Finding Freedom in Release

Hailey said sulkily but also coquettishly, "Honey, you promised me that you wouldn't smoke.

"You've persisted for so many years. Why did you break the rule again?

"Do you have something on your mind?"

I replied, "No, I didn't." Then, I put out the cigarette in the ashtray.

Then, I asked lightly, "Where did you go last night?"

A trace of panic flashed across Hailey's beautiful eyes, but she quickly calmed down.

"Mathew fainted last night. I sent him to the hospital and took care of him for the whole night," lied Hailey.

I did not expose her and continued to ask, "Oh? Why did he faint?"

"The doctor said it was low blood sugar. Alas, Mathew is smart, capable, and hardworking, but unfortunately, he is physically weak.

"He worked overtime for several days in a row for the company. He was so busy that he didn't even have time to eat. As a result, such a thing happened.

"Mathew has no relatives in Riverland. As his boss and classmate, I should help him a bit."

"Mm," I replied.

"I thought you had spent Valentine's with another man."

Hailey rolled her eyes at me.

"How is that possible, honey? You didn't smoke because of jealousy, did you?"

I smiled and said, "No."

"We've been married for so many years. Don't you know my heart?"

Hailey sat down next to me and wrapped her arms around me.

"Sorry, honey. My phone ran out of battery last night, so I didn't call you. You won't blame me, will you?"

"No, I won't."

Hailey lit up with please, "I knew it. Honey, you are the best."

She wanted to kiss me.

But I subconsciously turned my head.

Hailey was a little surprised. She expected me to accept her enthusiastically.

How could I turn my head away from her?

"Honey, what are you..."

I found an excuse for myself. "My mouth is full of the smell of cigarettes. I don't want to disgust you."

"I don't mind."

Hailey still gave me a kiss.

Her lips were thin and cold.

I couldn't feel any trace of enthusiasm from them.

It was as if she was completing a mission.

After the kiss, she went to take a shower.

I lit another cigarette, puffing, and looked in the direction of the bathroom in a daze.

We had been married for so many years, and I had done a lot for Hailey.

I washed her feet, combed her hair, and put her on her clothes.

I comforted her at her worst and accompanied her at her best.

Her every frown would make me nervous and distressed.

It was inevitable for husband and wife to have quarrels.

However, every time after our quarrel, I would try my best to make her laugh until she really did.

I would hold her hands when days were freezing.

I would shield her with my coat when days were raining.

I would take good care of her when she was sick.

Every time we hung out, I would carry all the bags so that she could enjoy shopping and snacking.

I kept everything she liked in mind.

And everything she disliked as well.

Because I loved her and cared about her.

But I didn't expect that my effort would be paid back with hypocrisy and betrayal.

And I was a ridiculous clown.

After taking a shower, Hailey came out in a sexy nightgown and sat on my lap.

Her was still perfectly fit.

Because she said that she didn't want to lose her figure, I had never mentioned having a baby.