed against the steering wheel, sobbing for the love that had once been so pure and genuine, now reduced to a cruel joke. Once, just holding each other's hand made Edmond blush and his heart race. Back then, Haven had once asked him, “Do you think I’m too cold and reserved? Does it make you feel like I lack passion?”

Third Person's POV What Edmond had replied was, “I love you as a person. Whether you're cool and untouchable or alluring and charming, I love you.” He had even added, “Sure, there are countless women with charm and beauty in the world, but they're not you. That’s why I will never be moved or even spare them a glance.” In moments of passion, vows like these felt intoxicating—words crafted to sweep someone off their feet. But no matter how sincere they seemed, love could only go so far against the fickleness of the human heart. 'Edmond, you’ve truly rotted to the core,' Haven spat inwardly. She didn’t know how long she cried that night, but eventually, she wiped her tears and forced herself to move. Returning home, she began gathering everything tied to her ten years with Edmond. Every item connected to their memories went into piles—valuable ones for donation to charity, the rest destined for the trash. When her hand brushed the naming rights document for the asteroid "Haven’s Serenity," she paused. But since the sentimental value of it had long since eroded, she packed it away and contacted the relevant organization to sell the rights. 'I don’t want anything you’ve given me, Edmond—not a single thing. Not even you,' she resolved silently. Later that evening, Edmond stormed into the house, panic etched across his face. Finding Haven in the middle of her skincare routine, he wrapped his arms around her and buried his face into her pillow like a guilty child seeking solace. “Haven,” he said, his voice trembling with both fear and grievance, “did I do something wrong? Why are you selling the naming rights to the asteroid?” That asteroid represented his love for her, so how could she bear to transfer it to someone else? That was why the moment Edmond heard about it, he was overwhelmed with anxiety. Haven met his frantic and uneasy gaze with an unshaken calm. “It should go to someone more deserving.” The asteroid’s name, "Haven’s Serenity," no longer fit their fractured and decaying relationship. However, Edmond couldn’t accept it. His grip on her hand tightened as his voice rose slightly. “Don’t say that. Our love is the perfect match for that asteroid. We’re soulmates! It’s a symbol of us, and it belongs with us forever.” Without waiting for her response, he grabbed the transfer papers and tore them apart, the pieces falling to the floor like confetti from a celebration long past. “Don’t ever do this again,” he said, his voice cracking with emotion. “You have no idea how worried I was when I found out.” Watching his almost obsessive protectiveness, Haven suppressed the sarcasm bubbling up in her chest and said blandly, “Go take a shower. I’m going to sleep.” As Edmond retreated to the bathroom, Haven scoffed internally. 'How could he be clean when he just came from someone else’s arms?' When Edmond emerged, freshly showered, Haven was already lying on the bed, her back turned toward him. Her serene face, even in sleep, felt like an unspoken rejection. Edmond stood there, staring at her. His eyes overflowed with love so intense it might have overwhelmed her—if only she had been awake to see it. Just then, a soft knock broke the silence, followed by the housekeeper's low voice. “Mr. Warner, Mr. Reeves and Mr. Cantrell are downstairs. They said they’re here to take you out for drinks. Should I send them away?” Edmond frowned and crossed to the door, lowering his voice to avoid disturbing Haven. “Send them home. I’m staying in tonight. I don’t have time for their nonsense.” The housekeeper hesitated, unsure, but before she could act, Walter Reeves and Clifford Cantrell, growing impatient downstairs, called Edmond directly. Because of that, Haven, a light sleeper, stirred at the sound. Her eyes fluttered open, which Edmond saw. “I’ll go downstairs and send them off,” he said quickly. “Okay,” Haven replied indifferently. Downstairs, Walter and Clifford wasted no time and surrounded Edmond. They draped their arms over his shoulders like rowdy college buddies and urged him to join them for some fun. However, Edmond brushed off their hands. “You’re not kids anymore. It’s time to settle down, dudes. I'm now married, so I should be home with my wife and daughter at night.” Walter teased, “Oh, come on, Edmond. That’s no fun. It’s been forever since we hung out! Everyone’s here tonight and we came just for you.”

Third Person's POV Clifford grinned, “Come on, Edmond, we’re just waiting on you.Getting married doesn’t mean you have to be this tightly managed, right? How about we go talk to your wife instead?” But Edmond quickly brushed him off with a wave. “She’s already asleep. Don't disturb her.” Unbeknownst to them, Haven was already up, standing at the top of the staircase. Wrapped in a long coat, she spoke softly, “Go with them, Edmond. They came all this way. You should at least join them for a little while.” Walter and Clifford’s faces lit up when they saw her. “Why don’t you come with us, Haven?" Walter asked eagerly. “Let everyone see what the best woman in the world looks like.” “Exactly!” Clifford chimed in. “Besides, if you don’t come, Edmond probably won’t budge tonight.” Haven, already set on cutting herself out of Edmond’s life, wasn’t interested in his social circle or their antics. So, she evenly refused, “No need. You all have fun. Edmond, go ahead.” Edmond, who rarely resisted her wishes, nodded. “Alright, I’ll just change and join you.” With the latter walking away, Walter and Clifford exchanged a glance and sighed in unison. “We’ve never seen Edmond this obedient before,” Walter remarked. Clifford laughed. “Yeah, the guy’s been calling the shots since we were kids. No one tells him what to do.” Walter added with a grin, “He really loves you, Haven.” Haven offered a polite smile, but inside, her thoughts were cold. 'If only that were true, he wouldn’t have cheated in the first place.' When Edmond returned, dressed to go out, he walked over and kissed Haven lightly on the forehead. “You go to bed. I’ll be back soon.” Haven met his gaze with her usual calm. “Alright.” Edmond lingered for a moment as if reluctant to leave, clinging to her before finally heading out, treating her like the most precious thing in the world. But half an hour later, as Haven was about to fall asleep, she received a photo sent by Hattie. The dimly lit image clearly showed Hattie nestling coquettishly in a man’s arms, the two of them about to drink a toast together. In the corner of the frame, Haven spotted Walter and Clifford, each holding a seductive woman in their arms. 'This is... a club,' she realized. Haven stared at the photo for a long time, her expression blank. 'So, even if I don’t go, someone else will keep Edmond company,' she thought bitterly. Acting on impulse, Haven soon found herself at the same club. She stood at the half-open door of a private room. Inside, the scene was exactly as she expected. Hattie, now dressed in a bunny costume, was perched comfortably on Edmond’s lap, feeding him wine. He didn’t push her away. Instead, he leaned back lazily, letting her pour the drink into his mouth. The next moment, he pulled her close, transferring the wine from his lips to hers in an exaggerated kiss. The room erupted in cheers and then Walter’s voice cut through the noise. “Edmond, you’re a whole different guy when Haven’s not around!” Clifford laughed. “Right? I mean, as great as Haven is, no proper woman could ever compete with a little vixen like Hattie.” However, at the mention of Haven’s name, Edmond’s expression darkened. “Haven doesn’t belong in a place like this. Don’t drag her into it.” The sudden shift in his tone left the room awkwardly silent. Hattie’s eyes flashed with jealousy, but she quickly masked it, wrapping her arms around Edmond’s neck. “Alright, we won’t bring her up anymore,” she said sweetly. “And to make up to you, I’ll do whatever you want me to.” Edmond’s expression softened at her words. The tension eased, and the others started teasing again. “Come on, Edmond! Hattie’s throwing herself at you. What are you waiting for?” Clifford called out. Edmond glanced down at the seductive woman in his lap and smirked. “What? You want a live performance?”

Third Person's POV The room erupted in whistles and cheers as soon as Edmond’s smug challenge left his lips, egging him on to “put on a show.” Hattie fluttered her lashes dramatically, her voice dripping with playful annoyance. “You’re all so annoying... You’re making me blush!” Outside the door, Haven stood silently, her gaze locked on the man she once thought she knew. The Edmond before her was a stranger—draped in decadence, reveling in a lifestyle she couldn’t reconcile with the man she had loved. Turning away, her heart felt heavy as memories of a younger, devoted Edmond surfaced, clashing with the harsh reality of the man he had become. It was like looking at two completely different people, and she wondered if she’d ever truly known him at all. That night, Haven didn’t sleep. The next morning, she sat across from her daughter at the breakfast table, her expression calm despite the dark circles under her eyes. Leigh, ever observant, tilted her head with concern. “Mommy, are you feeling okay? You look tired.” Haven shook her head gently, her voice soft. “I’m fine, sweetheart. But I’ve been thinking... How would you feel about moving somewhere new? Just the two of us, starting fresh in a different place?” Leigh’s young mind didn’t fully grasp the weight of the question, but the love in her mother’s eyes reassured her. She nodded firmly, her tiny hand reaching across the table to hold Haven’s. “Okay! Wherever Mommy goes, I’ll go too.” Since the day Leigh was born, Haven had been her rock, her constant. Edmond, on the other hand, had been too consumed with work to be involved during Leigh’s early years. And now, his distractions outside the home left little room for fatherhood. So, for Leigh, her mother was her whole world. Haven smiled, running her fingers through Leigh’s soft curls. “Mommy will always take care of you, my darling. I promise.” Her thoughts hardened into resolve. 'I won’t let you grow up in a broken home. You deserve joy, freedom, and love—not the shadow of a fractured marriage.' The sound of the front door opening broke her train of thought. Edmond walked in, still wearing last night’s clothes. Seeing the mother and daughter eating breakfast, he brushed off the fatigue from his night of indulgence and approached the table with a gentle smile. “What’s for breakfast today?” However, Leigh wrinkled her nose as Edmond came closer. “Daddy, you smell funny.” Edmond froze mid-step, instinctively sniffing himself. The mix of Hattie's perfume, alcohol, and cigarettes hit him like a slap. In his haste to return, he hadn’t even showered. Embarrassed, he stopped and looked at Haven. “Last night... I ran into some old friends, had a few drinks, and stayed over. It was late, so I didn’t want to bother you with a call.” Haven had grown immune to his lies. She merely nodded and said, “Got it. Go shower. Leigh doesn’t like how you smell.” “Right. I’ll shower now. You two enjoy breakfast,” Edmond replied hurriedly. As he walked away, he left his phone on the counter. Moments later, it started ringing incessantly. Haven ignored it, but curious little Leigh, having finished her breakfast, toddled over and picked it up before Haven could stop her. By the time Haven reached her, Leigh had accidentally answered the call. A woman’s excited voice came through the speaker. “I’m pregnant...” Haven’s heart sank. Leigh, unaware of who was speaking, asked in her childish voice, “What does ‘pregnant’ mean?” There was a brief pause on the other end, and then soon followed by Hattie’s soft laughter. “Pregnant means—” “Leigh! Don’t touch Daddy’s phone! That’s not very nice, okay?” Edmond’s voice suddenly boomed from the hallway, drowning out Hattie’s words. He strode over in a bathrobe, snatching the phone from Leigh’s hand before she could respond, then quickly ended the call. Leigh blinked up at him innocently. “Daddy, what does ‘pregnant’ mean?” Haven scooped her daughter into her arms, her gaze fixed on Edmond. The stiffness in his posture and the flicker of guilt in his eyes said everything. Edmond stammered, his voice faltering. “Haven, I... I’ve been meaning to tell you. That girl we’ve been sponsoring—uh, her name’s Lin something—she seems to have started dating someone.”

Third Person's POV Haven knew everything but still played along. “Oh, really? Well, she’s at the age to start dating, I suppose. But why would she sound so happy to share news about her pregnancy with you?” “Happy?” Edmond feigned confusion. “You must’ve misheard. A girl her age would be scared out of her wits if something like that happened.” His explanation was flimsy, and Haven knew it. But instead of calling him out, she leaned back, her expression calm and trusting. “Maybe I did mishear. Either way, since she called you, perhaps you could check in and see if she needs anything. After all, we’ve sponsored her for so many years. It’s only right to do so.” Edmond studied Haven’s face intently, ensuring that she still trusted him and harbored no suspicions. Once satisfied, he relaxed, offering her a smile that was almost convincing. “I think it’d be inappropriate for me to meet with her alone. I’ll just have my secretary handle it.” He looked every bit the devoted husband, as though his relationship with Hattie was purely distant and formal. But no matter how careful Edmond was, there were always people eager to stir the pot. That day, while Haven was at the amusement park with Leigh, an all-too-familiar voice cut through the air. “Hello, Aunt Haven,” Hattie greeted with a bright, calculated smile. At 27, Haven was only seven years older than the 20-year-old, and the use of “Aunt” was an obvious provocation. But instead of rising to the bait, Haven’s gaze dropped to Hattie’s stomach. The girl was pushing it out in an exaggerated manner, as though she were further along than she actually was. The sight was absurd, but Hattie seemed quite pleased with her performance. “What a coincidence, Aunt Haven,” Hattie said, her tone sugary sweet. “I’m meeting the father of my child here today.” Haven’s eyes didn’t waver, though she felt a flicker of annoyance. Just as she opened her mouth to respond, she spotted Edmond approaching from the other side of the park. His face was thunderous, his steps quick and heavy. Haven kept her tone neutral. “Oh? I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him yet. Who is it?” Hattie smiled provocatively. “You know him well.” Haven glanced toward Edmond, now only a few steps away, and replied evenly, “Then why don’t you tell me?” Hattie’s smile grew bolder as she said, “The father of my child is, of course, your—” Before Hattie could answer, Edmond’s cold voice cut through the tension. “Who is it?” Hattie’s smirk faltered as she turned to face him. His expression was like ice, and the warmth she sought was nowhere to be found. Still, she placed a hand on her stomach and tried to appear pitiable. “Of course, it’s my boyfriend’s child.” Edmond’s tone remained curt. “At your age, you should be focusing on your studies. But that’s none of my business. You’re an adult now—handle it yourself.” Tears welled up in Hattie’s eyes, her voice trembling as she spoke. “But my boyfriend stood me up again today... Can’t you drive me home, Edmond?” Her words were laced with insinuation, making Edmond tense up. He was terrified Haven would catch on. Keeping his expression cold, he said, “I’m here with my wife and child. Just commute by yourself.” The dismissal was brutal, and Haven found the entire performance laughable. 'Does he really think I’m that gullible?' she mused. Ignoring the tearful Hattie, Edmond wrapped his arm around Haven’s waist and spoke softly, “Haven, I’m off work today. The nanny told me you brought Leigh to the amusement park, so I came over right away.” Haven glanced at Edmond, who looked like a loyal dog wagging its tail, and smiled faintly. “Is that so? Well, since you’re free, why don’t you take Hattie home? She’s pregnant, her boyfriend stood her up, and she seems quite pitiful.” Edmond froze. The next moment, he looked at Haven with a pitiful expression. “She’s nothing to me. How could you ask me to take another woman home? You know, the passenger seat in my car is only for you, right?” Out of the corner of her eye, Haven caught Hattie’s face going pale. The sight was so absurd it nearly made her laugh.

Third Person's POV Couldn't take any more of it, Hattie turned and ran away, her face buried in her hands. Edmond watched her retreat, his lips pressing into a faint frown. But the expression barely lasted before he smoothed it over, returning to his role as the picture-perfect husband. Soon, Leigh’s delighted giggle broke the tension. She clutched her father’s hand and beamed up at him. “Daddy! You haven’t come to the amusement park with Mommy and me in so long!” Edmond crouched down to her level and warmly said, “Daddy’s been busy, sweetheart. But once work slows down, I’ll take you and Mommy on a big trip. Just the three of us.” Haven stood quietly to the side, her face calm as she listened to his promises. Deep down, her heart was a hollow shell—too battered to be moved by his words. 'There won’t be a chance for that though,' she thought bitterly. For two long hours, Edmond stayed at the amusement park with his family. But when his phone rang, he immediately left them, using his work again as his reason. As such, Leigh’s cheerful mood crumbled. She tugged on her mother’s hand with disappointment and poutingly said, “Mommy, Daddy said he’d stay and play with us. Why did he leave again?” Haven knelt down, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter’s face. “Because, promises are meant to be broken, sweetheart. So, never trust a man’s promises too easily in the future.” Leigh’s young mind couldn’t quite grasp the weight of her mother’s words, but she nodded anyway. “Okay, Mommy.” Her innocent obedience made Haven smile despite herself. Leigh was her one solace in this loveless marriage, her greatest blessing. But that fleeting happiness evaporated when they returned home, and she received another provocative video from Hattie. In the video, surveillance footage captured Edmond kissing a tearful Hattie, murmuring endearments like “Baby, you’re breaking my heart.” But Hattie sniffled, glaring at him. “I’m not your baby! You were so mean to me at the amusement park.” Edmond then pulled an elegant necklace from his pocket and clasped it around her neck. “Take this as an apology, okay? I hate seeing you cry.” As the video ended, Hattie’s voice messages followed, each one more venomous than the last: “You’re a good actress, Aunt Haven. Pretending like nothing’s wrong even though you know everything. But then, what else can a housewife like you do but stay silent?” “Well, I get it. You can’t give up the luxury he provides, so you settle for crumbs, so long as he comes home at night. How pathetic!” “Do you know how much Edmond and I love each other? He can’t go three days without me. Just last week, he made me wear lace lingerie under a coat and meet him in the car because he couldn’t wait.” “He said he’s never felt this captivated by anyone before. Tell me, Aunt Haven, was he always so unsatisfied with you? Maybe that’s why he finally discovered what it’s like to be with a real woman—with me.” After listening to it, Haven stared at the screen with her heart filled with bitter irony. Edmond had once vowed she’d never face humiliation in their marriage. Yet here she was, drowning in it—all of it served by his hand. How ironic. As her thoughts swirled, Edmond, who had been “busy with work” but was actually busy with Hattie, hugged her from behind. “What’s got you so distracted? You didn’t even notice I came home.” Haven clicked off her phone screen and turned slightly. “I was reading something about infidelity in marriage,” she said, her voice as steady as ever. As expected, Edmond stiffened for a split second before regaining his composure. Seemingly oblivious to his reaction, she tilted her head and asked, “Edmond, why do you think wedding vows made at the altar turn into empty words after marriage? Is it because people change, or were they just rotten to begin with?” Edmond’s expression flickered with unease, but he quickly tightened his embrace around Haven, as if terrified that loosening his grip would make her disappear.