Chapter 3

I arrived at the hotel at 6 AM, with my marriage certificate and ID.

I placed everything on the service desk.

"Smith is my husband. I need to know which room he booked. If you can't tell me, I'll call the police."

I didn't have the energy to argue with anyone.

I was exhausted, physically and mentally drained!

The front desk person stared for a long time, their expression shifting from surprise to hesitation, then to pity.

"Please wait a moment, I'll check for you right away!"

They quickly gave me the room number and asked if I needed any help.

I smiled, shook my head, gently stroked my swollen belly, and went upstairs.

Smith didn't make me wait long.

I had only been standing outside the door for less than forty minutes when it opened.

Smith stood there, gripping the doorknob.

Behind him, a slender pair of arms wrapped around his waist.

"Smith, thank you for this night. I'll remember it forever..."

Forever what?

Her words were cut short as Smith frantically pushed her away.

He saw me and hurried towards me. But I tilted my head, looking past him.

Clement sat on the floor, her fiery red slip dress unable to conceal her pale legs.

She stared blankly at Smith's back, her eyes filled with sadness and hurt.

"Julian!" Smith's voice trembled when he called my name.

Mine too. My hands, clasped behind my back, wouldn't stop shaking.

I thought I was mentally prepared and could handle this calmly.

But in that moment, I found it hard to even stand upright.

"Where's the car?"

"Underground parking."

"Let's go!"

I braced myself against the wall and turned first.

Smith tried to help me. I growled, "Don't touch me!"

His hand flinched and froze, then he followed close beside me.

Clement caught up with us at that moment.

"Ms. Julian, you really don't have to act this way. There's nothing dirty going on between Smith and me!"

Her tone was neither humble nor arrogant, her face full of stubbornness.

Almost the instant her words fell, I slapped her.

"Smack!"

"Ah!" Clement screamed, "How dare you hit me?"

She raised her hand protectively, wanting to touch Smith's visibly reddened face.

Smith turned away, dodging her touch.

He looked at me pleadingly, "Julian, let's go home!"

Clement clenched her fists, glaring at me fiercely.

"Ms. Julian, if you have a problem, direct it at me. How dare you hit Smith?"

"Stop talking," Smith ordered.

Clement looked at Smith, disbelieving, "I'm helping you!"

"Shut up!" Smith snapped.

He didn't spare Clement a single glance, keeping his eyes fixed on me, and spoke again.

"Julian, let's go home!"