Old Love Falls Apart

I used to think that Irina wasn't into romance. She was different from most women, she never liked taking pictures.

Once, during a business trip, I saw some beautiful scenery along the way and suggested we take a picture together as a memento. But she pushed me away and scolded me in public, "Why do you have to follow every trend? Do you think you're still young?"

"People like you, living in the illusion of beauty filters, are destined to achieve nothing in life! What's the point of taking pictures? Stay away from me. Walking next to you is embarrassing enough!" After that, I never dared to suggest taking a photo together again.

In fact, I became so self-conscious that I'd lower my head whenever I faced a camera.

So, Chris was right, love and indifference are obvious.

Feeling awkward, Irina fell silent. The car became quiet, except for the soft clicking sound of the photo keychain of her and Chris.

We finally arrived at our destination. As soon as we got out of the car, Chris rushed into Irina's arms and said, "Irina, you're finally here. I've been waiting so long my legs are sore."

Irina immediately squatted down, took off his shoes and smilingly massaged his feet. I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture of them, capturing this 'beautiful' moment.

It was only then that Irina remembered my presence. She said casually, "I'm just … showing normal concern for a subordinate."

"I understand. Let's go eat," I replied.

When we entered the restaurant, the waiter greeted us warmly, "Mrs. Middleton, are you here again with your husband for dinner? The usual?"

Irina glanced at me and cleared her throat, "This is my actual husband," she corrected.

I didn't respond, just walked over to the table and sat down. Compared to the brand-name clothes Chris was wearing, my plain attire didn't make me look like Irina's husband at all.

Once we were seated, Chris scooted his chair closer to Irina and took out an old watch from his designer bag and said, "Adrien, Irina gave me a new watch, so this old, secondhand one is for you. Consider it a peace offering. Don't be so petty about the wedding photo incident."

Irina looked a bit displeased and said, "I gave that to you."

She said again, "Adrien, if you like, I can buy you a new one. There's no need to compete with Chris over it. Besides, you stay at home washing clothes and cooking, you don't deserve such an expensive watch."

Chris smiled as he held Irina's hand and playfully whined, "Irina has given me so many gifts. One watch is nothing."

If this had been in the past, I would've demanded answers upon hearing such things. But now, I just calmly glanced at Chris and then lowered my head to send a message to my lawyer.

[I want to reclaim every penny Irina spent on her love], I typed. After receiving the lawyer's confirmation, I picked up my fork, feeling at ease.

When all the dishes were served, Irina, who usually refused to get her hands dirty with food, patiently peeled shrimp and deboned fish for Chris.

Chris gave me a smug look and said sarcastically, "Oh, Irina always takes care of me like this. Adrien, aren't you jealous? Irina, you should eat, too," he added, naturally handing her a shrimp he had already bitten into.

Without hesitation, Irina ate it, completely different from the woman who had once smashed her bowl in disgust when I offered her food, claiming it was unsanitary.

The sight of it made me too nauseous to eat. I slammed my fork down on the table in disgust.