"I know you mean well, but that sounded super manipulative," Rena muttered, her arms crossing as she shifted uncomfortably.
"I know," Vance admitted, scratching the back of his neck, "but I'm simply saying the truth. You were too blind to see his flaws. I know it's an arranged marriage between your two families, that's all you ever told me. But you never explained the real reason behind it. If the marriage itself isn't built on love, that might explain why he's cheating." His eyes softened as he noticed Rena's expression grow tight, her lips pressed into a thin line.
"I haven't confirmed anything yet, so I'd rather not make assumptions, alright?" Rena frowned. "Luka is a good guy. I'm sure this is just… a misunderstanding."
"Whatever you say," Vance sighed, raising his palms as though surrendering. "I won't argue. Just… do the test. Pretend you're on a work trip. Or even check his phone if you get the chance." she said handing Rena her bag of groceries
Rena huffed, her cheeks puffing slightly in irritation. "Fine. But if he's not cheating, you'll buy me dinner for three months. No complaints."
She turned on her heel, her footsteps brisk and clipped as she stormed out of the store, her ponytail swishing behind her.
Vance watched her go, his lips turning into a faint smile. "At least she's open-minded. If she didn't believe me at all, she would've laughed it off. Meaning…" His tail twitched behind him. "Rena already has doubts." A low chuckle slipped from his lips. "And if Luka really is unfaithful… then maybe I finally have a chance."
"I'm back," Rena called softly as she pushed the door shut behind her. The sound of plastic bags rustled as she set the groceries on the kitchen table. She walked toward the hall, only to stop short. Luka was already sitting there, eating takeout from a crumpled paper bag.
Her chest tightened. 'I thought he said we'd cook dinner together today…' She bit her lip, the sting of disappointment pricking her, but she swallowed it down. 'Don't overthink. It's just food.'
"Oh, Rena," Luka said, lifting his head from his meal. His eyes flickered to her, then back to the glowing screen of his phone.
"Who are you texting?" Rena asked curiously, padding closer. She leaned over his shoulder just as his thumbs stopped moving.
"A coworker. Just work stuff," Luka replied smoothly, angling the phone slightly away.
Sure enough, it was a man from his company, discussing schedules.
"I see. You've been working so hard." Rena moved behind him, placing her hands on his shoulders, slowly massaging it. She forced a gentle smile. "Did anyone come over today?"
"No. Why would you assume that?" Luka asked too quickly, his voice stiff. His shoulders tensed under her fingers.
That nervous flick in his eyes made her stomach churn. Vance's words echoed in her mind. 'Was Vance lying? Or is it Luka who was lying? But Vance… he's never been the type to lie. Not in the five years I've known him.'
"Oh, I just thought maybe a delivery came," she lied smoothly. "Guess not."
Luka's shoulders relaxed instantly, his face becoming calm.
'Well, he sucks at being secretive,'' Rena thought dully, her hands slowing before pulling away.
"Luka," she said softly, circling around to face him. Her eyes locked onto his, her expression calm but serious. "If there's ever anything bothering you… you can tell me, alright? I'm your wife. I want to know."
His gaze flickered, once, twice, before sliding away. He forced a chuckle, but it sounded hollow.
Rena's lips curved into a small laugh, though her eyes didn't shine. "I'll just go make some noodles," she said lightly, almost skipping as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Hours later, after a shower and some restless tossing, Rena stirred awake in the middle of the night. The room was dim, the silence heavy. She turned her head. Luka's breathing was even, his body curled beneath the blanket.
But what made her heart sink was the faint outline of his phone, tucked tightly beneath the blanket, clutched against his chest like a treasure.
Her eyes dulled. 'Why is he guarding it like this? What could be so important?'
She slid silently from the bed, her bare feet brushing the cold floor. Opening her drawer, she unlocked a hidden safe and pulled out a long, slender needle. With practiced precision, she pressed it into Luka's arm. His light sleep melted instantly into a deep slumber.
She exhaled softly, a shadow of satisfaction crossing her face.
Carefully, she pried the phone free from his grasp. Remembering his password, she unlocked it with ease. Her fingers scrolled swiftly through his messages, and soon, a group chat caught her attention.
It was a thread filled with married men from Luka's workplace.
Her hands trembled as she read line after line.
| She's not even feminine. Too thick for my liking. |
| I hate how she's so bad in bed. She honestly sucks! |
Her stomach twisted. Each word made her more and more angry and disgusted. She clutched her other palm so tightly that it began to bleed.
"If he hates me that much," Rena whispered bitterly, "why doesn't he just divorce me?" Her voice cracked, low and hoarse. "Maybe because of his family… but mine? I've already cut ties. I wouldn't care if they threw a tantrum about me having a divorce."
She kept scrolling until a private chat stood out. A profile she didn't recognize, someone Luka had messaged just hours before falling asleep. She tapped it eagerly.
But the chat was empty. Cleared. Not a single trace remained.
Her jaw clenched. "So he really hated me. Why marry me, then?"
With a hollow sigh, she carefully placed the phone back into Luka's hands, arranging it exactly as before. Sliding under the covers, she lay beside him, staring at the ceiling, her eyes void of light.