Behind the Husband's Lies

Bella was Logan's college classmate and had always been his unattainable ideal.

After graduation, Bella moved abroad and only returned last month with her son after her divorce.

With no family or friends here, Logan eagerly helped her find a place to live and introduced her to a job.

Logan often mentioned how hard it was for Bella to raise a child on her own.

Although it made me a bit uneasy to see him so invested in another woman's life, as a mother, I could empathize with Bella's struggles.

However, today was the final straw. Logan lied about an emergency at work just to spend Children's Day with Bella's son, leaving Mia alone at the library. I was furious and deeply disappointed.

By the time Logan came home, Mia was already asleep.

He handed me a lollipop, claiming it was an apology gift for Mia.

When I looked closely, I realized it was just a complimentary treat from the restaurant.

I couldn't hide my irritation. "Mia is only six years old. How could you leave her alone like that?"

Logan shrugged, indifferent. "But Mia's fine, isn't she?"

I wanted to throw the lollipop at him.

"Mia's hands are scraped!" I shouted.

He dismissed my anger. "That's because you didn't watch her properly and let her run off."

Frustrated beyond words, I grabbed a quilt and tossed it at him.

"Sleep on the couch tonight!"

The next morning, Logan tried to make amends by cooking a lavish breakfast.

When Mia woke up, she seemed upset. "Dad, where were you last night? Mia waited for you until she fell asleep..."

Logan picked her up and explained, "Harry wanted to ride the Ferris wheel, so Dad took him. I got back late."

Mia pouted. "I want to go too..."

Logan smiled, "Next time, I'll take you too."

Mia's mood lifted, and she kissed Logan.

But I felt a pang of coldness.

He jumped to take someone else's son on a ride but made our daughter wait until he had the time.

As Mia was about to start eating, Logan stopped her.

"Wait for Bella and Harry. We'll eat together when they arrive."

It hit me then—Logan had gone to all this trouble not because he felt guilty but because he wanted to impress Bella and her son.

A few minutes later, Bella and Harry arrived.

Bella apologized, "I'm really sorry about yesterday. I brought some fruit for Mia."

I welcomed them, though I couldn't muster much enthusiasm.

At breakfast, Bella couldn't stop praising Logan.

"You cook so well, Logan. Chloe is really lucky."

I forced a smile.

In the seven years we've been married, Logan has rarely cooked.

Logan beamed at Bella's compliments. "If you like it, feel free to come over anytime."

Bella laughed, "Don't mind if I do. I'll come whenever I'm hungry."

Mia and Harry finished eating quickly and went off to play.

Bella and Logan continued chatting, and I felt like an outsider, so I busied myself in the kitchen.

Suddenly, I heard Mia crying. I rushed to the bedroom.

I found Mia on the floor, sobbing. Harry was scribbling on my mirror and walls with my new lipstick.

"Mia tried to stop him, but he didn't listen and pushed her," she explained through tears.

Bella brushed past Mia to scoop up her son.

"Chloe, Harry didn't mean it. He's just a child and doesn't understand..."

She glanced at the mess Harry had made and offered, "Tell me how much it costs, and I'll pay you back."

I picked up Mia and checked that she wasn't hurt. Then I started listing the damage.

"The lipstick is new, 800 dollars. The loose powder is 600 dollars, and the eyeshadow palette is 700 dollars."

Logan cut me off. "They're just cosmetics. Don't make Bella feel bad."

Bella's eyes welled up. "Logan, you know I never wear make-up. I had no idea these little things were so expensive... I'll pay you back once I get my salary."

What a performer! Despite her act of innocence, she wore meticulously applied makeup.

"That won't be necessary."

"Okay."

Logan and I spoke simultaneously.

"It's fine," he said, glaring at me before turning to Bella with a smile. "Chloe's just joking."

As Bella was leaving, I handed back the fruit she brought.

"Mia is allergic to mangoes. But thank you."

Bella took the mango, held her son's hand, and left without a word.