Chapter 1

I stood outside the door, staring at my husband, Jericho, as he pinned the young intern up against the window.

She was gasping, clearly overwhelmed. “Mr. Greene, please… slower. I’m pregnant.”

Jericho froze. Then he shoved her off, face darkening. “You didn’t take the pill?”

The girl blinked, like she couldn’t believe what was happening. Panic crept onto her face. “I… I forgot last time. Please don’t be mad, I’ll deal with it right away. I swear Reina won’t ever know!“

Jericho’s voice turned icy. “You really think I don’t see what you’re doing? You’re not Reina. You’ll never be her.”

A mechanical voice hummed quietly in my ear. “Mr. Greene is telling the truth. Would you still like to proceed with exiting this world?“

“Yes,” I said, without hesitation.”

“Confirmed. Exit will be completed in one working day,” the voice answered.§

Inside, the girl was already clinging to him again, desperate to win back his attention. Whatever guilt he had felt earlier was long gone.”

They were tangled up in each other again, lost in the moment, totally unaware I had been standing just outside the door. I turned around and left, their breathy moans fading behind me.

Today was our fifth wedding anniversary. I had left work early to surprise him. Instead, I found him playing house with his new intern.

I knew her. Margot Shore. She was fresh out of college, just started interning at Jericho’s company.

I had met her two months ago. I’d stopped by the office and saw Jericho going off on her for putting papers into a shredder instead of the scanner.

She looked completely lost, eyes wide and glassy with tears, lips trembling.

Callum Firth, Jericho’s business partner, tried to lighten the mood. “She’s still learning, man. Don’t scare the poor kid.“

Margot just stood there, blinking back tears like she was auditioning for a role.

Jericho snapped, “Go cry at home if you want.“

Worried he would cross a line, I stepped in. The second Jericho saw me, his whole vibe changed, anger gone, replaced with that polished version of himself he always showed me.

Callum took the chance to guide Margot out of the room.

Later that day, I even said to Jericho, “That girl looks Callum.”

y too soft for this field. You should probably keep her away from the playboy

Funny. I thought I was doing her a favor. Should’ve known better.

Callum had a reputation; a total ladies‘ man. Everyone knew it. There were always different women by his side.

I warned Jericho once. He just scoffed. “Innocent? Please. She’s just dumb. Let her finish her two–month internship and move on.“” But two months later, she was still there. And pregnant.

I left the house without saying a word, still holding the anniversary gift I had picked out for him like an idiot.

The sky outside was starting to fade into twilight, colors bleeding into grey.

My phone buzzed. A message popped up on WhatsApp, [Mrs. Greene, I know you saw it. Let’s talk when you’re ready.]

I didn’t reply. Just got into a cab and rode around in silence. When I got home again, I pretended like I had just gotten off work.

The living room was dark. I was reaching for the lights when someone grabbed me and pulled me in close. Jericho.

“Baby, you’re home late,” he said, voice low and sweet.

There was this faint sugary scent on him, not his usual cologne. It hit me then, that smell was Margot’s.

My stomach twisted and I had to swallow hard, trying not to gag. Jericho froze, then switched the light on, concern flickering across his face. “Hey, you’re okay? Are you feeling sick again? Want me to take you to the hospital?“

He kissed my forehead gently. “Good. No fever.“

I turned my face away and forced a half–smile. “I’m fine. I just… lost the gift I got you on the way back. Made me a little upset.”