The Villainess's Reckoning

Ever since that day, Nathan seemed like a different person.

Before leaving the house, he would spend twenty minutes standing in front of the mirror, carefully inspecting his reflection from every angle.

Even more interestingly, he began updating me on his whereabouts more frequently than ever.

"Honey, I've got a meeting about a new project this afternoon. I might be home a little late."

"Honey, how about I bring home your favorite dessert tonight?"

I glanced at the messages and smiled faintly because three seconds earlier, Vivian sent me a screenshot.

Nathan had just invited her to meet him at that same restaurant that evening.

The floating comments were in hysterics.

[Look at this master of time management. Perfect husband in one chat window, devoted senior in another.]

[Why is it so satisfying watching the male lead get played for once???]

[This scumbag's still busy feeling sorry for himself, completely unaware that he's the real clown.]

A month passed like that.

Late one night, I lay in bed with my eyes closed.

Nathan's phone vibrated several times on the nightstand.

He didn't move.

Then it buzzed three more times in quick succession.

At last, he carefully slipped out from under the covers, padded barefoot to the balcony, and quietly slid the glass door shut behind him.

The balcony door offered very little soundproofing.

"What?"

His voice was barely above a whisper, but it couldn't hide the panic that crept into it.

"The test came back?"

"What are the odds? I only went that one time..."

"I'll be fine."

"Alright, alright. Stop talking. I get it. I'll find time to get tested."

After hanging up, he stood on the balcony for a full hour, letting the cold night air wash over him before sneaking back into bed.

The floating comments continued drifting across my vision.

[This is disgusting. He's still sleeping beside the villainess!! What if he infects her?]

[Don't worry. Ever since he started cheating, she hasn't let him touch her.]

[Okay, I owe the villainess an apology. I was rooting for her to get HIV earlier.]

Three days later, a test report arrived from the hospital.

I opened it and gave it a casual glance.

I sent Vivian a message.

"It's time."

Vivian replied with an "OK" emoji almost instantly.

The floating comments erupted.

[IT'S HAPPENING!!! THE TRAP IS FINALLY SNAPPING SHUT!!!]

[The male lead's already setting up his confession. He still thinks he's getting away with everything. Just wait until reality hits him!]

[Female lead and villainess forever! Cheating trash like him deserves to be launched into the sun!]

A moment later, Vivian sent me a location pin.

Without hesitation, I forwarded it to both families' group chat.

"Nathan and I have some good news to share with everyone. Tomorrow at three in the afternoon, come witness it for yourselves."

The chat exploded the moment I sent it.

Nathan's mother immediately sent three smiling emojis.

"Are you pregnant? Am I finally getting a grandchild?"

The next afternoon.

Nathan stood in the garden of a private estate, surrounded by rose petals.

In his hands was an enormous bouquet of red roses.

He looked at Vivian, his ears burning red as his voice shook with nerves.

"From the moment I first met you, I knew you were the person I'd been waiting for my whole life.

"I know my situation isn't exactly... ideal right now. But I promise I'll make things right. I'll give you an answer. I'll give you a home.

"Vivian, will you be my girlfriend?"

His eyes were filled with anticipation.

Vivian lowered her head and said nothing.

Nathan seemed to realize something was wrong and slowly turned around.

The smile froze on his face.

I walked into the garden with both families in tow.

The confirmed HIV test report from the hospital and the divorce papers struck him squarely in the chest.

"Nathan Carter."

My voice remained calm.

"You've really outdone yourself this time."

I pointed at the documents scattered at his feet.

"Why don't you take a good look and tell everyone exactly what these are?"