Chapter 5
In the dead of night, I slept heavily yet restlessly, burning up as I kicked off the covers. My hand brushed against a sudden coolness, and I instinctively sought it out, craving more of its relief.
To my surprise, that coolness moved closer on its own, enveloping me completely. I couldn’t help but cry out.
Sweat soaked the sheets as waves of physical pain and strange pleasure washed over me, wave after wave, until dawn gradually broke.
When I opened my eyes again, an unfamiliar face greeted me. I gasped.
But then, from the sofa across the room, came the voice I knew best-
“Honey, how are you?
Feeling better?
I told you your physical needs had to be addressed. Pity I promised Deborah I wouldn’t touch any other woman these six months—including you.”
My whole body trembled uncontrollably. Tears streamed down as I clenched my fists. “You drugged me?”
Victor sighed softly. “Just something to set the mood. Harmless-I checked.
Besides, Deborah and I use it often. She never had issues. She says your mood swings come from unmet physical needs causing hormonal imbalance.”
I still looked at him in disbelief. “Do you really not care about my feelings at all? Even if I sleep with another man, you’d remain completely indifferent?”
I searched his expression for any flicker of emotion.
Victor pulled me into an embrace, his eyes filled with affection that only tasted like bitter irony to me.
“It’s fine, honey. We have an open marriage-just fun and games. As long as we love each other most, we’ll always come home.”
Raised abroad, I knew he had liberal views-but never imagined this twisted version!
Open marriage? Just excuses for his wandering eye!
Dragging me into hell for his pleasure and control.
I laughed at his face until my eyes burned crimson, heavy as if weighed down by lead.
Layer upon layer of disappointment piled up, hardening into irreversible despair.
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07:42
Chapter 5
I numbly gazed out the window.
“Honey, our home’s been deep-cleaned! All furniture replaced! Move back once you’re discharged!”
“I’m sorry about Grandma’s painting-experts are working on it!”
288 Vouchers
“Deborah’s parents relapsed after the shock and can’t visit to apologize. You’re always gracious-you won’t hold it against them, right?
So I forgave them for you. Let’s move past this.”
“I know you’re upset. Deborah agreed I’ll stay home with you these days, as long as I—”
“Who said anything about going home?”
I cut him off.
He stared, bewildered. “Not home? Staying at the hospital?”
I turned toward the man hidden under the covers who’d listened to this whole spectacle.
Pointing slowly at him, I locked eyes with Victor, my gaze full of sarcasm. “I’m moving in with him!”
Victor stood frozen, unable to react.
My eyes were lifeless, yet I curled my lips. “I wasn’t done last night. Want to keep watching me with him?”
Victor’s face turned uncharacteristically grim.
He remained rooted, lips trembling slightly without uttering a word.
Since he stayed, I ignored him.
Turning, I flung the covers aside and stared blankly into the man’s eyes. Cupping his chin, I kissed him deeply—un- like yesterday’s half-heartedness, I earnestly savored another man’s taste, someone not Victor.
