I will lose you in the future

Ruth arrived suspiciously fast—as if she’d been waiting outside the whole time.

The door swung open, and she rushed toward Madison, eyes red-rimmed. A child of about four or five trailed close behind.

In the past, Madison would have pulled her best friend into an immediate, comforting hug. Now, her feelings were far more complicated. Her arms felt stiff, unsure where to rest.

Ruth seemed to sense something was off, but she brushed it aside, ushering her son inside as if she owned the place. She settled onto the sofa and launched into a tearful complaint.

“Madison, you have no idea. That ex-husband of mine showed up again. He’s a monster! He’s got people waiting downstairs, demanding money in every possible way. Says he won’t leave until I pay up!”

Madison lowered her head, a faint, bitter smile touching her lips.

This wasn’t the first time.

Just a year after graduation, Ruth had shown up out of nowhere with a child, pouring out her woes. Over the years, similar incidents kept happening, and Madison had always been the one to bail her out with money. She’d even considered confronting this so-called ex-husband, but Ruth always stopped her.

“Forget it, Madison. They’re big, tough guys. It’s not worth the trouble…”

Remembering the evasive look in Ruth’s eyes whenever she’d said that, Madison finally understood. The ex-husband was just an excuse. Ruth had only ever come to ask for money.

How laughable. All these years, she’d been footing the bill to raise her own husband and her best friend’s child.

“Just say it. How much this time?”

At that, Ruth’s tears vanished. Her eyes darted, and she revealed her true purpose.

“Madison, I don’t want to give him any more money, but… if I go back home with the kid, it just doesn’t feel safe. Could we… stay with you for a while?”

Madison sighed. What did it matter? She’d be leaving soon anyway.

She nodded and led Ruth upstairs to get a guest room ready. But Ruth refused to settle for it.

“This bed is way too small, Madison. I have the kid with me. What if… we slept here instead?”

She pointed to the master bedroom, her stance making it clear she wouldn’t take no for an answer.

Madison smiled inwardly, then nodded. “Sure.”

It worked out perfectly. She had no desire to share a bed with Patrick anymore. The thought sickened her.

She and Patrick had been married for six years, yet his illegitimate son was already five. Which meant Patrick had never truly broken things off with Ruth all this time. All along, Madison had been the third wheel.

The thought of Patrick rushing off to be with Ruth one night, only to come home the next day and push her onto the sofa for intimacy… Madison felt her stomach churn.

Fine. Tonight, the real couple could have their reunion.

Patrick didn’t return until ten o’clock that night. But when he saw Ruth, he showed not a flicker of surprise. Madison watched his expression carefully. It was calm, as if he’d known all along.

Patrick greeted Ruth briefly, and then everyone retreated to their respective rooms. The whole exchange felt stiff, unnaturally distant.

The moment their bedroom door closed, Patrick pressed her against it.

“Baby, why didn’t you tell me she was coming? You scared me. I mean, I’ve known Ruth for ages, but she’s still an outsider at the end of the day.”

Madison sneered inwardly. He was putting on quite the act.

The smell of alcohol washed over her as Patrick’s hands began to wander.

“Baby, isn’t it more exciting… with someone right next door?”

Madison’s stomach revolted. She shoved him away and bolted for the bathroom.

After throwing up, she returned, her face composed.

“I’m not feeling well tonight. I’ll sleep on the sofa downstairs.”

Patrick paused, feigning remorse.

“It’s my fault for not noticing you weren’t feeling well. I can’t let you sleep on the sofa. I’ll go.”

He got up without hesitation and headed downstairs. Moments later, the villa fell into silence once more.

Only then did Madison rise quietly and search the jacket Patrick had left behind.

Nothing.

He was that wary of her? Carrying all his important documents even for a secret rendezvous?

Suddenly, a soft click came from next door. The hallway light flicked on, then off.

Madison cracked her door open a sliver, peering out.

Downstairs on the sofa, two figures were entwined in a tight embrace. The sounds of heavy, lustful breathing were unmistakable.

Ruth’s voice drifted up. “Honey, slow down. How did things go with the… arrangements?”

Patrick’s breathing grew rougher.

“We’ll talk about that later!”