My Deep Affection Couldn't Match Her Unrestrained Nature

Post-surgery, I sat in the hospital corridor, chain-smoking, tears and, laughter mixing in a breakdown.

I ground out the last cig, my gaze hardening, clarity returning.

Those two, I poured my heart out to them, and this is their thanks? Alright, it's payback time, and I'm gonna take back every dime!

Starting with Lily.

Lily's nothing but a cunning opportunist, always playing her angles. If I push for divorce, she'll walk away with half my stash. Not happening.

This needs a strategic approach.

Back in the hospital room, there she was, doting on our son.

"I've got things to handle at work. Keep an eye on him," I told her and turned to leave.

Lily scoffed, “Can't you spare a moment? Your own son's laid up, and you're bailing?” She was playing the perfect mom, hinting that I was the deadbeat dad.

I snorted inside and kept walking without a backward glance.

Work was booming. Stepping into my office, my deputy, Jane Herty, hurried in, documents in hand, "Mr. Johnson, the shipment's been dispatched. It should dock tomorrow."

Jane flashed a grin, "It's the biggest deal since we started; our profits are going to soar."

I managed a weary smile. My dream of a perfect family was crumbling — what's the point in more cash?

After sending off Jane, I shut myself in and dialed Zack.

Zack Holt, my war buddy and biggest ally overseas, trusted more than anyone but my folks.

He'd built a successful career abroad after his retirement and knew all the right people. The deal Jane mentioned? That was his.

"Zack, do me a solid. Don't ask questions, just do what I say…"

Thirty minutes later, I hung up, looking out the window, my resolve steeled.

Lily, playing games with me? Fine, let the games begin.

That night, I returned to the hospital. It's hard not to feel for the kid; years of bonding do that.

But Lily, seeking comfort, had hired a nurse for him and took off.

Her maternal instincts? Disappointing, to say the least.

After a while with the kid, drained emotionally and physically, I headed home.

Lily had just showered; her damp hair and delicate features under the dim lights, wrapped in a silky nightgown, could've been breathtaking.

Before, I'd have been all over her. But now, after knowing she was with another guy just yesterday, I felt only revulsion.

"I'm wiped. Skipping the shower, crashing in the study," I said as I walked away.

Lily seemed relieved but followed, feigning concern, “I know you put in all your efforts for this family but don't overdo it. You need to relax. Leave some stuff to your team."

"You're the rock of this family, and if you fall apart, who do we lean on?"

I offered a half-hearted smile, "I get it. Rest up. Night." Inside, I was ice cold. She had me fooled with her soft touches for years.

But now, her true colors were crystal clear.