Love Sometimes Fade Away

"Miss Delamore, are you sure you want to proceed with the hypnosis therapy? Once it starts, it cannot be stopped and any consequences will be your responsibility." The consultant doublechecked all the information on the document.

The form indicated this patient was married and raising a child, leaving the consultant puzzled, was she planning to erase memories of her son and husband?

Eugene lowered her gaze and glanced at the messages continuously popping up on her phone. Her eyes finally settled on a photo sent by a woman.

In the photo, her husband, Tommy Bolton, gazed at the woman with gentle and affectionate eyes, while her son, Casey, grinned brightly, holding the woman's hand and posing for the camera.

Eugene couldn't remember the last time this father and son had come home. Even today, on her birthday, she only saw them through a photo sent by another woman.

Staring at the image, Eugene's hand trembled slightly and tears welled up in her eyes, barely restrained. She tilted her head back to force the tears away, then lowered her gaze to meet the consultant's eyes. "I'm sure."

After confirming, the consultant completed all the necessary procedures and handed her a document to sign.

Upon leaving the hypnosis center, Eugene didn't rush home. She walked into the department store across the street and found a jewelry shop.

"Do you want to buy rings?" the clerk asked.

Eugene removed a tencarat diamond ring from her finger and handed it to the clerk.

The clerk's eyes widened, it was a pink diamond on a tencarat ring! It was obviously extremely valuable. Was this woman really planning to sell it?

"Ma'am, we can buy this ring, but ... is it really yours?" the clerk asked hesitantly.

Pink diamonds typically cost millions. Selling something so valuable just like that? The clerk couldn't help being cautious.

Without offering an explanation, Eugene produced the appraisal certificate for the ring.

The clerk, after confirming its authenticity, reluctantly took the ring from her, "Ma'am, this is a limited edition from the Cartier Guardian series. It's no longer available on the market. And … this is your wedding ring, right? Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?"

The clerk spoke cautiously, fully aware that anyone who could afford such a diamond was extraordinarily wealthy. She didn't want unnecessary trouble.

Eugene caressed the ring gently. She had been with Tommy for more than a decade, owning countless luxury items, but this ring was the most valuable and meaningful among them.

Her name was even engraved inside the band. The wedding scene flashed through her mind, rose petals showering from the sky and a crowd of guests gathered below.

Did Tommy love her? Perhaps he did once. For more than ten years, he had worked hard to provide her a good life, building the success he had today.

But now? Eugene wasn't sure anymore. Because his first love had returned and blatantly appeared before her.

Eugene let out a bitter laugh and shook her head, "No need to reconsider."

The appraisal was quickly completed. The ring had been carefully maintained and was almost as good as new, losing only a slight amount of value since its purchase.

After receiving the store's transfer payment, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a diamond bracelet, handing it over and said, "Please take a look at this one too."

As the clerk inspected the bracelet, they quickly noticed something off. Just as they were about to point out that it was a fake, a man's voice interrupted them.

"Darling?" It was none other than Tommy, "What are you doing here?"

Eugene remained calm, "This bracelet accidentally got stained. I'm seeing if they can clean it for me."

When the man's gaze fell on the bracelet, his eyes widened in shock. He snatched the bracelet from the clerk, as if afraid of what they might say.

He hurriedly said, "If it's dirty, just throw it away."

The clerk explained, "Sir, the weight of this bracelet doesn't match ... it appears to be a fake ..."

Tommy reacted like a wolf whose tail had been stepped on and immediately retorted, "What nonsense are you spouting? Can a small shop like yours even verify that? This is an auction piece. If you don't understand, don't embarrass yourself."

"Darling, let's go." He quickly pulled Eugene, intending to leave without further discussion.

Tommy brought her all the way to the parking garage, scolding her the entire way for showing the bracelet to others.

Why couldn't she show it to others? Because the bracelet was indeed fake. The real one was on his mistress, Francine Dubois's wrist.

Eugene found herself ridiculous. Not long ago, Tommy had taken her to an auction. She had immediately fallen in love with the bracelet and hoped Tommy would buy it as a birthday gift for her.

It wasn't because of vanity, the bracelet's meaning had touched her. Eternal companionship, growing old together. For most women, their greatest fantasy is spending their life's journey alongside their husband. Eugene was no exception.

At first, Tommy had refused, saying the bracelet wasn't suitable for her. She had been upset for a while. But about a month before her birthday, Tommy suddenly told her he had bought the bracelet.

Eugene had been overjoyed. Yet when she received the bracelet, she noticed something was off. How could a piece worth millions feel so lightweight?

Eugene wasn't stupid. She questioned Tommy about it. He claimed the bracelet's design was intentionally lightweight and said she probably just wasn't used to handling such an expensive item, which made her feel it was different.

At the time, Eugene convinced herself she was overthinking. How could Tommy possibly buy a fake bracelet for her?

Until a week ago, when Francine returned to the country. Eugene saw the exact same bracelet on Francine's wrist.

Only then did she understand, the one Tommy wanted eternal companionship with wasn't her. It was Francine.

Eugene sneered inwardly. What a privilege it was to benefit from Francine's leftovers.

The two reached the car and had just opened the door when a young boy rushed out, "Dad, why are you so slow? Didn't you say we were going to buy a birthday gift for Aunt Francine?"

It was Casey, their son. When he saw Eugene, he froze momentarily, "Mom? What are you doing here?"

So the reason Tommy was here was to buy a birthday gift for Francine. No wonder Francine had sent her provocative messages.

It turned out that their birthdays were on the same day. But evidently, neither Tommy nor Casey remembered.

"This seat is reserved for Aunt Francine! You can't sit here!" As Eugene moved to take the front passenger seat, Casey frowned and snapped at her.

Eugene froze midmotion, silently watching the father and son. Finally, Tommy awkwardly scratched his nose, scolded Casey and pulled Eugene into the car.

The atmosphere inside the car was heavy. Tommy tried to lighten the mood. "You don't like the bracelet? Didn't you say at the auction that you really liked it?"

Eugene did like the bracelet. To say she liked the bracelet was more accurate than saying she loved its meaning.

Eternal companionship, always by each other's side. The intertwined double knot was her favorite design.

But the bracelet in her hand was a fake one. Not only was the bracelet fake, but Tommy's love for her was also fake. The real bracelet was on Francine's wrist.

Suddenly interested, Eugene stared at Tommy and asked seriously, "Tommy, are you sure this bracelet is real?"

"Of course, it's real!" Casey jumped in. He rolled his eyes, his face, a mirror of Tommy's, showing irritation and impatience. "Dad went out of his way to buy this for you. Instead of thanking him, you're questioning him? What kind of woman does that? You should know better."

"How dare you speak to your mom like that?" Realizing Casey was getting carried away, Tommy quickly stopped him from further scolding Eugene.

He then gently asked her, "Why are you asking this all of a sudden? I bought this bracelet at the auction as your birthday gift. Of course it's real, sweetheart. How could I give you a fake?"

"Really?" Eugene's lips curled into a contemptuous smile. If it weren't for what just happened, she might have believed him.

But it didn't matter anymore. Soon, she would forget everything, forget this hypocritical and disgusting man.

Tommy grew uneasy at Eugene's expression and cautiously probed, "Honey, have I been too busy lately? Are you upset?"

"Tommy, do you remember the promise you made me?" she asked.

Eugene and Tommy had been college classmates. Back then, she was the campus beauty, admired by countless men, including Tommy.

But Eugene came from a singleparent family. After her father cheated and abandoned her mother, she grew up with deep insecurities and a lack of trust in others.

She resisted anyone who tried to get close to her. One by one, her admirers gave up, except for Tommy, who persevered.

Eventually, she was moved by his persistence and gave him a single condition, "Don't lie to me. Even if you stop loving me, don't lie."

The young Tommy had readily agreed and even swore an oath, "If I break this promise, may I never die a peaceful death."

Never die a peaceful death. Eugene smirked bitterly. She wondered if the God would ever punish a heartless man like him.

The seriousness in Eugene's demeanor caught Tommy off guard. She had stood by him for more than ten years, enduring countless hardships. During his toughest times, on a social event, she drank too much and got herself into the hospital to help him secure deals at business banquets.

At just 17 or 18 years old, Eugene had been in so much pain that she couldn't even straighten her back. Yet she still kept reassuring him that everything would be fine.

Tommy knew he owed Eugene too much. That was why he worked himself to the bone, building his business empire and achieving the success they now enjoyed, presenting it as proof of his love.

He gave her a satisfactory answer to this relationship. Tommy knew that Eugene had been drawn to him initially because of his sincerity and affection.

But now? He swallowed hard, his heart pounding with unease. Could it be that Eugene had found out?

No, impossible. He had hidden everything too well. And even if she had, so what?

Francine was his first love. Back then, she came from a wealthy family and looked down on him, leading to their breakup. She had always been the regret of his youth.

Now that the Dubois Family had fallen from grace and Francine had returned to the country, what was wrong with sending her a small gift as a friend? It didn't mean anything.

Of course, these were thoughts he kept to himself. If Eugene knew, she would no doubt curse him to his face.

For now, he forced a smile that mirrored his usual demeanor, "Of course, I remember. I've never lied to you, Eugene. This bracelet is real and so is my love for you."

Eugene stared at him quietly for a long moment and, strangely enough, she felt a slight pang in her heart.

Yes, if she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, the way he used his WhatsApp to shower Francine with daily attention over the past ten years, she might have believed him.

If it hadn't been for the intimate photos Francine sent her, Eugene might have been deceived by him yet again.

Her phone buzzed incessantly with messages from Francine, the sound uncomfortably sharp in the silent car. It was aggravating.

Tommy, noticing her agitation, asked with concern, "What's wrong?"

She asked, "Tommy, what would you do if someone tried to drive a wedge between us?"

Before Eugene even finished her sentence, Tommy frowned. "Who's bothering my wife? Tell me and I'll handle them right now!"

"What if it's Francine?" At the mention of that name, Eugene saw him stiffen for a moment, his entire demeanor faltering. "How do you know about her? Are you spying on me?"

"I'm not ..." Before Eugene could explain, Tommy suddenly erupted, "Eugene, what's happened to you? Francine is just a friend! So what if I care about her? Why are you blowing this out of proportion?"

"I thought you were different from those paranoid housewives who nag and fret over nothing. But now, it seems you've become just like them! With you acting like this, what personal space do I even have anymore?" His angry outburst made it seem like Eugene was unjustly accusing him.

But all she had done was ask a question. And yet he was already defensive.

Staring at the raging Tommy, Eugene was at a loss for words. How could she respond?

The man who once professed to love her deeply now stood before her, angrily dismissing her as if she meant nothing. The realization stung, leaving her feeling utterly pitiful.

In the heavy silence that followed, tears began streaming down her face. One by one, they fell onto the leather car seat.

Tommy, seeing her break down, fumbled awkwardly, "I …I'm sorry. I was too worked up just now. Eugene, please don't cry …" He spoke softly, coaxing her in the same soothing tone he'd used during past quarrels.

But this time, Eugene couldn't stop herself. Images of the photos and messages Francine had sent played over and over in her mind.

Why? Why couldn't over ten years of love outweigh someone who had only reappeared for a few days? She tried to understand, but she just couldn't.

She cried, "Tommy, you've changed. You don't love me anymore. I … I want to leave … sob …" Her tearful accusation softened Tommy's heart.

He pulled her into his arms and patted her shoulder, trying to console her, "How could I not love you, Eugene? Don't say such nonsense. I love you the most."

Just then, Tommy's phone buzzed. The name flashing on the screen froze him in midaction.

Eugene didn't even need to look up to know who it was. Watching the hesitance flicker across his face, she wiped away her tears, "Answer it."

Inside, she made a quiet vow, this would be the last time she allowed herself to be hurt by him.

Tommy glanced at his phone and made a feeble excuse, "It's just a work call. Eugene, stay in the car and wait for me." With that, he opened the car door and stepped out.

Through the window, Eugene could see the faint smile tugging at his lips as he answered the call.

Five minutes later, he climbed back into the car, "Eugene, something came up at the office. I need to head back. I'll take Casey with me. We might be back late, so don't wait for us to have dinner."

Eugene found it somewhat amusing. In the past, whenever Tommy lied, his face would flush red. Now, he could do it without so much as blinking. Perhaps deceiving her had simply become second nature to him.

Casually, she asked, "Can't it wait? Isn't today a company holiday? Why would you ..."

"Eugene." Tommy's expression suddenly turned cold. "I don't like it when you act this way."

After speaking, he let out a heavy sigh and gently took Eugene's hand in his, "Be good. Go back home, okay?"

Eugene wanted to refuse. She desperately wanted to confront this woman named Francine, to see what spell she had cast over this man and his son.

But the thought of doing so suddenly felt pointless. It was already over. Dwelling on such meaningless matters would only add to her frustration.

Just as she began to withdraw her hand, Tommy grabbed her wrist tightly, "Eugene, where's our wedding ring?"

Eugene flinched slightly, suddenly remembering that she had already sold it. She responded flatly, "I left it at home."

Tommy frowned, as if he wanted to asked her further. But his phone rang again, the insistent vibration signaling Francine's urgency. This time, he let it slide, brushing off his curiosity.

Before leaving, he reminded her to wear her wedding ring and drove her home, only to rush off again in his car. Watching his taillights disappear, Eugene's gaze dimmed.

That night, Tommy and Casey didn't come home. Eugene didn't care where they went or what they did.

Instead, she spent the evening quietly sorting through the belongings in the house, separating out her own things.

She contacted a real estate agent she had previously reached out to and purchased an apartment in a small town far away from where they currently lived.

Slowly, she began moving her things out. Fearful that Tommy might notice, she deliberately left some items behind.

Despite everything, a decade of shared life had left a complicated tangle of emotions between them. She knew Tommy's possessiveness all too well. If he discovered her plan to leave, he might just have a change of heart and try to stop her.

The very thought sent shivers down her spine. But it wasn't Tommy's actions that broke her heart the most. What truly left her disillusioned was the behavior of her only child, her son.

The boy she had carried in her womb for ten months was the sole result of her and Tommy's union. Back when she was pregnant, Tommy was in the middle of building his career.

Accompanying him to endless business events, she unexpectedly began feeling sick and found out she was already two months along.

The doctor warned her that due to her weak constitution and frequent drinking during early pregnancy, there was a risk of preterm labor.

Tommy, concerned, had even suggested they terminate the pregnancy. But Eugene insisted on keeping the child.

The doctor's predictions were correct, Casey was born prematurely, frail and frequently ill. To take better care of him, Eugene gave up her career and became a fulltime mother. She spent every day researching ways to strengthen his body, treating him as the center of her world and protecting him as he grew up.

But all it took was one meeting with Francine for Casey to change completely. The boy who had once clung to her began rejecting her entirely. He scorned her rules, spoke to her with contempt and insulted her at every turn.

Time and again, Eugene convinced herself to be patient. This was her child, after all and she believed a mother's love should be unconditional. But no matter how much tolerance and leniency she offered, the father and son duo only became more unkind, more unreasonable.

The more she thought about it, the more disappointed she became. Her life was an utter failure. A cheating husband and a son who no longer loved her, what reason was there to stay in such a household?

Finally, Eugene contacted her lawyer to draft a divorce agreement, granting custody of Casey to Tommy. She instructed the lawyer to deliver the documents as soon as she completed her hypnosis treatment.

With all these arrangements made, Eugene finally enjoyed her first peaceful sleep in a long time.

For the next few days, Tommy remained occupied, keeping Casey with him constantly.

It's heard that Francine has started her own business and Tommy was helping her find connections. Eugene couldn't help but admire Tommy, thinking he was truly a good person.

However, this whole matter with the three of them has nothing to do with her anymore.

As her first hypnotherapy session approached, the therapist told her to spend more time with the person she wanted to forget, visiting places they used to go together and experiencing what they had experienced before. This would help with the hypnosis.

Eugene called Tommy several times. It was only after some time that he finally picked up, perhaps because he realized he had indeed been neglecting Eugene lately.

Tommy promised to spend the weekend with her, but then he was suddenly called to a reunion by a college friend.

Eugene thought about it for a moment and decided that this was as the doctor had said. The location was at a luxury hotel in the city center.

Tommy held her hand with one and held Casey's hand with the other as they walked into the private room. Inside, the atmosphere was lively and upon hearing the noise, everyone turned to look.

"Mr. and Mrs. Bolton has arrived," several familiar friends stood up to greet them.

Tommy was the successful representative of his college, so everyone wanted to take the opportunity to get closer to him.

It was at that moment Eugene noticed a sharp gaze on her. Turning her head, she saw it was Francine. She was wearing a white dress today. She looked intelligent and generous. Next to her sat one of Tommy's college roommates.

Seeing Eugene's curiosity, a person beside her whispered an introduction, "That is his friend, isn't she beautiful? Honestly, you two look somewhat alike."

Not just alike. Eugene had seen Francine's photo on Tommy's phone before.

The woman had the same phoenix eyes as hers and especially the mole at the corner of her eye was identical.

No wonder Tommy had relentlessly pursued her for two years back then. It turned out to be because of this face.

Eugene didn't speak, her eyes scanning the pair who sat close together. How could Francine be with Tommy's college roommate?

Suddenly, Tommy, who was standing beside Francine, spoke coldly, "How come you're here?"

"If you can come, can't I come?" Francine rolled her eyes, then sweetly leaned toward the man beside her and asked him to feed her.

Eugene could clearly feel Tommy's growing anger. In the next moment, he stepped forward and dragged Francine out of the room without explanation.

The private room fell into eerie silence and all eyes turned to Eugene. Some looked on in amusement, while others sympathized.

Eugene's face darkened slightly as she bit her lip, "I'm going out to see." Leaving the private room, she just happened to see Tommy standing dejectedly at the door.

When he saw Eugene, he looked like he had found a savior, "Eugene, hurry and check how Francine is in the restroom!" He didn't even realize how inappropriate this request was.

Eugene gave him a look, then silently walked into the restroom. Inside, Francine wasn't crying as Tommy had feared. Instead, she was leisurely touching up her lipstick.

Seeing Eugene enter, Francine sneered, "So, Mrs. Bolton has fallen to become a tool for others?"

Eugene didn't reply. She didn't know what had just happened between the two of them. But to her, she just didn't want to make a scene and let others enjoy the spectacle.

It was just Francine feeling jealous and trying to seduce Tommy's roommate. Then Tommy, in turn, got jealous and took her away, right? Francine's trick was just to make Tommy stay away from Eugene.

Eugene remained expressionless, "Are you done playing? If you are, get out. He's waiting for you."

Francine looked incredulous, "Aren't you angry? He's jealous because of me!"

Angry? What good would being angry do? What doesn't belong to you will never belong to you.

"I understand now, you're pretending to be dignified, right? You think if you do that, he'll change his mind? Dream on!" Francine sneered and then suddenly slapped herself hard, yelling out.

Eugene, puzzled, was about to speak when a huge force from behind shoved her forcefully. She lost her balance and fell heavily to the ground. The pain was so intense that she almost passed out.

Tommy asked, "Francine, what happened!"

Francine covered her face, crying uncontrollably, "Tommy, Eugene doesn't like me. She told me to stay away from you, sob sob ... I said we were just friends and she called me a whore."

Tommy's eyes widened, his face dark as he looked at Eugene, "Did you hit her?"

Eugene was about to speak when, suddenly, Tommy slapped her hard across the face. The slap made her back and head hit the door handle of the restroom.

Blood began to flow from the back of her head. The chattering outside almost swallowed up all her rationality.

"I didn't ..." Before she could finish, she collapsed heavily.

When she awoke, Eugene found herself in a hospital. The first thing she did upon opening her eyes was to reach for her phone and dial the hypnotherapy institution, "Can the procedure be done earlier? I can't wait any longer."

She had had enough of this torment and didn't want to continue any longer!

At that moment, the door to the room opened. Tommy frowned and asked, "Eugene, what procedure did you say you needed?"

Eugene was so frightened that she immediately hid the phone behind her, "It's nothing, just asking if I need to have surgery for the scar on my back."

When Tommy pushed her at the restroom, the long scar on her back was formed, looking ugly and terrifying. She hadn't wanted to bring it up, but to avoid suspicion from Tommy, she had to mention it.

Tommy frowned as if pondering. "Really? But I clearly just heard you talking about a hypnotherapy procedure. Eugene, what did you do behind my back?"

The questioning look from the man made her shiver. Could he be on to her? Eugene felt an overwhelming panic.

Luckily, it wasn't just Tommy who entered, Francine and Casey came too.

She walked up and grabbed Tommy's arm, coquettishly saying, "Tommy, don't be so fierce, your wife just woke up. There must be some misunderstanding."

Casey also spoke with disdain, "What can mom do behind your back? She's dying to stick with you all day. She's just clueless."

Upon hearing this, Tommy agreed. They had been married for over ten years and Eugene truly had no activities outside of being by his side.

Thinking about this, a trace of tenderness flashed in the man's eyes. He put aside his suspicion and gently sat beside Eugene.

He diligently fed her fruit, gently comforting her, "I was too emotional. I'm sorry, Eugene, I was just thinking too much. I didn't want you to get into trouble at the reunion. So I accidentally pushed you. Don't be mad, honey."

Listening to his apology, there was no stir in Eugene's heart. Instead, she felt incredibly repulsed and disgusted.

She said, "Tommy, do you even believe what you're saying?" When he rushed over to hug Francine, shoving her aside, when she was in so much pain she fainted …

Anyone with good judgment could tell who he truly cared about.

With so many people present, Eugene couldn't imagine how she appeared to others.

"Since you already have someone else in your heart, why won't you let me go?" The endless entanglement had left her physically and emotionally exhausted.

She couldn't understand why, even though his heart had already found someone else, he still pretended to be affectionate and showed up by her side.

Eugene desperately wanted an answer. Perhaps that answer didn't even matter.

Tommy was momentarily stunned, not expecting Eugene to say this suddenly. Out of nowhere, he felt a little flustered, "Darling, what are you saying?"

When Francine heard him call her darling, she clenched her teeth and forced out a smile that was even uglier than crying, "Yeah, what are you saying, Eugene? Tommy only loves you."

Eugene nearly wanted to vomit upon hearing her pretentious tone. She coldly glared at Francine. "From what I know, Tommy is an only child in his family. And you calling my name repeatedly, could it be you're his 'lovely little sister'?"

"You!" Francine's face turned red.

The hospital was crowded and their argument had attracted attention from people in the hallway outside.

She bit her lip and then returned to her previous smile, "Eugene, why do I not understand what you're saying?"

"What's the point of pretending? I'm not a fool. Tommy, if you don't love me, why didn't you tell me earlier? Otherwise, I wouldn't have shamelessly followed you and even given you a child. Tommy, didn't your conscience hurt when you lied to me?" Eugene quietly watched him, as if looking through him for any signs of regret.

But there was none. Tommy was terrifyingly calm.

Eugene realized that the man who once loved her like his life had long since disappeared through years of scheming and deceit. This was the first time she felt so powerless.

"Mom, what are you talking about? Dad is busy every day doing things for the family, right? And everything you eat, wear and live in is bought with Dad's money. Since that's the case, why aren't you satisfied?" Casey coldly said.

It felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over Eugene, chilling her to the bone. In Casey's eyes, she, as a mother, did nothing and acted like a useless person.

She had no right to speak to Tommy in this manner. Eugene couldn't help but reflect on when Casey had become like this.

Was it when Francine first appeared? She was radiant and generous, with an aura of nobility and beauty.

And what about herself? Eugene assessed herself. Her clothes, although luxurious brands, were always in black and white to make it easy for business occasions, making her seem cold and devoid of warmth.

Her skin, too, had become sallow from sleepless nights spent on planning and working. She looked like she had aged a decade. Compared to Francine, she was indeed leagues behind.

But that was because, instead of focusing on dressing up, Eugene cared more about the Bolton's family business and their home.

Faced with Casey's cold sarcasm, Eugene's face turned red with anger. She grabbed Casey's arm and angrily asked, "Am I not satisfied? Your father is always busy, does that mean I'm not busy? I spend every day taking care of you, for what? Why are you treating me like this?"

At this moment, Eugene knew her expression must look awful, but she didn't care. She just wanted to vent.

She wanted to ask, to demand, why she was being humiliated and tortured by these two men!

"Eugene!" Eugene's uncontrollable behavior scared Casey into crying loudly. Tommy quickly stepped forward and pulled her away, "What are you doing? Don't take your anger out on the child."

The child? Eugene wished she had never had a child!

They always say children are born to repay kindness, but now it seemed all of that was a lie! Casey's actions chilled her, made her furious and left her feeling hopeless.

"Eugene, have you been under too much pressure lately? Why have you become so sensitive? You were so wellbehaved before." Tommy sighed heavily, sounding both like a reproach and like a reflection. He spoke carelessly, but his words carried weight.

Eugene sneered, "I was wellbehaved, so you sneaked behind my back and acted recklessly? You indulged your mistress to provoke me?"

Tommy clenched his fists, "Who are you calling a mistress?"

Eugene looked at the proud woman hiding behind him, "Who else could the mistress be here, besides Francine?"

Smack! The crisp sound of a slap echoed in her ears.

Eugene covered her reddened face in disbelief as she looked at Tommy. This was the second time that Tommy had hit her for Francine. And what about Tommy?

When he saw the look in Eugene's eyes, he swallowed hard and tried to find an excuse for himself, "Eugene, don't blame me, it's just that you said such harsh things. You insulted Francine, how upset do you think she must be?"

He continued, "And besides, I was just friends with her. You're making rumors because you're jealous ..."

"Get out ..." Two words. Eugene nearly used all her strength to speak it.

"Eugene, I ..." Tommy tried to calm her down.

"Get out! I said get out!" Eugene grabbed a pillow from the side and threw it at him angrily.

"Rest properly. I'll come and pick you up in a couple of days." After saying that, Tommy left in a rush with Francine and Casey, leaving Eugene alone in the hospital room, crying uncontrollably.

During the next two days Eugene stayed in the hospital, Tommy truly didn't come. On social media, he and Francine frequently appeared together.

Many mutual friends sensed something was up and left comments under their posts. Some even privately messaged Eugene asking about the situation. Eugene didn't reply to any of them.

Just as she was about to put her phone down, the phone rang suddenly. It was Tommy's mother.

Eugene stared at the phone for a while. Although Tommy didn't care about her, Tommy's mother had always treated her very well.

She remembered when Tommy first took her home, she was wearing a pair of pants with holes in them. As soon as Tommy's mother saw Eugene, the old woman's eyes turned watery. She took Eugene to the mall and bought her the latest pants, along with many other clothes.

Eugene felt truly grateful for Tommy's mother's kindness. At least, through her, Eugene experienced what real maternal love was.

When she answered the phone, Mrs. Bolton's anxious voice came through. "What's going on in that social media post? Did Tommy really cheat on you?"

Eugene didn't want to make her worry too much since it was a matter between husband and wife. Plus, if she found out the truth, she would definitely call Tommy, scold him severely and try to mediate the situation. How could she leave after that?

After thinking it over, Eugene decided not to tell Mrs. Bolton the truth. She lied and told her that the woman was just Tommy's friend.

But to Eugene's surprise, Mrs. Bolton didn't believe it at all. "Eugene, don't lie to me. I'd recognize that woman anywhere, even if she turned to ash! Isn't she the one who came back just because Tommy has made a name for himself now?"

Francine and Tommy's affair was no secret. At first, Francine found Bolton Family poor and broke up with him.

After that, Tommy fell into a deep depression and even considered suicide. Mrs. Bolton loathed this woman deeply. So when Francine appeared in Tommy's social media posts, she immediately recognized her.

Mrs. Bolton made her stance clear and then hung up the phone. Not long after, Tommy came to pick Eugene up from the hospital.

Eugene had expected him to cause more trouble, but instead, he seemed like a completely different person.

Not only did he take her out to eat a big meal she'd been wanting, but he was also extremely considerate the entire way, offering help with her bags, feeding her water.

For a moment, Eugene almost felt like things were back to the way they used to be, like it was before Francine had come back. Back then, Tommy's entire world seemed to revolve around her.

But she was certain that this was all just a facade. Sure enough, when they got home, Eugene saw Francine sitting on the sofa. Casey was feeding her with grapes.

As if he knew what Eugene was about to ask, Tommy spoke up first, "Francine was here alone in this city and it's not safe for her, so I brought her over."

No prior discussion, no prior notice. The mistress had simply shown up at their door.

Eugene felt her face burn with humiliation and anger spreading throughout her body.

Before she knew it, tears filled her eyes, "Tommy, this is our home." She knew she shouldn't cry now, but she couldn't stop.

This place, once full of beautiful memories, was now being destroyed by Tommy, who even intended to ruin their final safe space.

Francine, who had been sitting on the sofa, saw Eugene and then played the victim as well, "Eugene, it's not what you think. Tommy just wanted to make sure I wasn't alone out there. Don't overthink it."

Tommy was never a kindhearted person, especially after he became successful. He was ruthless, never caring for anyone. Now, he had even brought Francine into their home.

Eugene had known he had changed, but she couldn't help but feel cold and hurt.

"Francine can stay here for two days. If you're not happy, I can put her in the room at the far end and you two won't have to see each other. Is that okay?" Tommy whispered in her ear.

Although he phrased it as a suggestion, he left no room for refusal.

Eugene gave him a cold look, "Since you've already made up your mind, why pretend to discuss it with me? Let her stay, then."

It didn't matter, in two days, she wouldn't have to stay in this suffocating place anymore.

Tommy was pleased to see her relent, "Eugene, I knew you'd understand. I'll go arrange it now …"

Bang! Eugene had already slammed her bedroom door shut.

Ever since Francine moved in, she had been much more obedient. She even got up early to make breakfast, sometimes preparing a serving for Eugene too.

Of course, Eugene refused to eat it. She feared Francine might poison it.

At home, Eugene treated her like air, trying to avoid seeing her as much as possible to avoid arguments that would upset her.

In the meantime, it wasn't without incident. Tommy noticed that more and more of Eugene's things were disappearing. He began to grow suspicious.

Eugene casually explained that she had thrown things away because they were old.

"But those clothes weren't that old, were they?" Tommy's memory was sharp.