Breaking Free from Ex, Stronger Her

My husband, Rowan Bradford, was a chemistry professor at Ashford University. He had always been a caring and devoted husband. Thanks to that, despite being married for years, I had always been told I still look like a carefree college student.

Every year on our anniversary, Rowan would prepare a thoughtful gift for me.

Friends often said we were the perfect couple, from school uniforms to wedding dresses.

I had believed it too.

But just now, while helping him with his coat, a small bottle fell out. I picked it up, noticing it was only half full.

The label had cursive characters printed on it. [Intimate Time]

It was a bottle of erotic lubricant.

My hands trembled slightly as I held it, my fingertips warming with unease.

Without thinking, I asked, "What is this?"

Rowan paused for a fraction of a second before his usual calm demeanor returned "Oh, a manufacturer specializing in this kind of product approached the lab recently for potential collaboration. They sent it over as a sample."

I did not say anything, but my eyes lingered on the bottle.

He stepped forward and gently wrapped his arms around me from behind. "What’s wrong, dear? Are you doubting me?"

"It took so much effort to make you mine. I would never want to hurt you."

I forced a small laugh, broke free from his embrace and handed the bottle back to him. "Geez, you and your smart mouth. Quick, put this piece of nonsense away."

As I moved, a faint fragrance drifted from his body.

I stopped and frowned. "Rowan, why do you smell like women's perfume?"

I was allergic to pollen and I never liked the scent of flowers.

"There was a woman at the banquet today and her perfume was too much. The smell stuck to the car and honestly, I thought it was too much too."

"Then go wash up quickly," I said.

Rowan kissed me lightly on the forehead and headed to the bathroom.

I watched his retreating figure and then I slowly stretched out my hand.

On my fingertips, I found a long chestnut hair clinging to his shoulder.

But… my hair had always been black and straight.

Suddenly, my thoughts flashed to a woman I had noticed at his laboratory a few days ago.

Rowan and I had been college classmates and he was also my father’s student. He started out as a quiet, scholarly type but transformed into an affectionate and doting partner after we started dating. Friends often joked about my magical charm that turned a composed academic into a lovesick puppy.

Back then, I casually mentioned liking a Coach bag and he spent an entire month living on buns and pickles just to save up and buy it for me as a gift.

When he graduated, he worked tirelessly for three years, eventually saving enough to buy me an expensive diamond ring.

I remembered asking him, "Do you know why people exchange rings when proposing?"

"Because a ring is a promise. It means both husband and wife must remain faithful, right?"

"Are you indirectly warning me just now, Olivia Winters?" he asked with a smile.

"Exactly. Rowan Bradford, I have a strict rule. If I ever find out you’ve betrayed me, I’ll leave your world without a single word," I replied seriously.

He held me tightly, his eyes sincere.

"I swear, I’ll never betray you. If I ever do, I’ll take full responsibility with my own life."

After graduation, he pursued an academic career while I started my own business.

A few days ago, I visited his department to discuss a potential collaboration and everything about the project was nearly finalized.

He proudly gave me a tour of his laboratory.

When his students realized that we were husband and wife, they enthusiastically showered us with compliments.

"Wow, your wife is so beautiful! Mr. Bradford, you are truly lucky!"

"Professor Bradford and his wife are couple goals. This is the partnership I dream of!"

***

Among all that, only one girl had quietly followed me on Instagram.