Where Freedom Begins

After checking the bedroom, I was sure Chandler didn't live here at all.

If that was the case, why did he say he was at home?

I dialed his number, confused. He answered, explaining in a calm voice, "I moved to the city center to be closer to the office. I knew you'd misunderstand, which was why I asked why you didn't tell me earlier.

"Wait there. I'll come pick you up."

His explanation eased my mind.

While waiting, I updated my social media, letting my friends know I was back in the country.

Soon, my phone was buzzing with notifications.

Everyone was shocked, asking when I came back.

[This afternoon.]

I replied to each one, and my close friends congratulated me, asking how long I planned to stay.

I answered, [I'm not leaving. Grandma passed away, and I don't need to stay abroad anymore. I've decided to settle back here.]

For a moment, the feed went silent.

Then, a private message popped up. [You're back?]

I checked the name—it was from someone I didn't know well.

I replied, [Yeah.]

The message came again. [Does Chandler know?]

[Of course he does.]

I found the question odd, so I asked, [Is there something wrong, Mr. Vasquez?]

Winton Vasquez, the CEO of Evergreen Ventures and also a fellow alum of both Chandler and me, replied with a loaded tone, [It's nothing. Just seems like you don't really keep up with domestic entertainment news.]

Entertainment news? That puzzled me further.

True, I didn't follow celebrity gossip, but so what?

The conversation halted as Chandler's car pulled up, and a tall figure stepped out.

The last time I saw him was half a year ago when he flew overseas to spend New Year's with me.

I walked up to him, linking my arm through his. "Did you miss me, Chandler?"

His stern features softened, and he playfully tapped my nose. "I did."

When it came time to decide where to eat, I suggested the restaurant we used to frequent in college.

Chandler drove us there in his luxury car, which caused college students on the street to turn their heads.

I overheard snippets of their conversation.

"Who is that guy? He looks familiar."

"Is that his girlfriend? She's gorgeous and so elegant…"

I smiled to myself, feeling the sweet warmth inside.

Chandler and I weren't just dating; we'd been married for seven years.

But we'd kept it low-key at the time, only inviting close family and friends to our wedding.

He had waited for me all these years, and I didn't want to disappoint him.

The rush to come back was also to catch his birthday.

After dinner, I thought Chandler would take me to our new home, but instead, he stopped in front of a hotel.

"Alina, you came back so suddenly, and I haven't had time to prepare anything at the house. Would you mind staying in a hotel for the night?" Chandler said, his voice sincere but firm.

I frowned. "There's no need to prepare anything. I brought my toiletries. I can just stay in your room."

Chandler furrowed his brow, holding my hand. "It's too messy over there. Wait for the housekeeper to tidy up, and I'll come get you once it's ready."

"Alright, then."

It was already around 8:00 PM, and I was feeling a little tired.

Since I had just gotten back, I didn't want to argue with him.

-

The next day, Chandler picked me up and took me to his apartment in the city center.

The place was clearly cleaned and felt refreshed. There were clothes in the closet that fit me perfectly.

We spent the day shopping and eating.

To make up for his absence, Chandler took time off from work and stayed with me for two whole weeks. We even went hiking at a nearby scenic spot.

I was exhausted, panting for breath, while Chandler barely broke a sweat.

He'd been so busy with work over the years, but he hadn't neglected his fitness—his shirt was stretched taut over his well-toned muscles.

The last stretch of the hike, he carried me on his back.

At the summit, we sat together, watching the sunset. As we interlaced our fingers, I noticed he wasn't wearing his wedding ring.

I casually asked about it, and Chandler explained he had put it away.

I didn't question it, instead checking my vibrating phone. The message said my custom watch was ready.

It was meant to be his birthday gift.

It would be shipped to me within three days if nothing went wrong.

-

On the day I picked up the watch, I made lunch myself and headed to Chandler's office to deliver it.

But when I arrived at the building, a stranger stopped me.

She was wearing sunglasses and slapped me across the face!

"You shameless mistress!"