He Gave Me Love but Gave Others His Desire

I thought back to Matthew's claim that he had a cleanliness obsession and would only ever touch me in his lifetime. Now, looking back, it felt like the biggest lie in the world.

The next evening, Matthew came back in a rush, as usual, holding a bouquet of my favorite roses. Normally, I would greet him cheerfully, chatting nonstop about all the little things in my day. But now, I just sat on the sofa, listless, my fingers brushing over a delicate box.

Matthew finally sensed something off about my mood. Cautiously, he asked, "Miranda, did I do something to upset you?"

He lowered his posture, his face full of eager apology, like a puppy wagging its tail. In the past, every time he showed this pitiful expression, I'd soften and forgive him. But not this time.

"I saw a story online about a couple married for ten years. The husband cheated in the end. I just feel sorry for the woman," I said lightly, making up a lie.

Matthew let out a sigh of relief and teased, "Is that all? That tragedy will never happen to you. Miranda, you should know how much I can't live without you. You are my life."

Listening to his resolute promises, I didn't run into his arms to act coy like I usually would. Instead, I gave a faint smile and nodded.

After dinner, Matthew belatedly noticed something unusual, the room felt emptier. Our wedding photo was gone.

"Miranda, where's our wedding picture?" His voice trembled slightly and his dark eyes betrayed a flicker of panic.

Of course, I threw it out. Yesterday, when I came home and saw that giant wedding photo on the wall, it felt like it was mocking me. I smashed it and discarded it without hesitation.

"The nails on the wall loosened and it fell. The frame broke, so I sent it to be repaired," I explained calmly. Matthew believed me without suspicion.

On the surface, we returned to our sweet, loving routine. But for me, it was all an act.

I quietly began packing my belongings, waiting for my immigration application to be approved so I could leave.

When Lindsay showed up again, I wasn't surprised, she was in a hurry to secure her position, after all. In a private booth, she stroked her belly, smugly declaring, "I'm pregnant with Matthew's child. It's a boy. You're just a barren old hen. If you're smart, you'll step aside now and save yourself the embarrassment later."

A pang shot through my chest and I felt my heart shatter into countless pieces.

Because of my health, I couldn't have children. Matthew had once held me and comforted me, saying he didn't like kids anyway, he only wanted me. But now, another woman carried his child and had the audacity to confront me.

My lips turned pale and I gripped the table tightly to steady myself, maintaining my composure and sneered, "Who gave a disgraceful mistress like you the confidence to challenge me face-to-face? Do you believe that if I tell Matthew right now, he'll make you vanish from the entertainment industry?"

"Disgraceful? Old woman, stop deceiving yourself," Lindsay sneered. "Come Saturday morning, you'll understand everything."

Her cryptic laughter lingered as she handed me an address. One glance at it and my heart sank, it was my mother's resort village.

I knew this was a Pandora's box, but I went early that morning anyway.

Standing at the most concealed downwind spot, I witnessed the barbecue party unfolding on the lawn.

Familiar cars arrived and to my utter disbelief, Matthew appeared, carefully holding Lindsay as they stepped out in broad daylight. My friends, our mutual friends, smiled and approached them with laughter, teasing, "Lindsay is looking more radiant by the day. Matthew, you've been taking excellent care of her!"

"Is Lindsay particularly playful?" they teased him.

Amid suggestive teasing, Matthew curled his lips into a smile and openly replied, "Her body is so soft, she's like an enchantress."

"Matthew! There are so many people here!" Lindsay playfully thumped his chest, her expression smug despite her mock shyness.

"Doesn't Miranda know she can't have children? Once Lindsay gives birth ..."

"Matthew, you can say it's an orphan you adopted from the welfare center. Keep the child close at hand."

"Miranda is educated and reasonable, she'll definitely raise the child well."

"We're rich, powerful and of noble status, how could we ever have just one woman?"

"As long as the secret's well-kept, Miranda won't find out for her whole life. Besides, her mother's already on your side."

Hearing this, I felt my blood run cold, my body frozen in place. I hated myself for standing downwind, catching every foul word clearly. It turned out Lindsay had long gained my friends' approval and even my mother knew about her.

Everyone was aware of Matthew's infidelity but helped him hide it. I was the only fool being kept in the dark, thinking my life was blissful and my marriage perfect. What a colossal lie.

Dazed and heartbroken, I returned home. With trembling hands, I gathered my documents and placed the gift box containing the divorce papers prominently on the coffee table.

Then, without hesitation, I left the house for good, not sparing a single glance back.

Matthew, may we never cross paths again in this lifetime.