My Husband’s Mistress Visited Our Home

The morning sunlight streamed gently through the sheer curtains, filling the room with a warm, golden glow. Lainey Fisher slowly cracked open her heavy eyelids. Her tired eyes swept across the spacious bedroom, searching for any sign of him. He was already gone. She pushed herself up and rubbed her aching forehead—yeah, she’d definitely had way too much to drink last night. The pounding headache was proof.

Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, she stretched her arms high, soaking up the sun. Sunny days really did have their charm. A small smile tugged at her lips. When you can’t choose your circumstances, the best thing you can do is face them gracefully.

After freshening up in the bathroom, she checked out her wardrobe. Half of it was stuffed with dresses from this year's latest collection. Most were way too revealing for her taste, so she went with a more demure, dusty-pink vintage-style dress and plopped down on the sofa. It was only nine in the morning, but she had nowhere to go—no friends in America and completely unfamiliar with her surroundings. Bored, she flipped through a financial magazine, but nothing sank in.

An hour later, Lainey wandered downstairs. She meandered through the hotel lobby until she found herself in the cozy hotel café. A sleek black Steinway pBraydeno caught her eye. As she stepped closer, the café manager recognized her right away and hurried over. “Mrs. Wilson, is there anything you need?” he asked, his tone polite as ever.

Lainey blinked, caught off guard. So they knew who she was? Not totally shocking, considering the over-the-top wedding that had gone down here yesterday. And since the hotel was owned by Wilson Group, it made sense. Actually, on second thought, this might make things easier.

“May I use the pBraydeno?” she asked softly, nodding toward the grand instrument.

“Of course, Mrs. Wilson. Feel free. Would you like anything else? Something to drink or eat?” The manager offered a friendly grin.

She shook her head. “No, thank you. I just want to play.” With that, she walked over, lifted the lid, and let her slender fingers dance across the keys. A crisp, clear sound filled the room.

The melody of Richard Clayderman's "Mariage d'Amour" floated through the café. It was one of her favorite pieces, the kind she often dreamed about. But dreams were just that—dreams. Right now, she was wide awake in reality. As she played on, she unknowingly drew the attention of several guests.

Aries Wilson strolled in, wearing a sharply tailored black Armani suit that fit him like a glove. From a distance, he spotted the figure in the pink dress at the pBraydeno. He'd only stepped out to run a few errands, and when he got back to the hotel, she wasn't in their room. If the staff hadn't tipped him off, he wouldn't have known she'd wandered down here.

The café manager noticed Aries standing there. “Sir,” he acknowledged.

Aries waved him off. “Carry on. Bring a coffee and a glass of milk over here,” he instructed, making his way toward Lainey with an easy, elegant stride.

Deeply lost in the music, Lainey didn't notice Aries until she finished the piece and turned, jumping slightly at the sight of him. She looked a little startled but didn't say a word.

“What's the matter? Don't recognize me anymore?” Aries asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. Was it really that shocking to see him? Just moments ago, she'd been playing with a peaceful smile, and now she looked like she'd seen a ghost. Was he that intimidating?

Lainey shook her head and stood up. “I was just... surprised.”

“Really?” In one quick move, Aries pulled her into his arms. “What if you wandered off? How would I find you then?” His words sounded almost caring, but Lainey caught the sarcasm laced underneath.

“I'm not a kid. I won't get lost,” she shot back, a bit of sass in her voice. If she wasn't so afraid of losing her way, she would've explored a long time ago instead of roaming aimlessly around the hotel. The place was so huge, anyone could get turned around after a few wrong turns.

The whole reason the wedding was in New York was to keep her from running. Now, in a country she didn't know, she had nowhere to escape to.

Aries chuckled and guided her to a seat by the window. A waiter brought their drinks over in no time.

“I want the coffee!” Lainey slid the milk out of the way.

“Kids shouldn't drink coffee,” Aries remarked casually.

Lainey's eyes narrowed. “I'm twenty years old.” How could he seriously mistake her for a child?

Aries gave her a slow look up and down. “If you hadn't told me, I would've guessed underage.”

He was doing this on purpose. She was sure of it. Would he have even dared marry her if she were underage? Sure, their marriage was forced, but that didn't mean she'd just roll over and obey every command.

“I... want... coffee... now,” Lainey told the waiter beside them, each word slow and deliberate.

The waiter glanced uncertainly at Aries, but Aries just watched in silence.

“If you don't get it, I'll fire you,” Lainey suddenly declared.

Across the table, Aries nearly choked on his coffee. This bold woman was already pulling rank as the CEO's wife on day one.

The waiter hesitated, then nodded. “Yes, Mrs. Wilson. Right away.” He quickly removed the milk.

Lainey glanced at Aries opposite her, her fair cheeks flushing pink as she dropped her eyes.

Watching her, Aries burst out laughing. “What happened to that commanding CEO's wife presence?”

“None of your business!” Lainey stood up abruptly and accidentally bumped into the waiter bringing her coffee. “Mrs. Wilson, your coffee.”

“Forget it. I don't want it anymore.” With that, she rushed out of the café.

At that moment, the head butler approached Aries. “Sir.”

“If you've got things to handle, go ahead. I'll catch up with Lainey,” Aries said, rising with a charming smile and heading after her.

He left behind a confused waiter and butler, both watching him go.

Lainey wandered through the garden, the pebbled path feeling nice under her feet. Her hand rested gently on her chest as her heart raced. What was I thinking back there? That jerk just stood by and watched the whole thing.

No, she needed to go home! They'd schemed to keep her trapped in America, saying they should do both the wedding and honeymoon here. It was all a setup.

But after circling around, Lainey still couldn't find the hotel entrance that led back to her room. She was way too embarrassed to ask for directions—that'd be just humiliating.

"Why'd they have to build this place so huge anyway?" she muttered, getting more and more frustrated. Feeling nothing but sorry for herself, Lainey sank onto an outdoor wooden bench, propped her chin on her slender arm, and watched the fish swim lazily in the pond.

"I'm so jealous of you," she whispered to the fish, tears welling in her eyes.

Aries had followed her from the café, circling through the garden just like she did, until she finally sat down on the bench. He shook his head with a mix of exasperation and amusement, then walked over.

"If you're tired, go back to the room," Aries called from above her.

Lainey looked up, meeting his gaze with a sad, lost expression.

"Still not going? Suit yourself. I'm heading back," he said, strolling past her in another direction.

"Wait up!" Lainey's steps couldn't keep pace with his long stride, so she had to jog to catch up.

Aries flopped onto the bed and closed his eyes again, not moving a muscle—like he didn't have the strength to lift a finger.

Lainey looked at him, noticing how vulnerable he seemed. This was a side of him she'd never seen before, a softness that tugged at her heart.

She bent down and slipped off his shoes. Then she noticed he was still in his suit jacket, shirt, and tie—no way was he comfortable like that.

Biting her lip, she hesitated. But after a moment, she reached out to remove his jacket. "Aries... Aries, can you move a little?" she pleaded, but he didn't respond.

With a struggle, she managed to get his jacket and shirt off. Now... what about the pants?

He had a fever. She needed to get him into something more comfortable. After a beat of indecision, she steeled herself. In his weakened state, he wasn't aware—she could always deny everything later if he asked.

Her hands trembled as she undid his belt. Cold fingers grew even colder as she gathered every ounce of courage to pull off his trousers.

Finally, she got him changed into soft pajamas and pulled the blanket up. She noticed the cold sweat beading on his forehead.

Feeling totally helpless, Lainey sat by the bed, watching him. Then she went to the bathroom to wet a cloth and placed it on his forehead.

He hadn't taken any medicine either, she guessed. Seeing him suffer like this made her heart ache in a way she couldn't explain. What was wrong with her? She stood there, staring at Aries in a daze.

Walking out of the bedroom, she headed to the kitchen. She stirred the bubbling porridge gently, letting it simmer longer to thicken.

She turned down the heat and set the spoon aside. A sliver of moonlight spilled into the kitchen, making her glance out the window, lost in thought. Once upon a time, she'd dreamed of a simple life—a humble home, a husband to cook for. But now?

Her so-called husband, the man she was married to in name only, had twisted every situation to trap her and keep her locked in this cage. No matter his mood, she was just an outlet for his frustrations.

So why was she feeling sorry for him? Shouldn't she just leave him be? Let him suffer and get sicker? A husband like him wasn't worth it.

But her thoughts were cut short by the sound of sizzling, snapping her back to reality. She reached out and turned off the heat, laughing bitterly at the pot of porridge.

She kept it warm on the stove, then grabbed some cold medicine from the first aid kit, hoping he'd take it when he woke.

Back in the room, Lainey found their dog, Snowball, sprawled contentedly on the bed, lazily flicking his tail with his eyes closed.

"Snowball, off the bed. Aries is sick today—you sleep in your own bed, okay?" she gently coaxed, carrying him to his little dog bed.

Snowball watched her as she turned away, then followed her everywhere, finally settling at her feet when she gave up. His eyes stayed open as she sat by Aries's bedside.

Her cold hand brushed against his handsome face, still burning hot. "What am I supposed to do?" she whispered.

She mixed up a packet of cold medicine and propped Aries against the bed with a pillow. Spoonful by spoonful, she tried to feed him carefully, but he swallowed none of it—the liquid just trickled down his jaw.

"How are you supposed to get better if you won't take your medicine?" she murmured, the words barely reaching his ears.

Out of options, she took the medicine into her own mouth and pressed her lips to his, feeding him the liquid.

After getting him to take it that way, she wiped his mouth with a tissue.

The night passed with Lainey sitting by his side, watching over him. By four in the morning, exhaustion finally won, and she fell asleep at his bedside.

As dawn broke and the eastern sky slowly lightened, Aries opened his heavy eyelids. He scanned the familiar room and ran a hand over his aching forehead. Turning his head, he saw Lainey asleep beside the bed, her face peaceful, though her brow was slightly furrowed even in sleep.

Aries reached out to touch her face, but he was just too weak and drained. His thick brows knitted in frustration, and a low groan escaped him.

The noise woke Lainey. Her eyes flew open to see Aries trying to sit up. "You're awake? Feeling any better?"

Her cool hand pressed against his forehead. "You still have a fever! Let me get your medicine." She rose to grab it from the table, but stumbled, her legs numb from sitting all night. Her knee hit the floor hard, pain shooting through her.

Even with the thick carpet, a blue bruise bloomed on her knee. Lainey got up, grabbed the medicine, and returned to his side.

Aries watched her without a word, a warmth spreading through his normally cold heart. But it was gone in a flash, like it had never been there.

"What?" Lainey handed him the water and pills. "Take your medicine. Why are you staring at me like that?"

Feeling his intense gaze, she looked away, uncomfortable.

Aries took the water from her hand but set it on the nightstand without drinking. He slapped the pills out of her hand, scattering them across the floor.

"You..." Lainey spun back to face him, stunned.

"What about me?" Aries's voice was roughened from the illness.

"You're sick. You've got a fever—don't you know that?" She turned to get more medicine, but he stopped her.

"I'm not taking it," Aries growled, gripping her wrist firmly.

"How are you supposed to get better if you don't?" she argued, taking in his pale face and hoarse voice. Yet he still stubbornly refused.

"I said no, and I meant it! I don't need you taking care of me!" His eyes flashed with anger. A simple cold or fever was nothing to him.

Lainey pulled free from his grip. "If you didn't want me here, you shouldn't have put me in this position."