Chapter 2

My boss's call was to notify us about a dinner gathering tonight.

Thinking about the man at home, I instinctively reached for the wedding ring on my ring finger, only to find it missing.

I was stunned for a moment before remembering what had happened two nights ago with Adrian.

I had taken off my wedding ring and placed it on the bedside table to avoid hurting him during our intimate moment, and I had forgotten to put it back on for the past two days.

As soon as my colleagues received the message from the boss, they all started notifying their families.

After a moment's hesitation, I also walked to the corridor to call Adrian.

As usual, Adrian answered immediately. His voice was low and sexy, with a hint of allure: "Olivia."

My face inexplicably heated up: "Adrian, I have to go out for dinner with my colleagues tonight. I might be home late."

After I finished speaking, the other end of the phone suddenly fell into dead silence. Adrian didn't make a sound; even his breathing seemed to have been cut off.

Sensing something unusual, I called out softly: "Adrian?"

"I'm listening."

Adrian came back to his senses, his voice sounding as if it had been rubbed with sandpaper, the end of his words trembling imperceptibly: "Do you... really have to go?"

I was about to say "yes," but he interrupted me with a trembling voice.

"Will you come back tonight? Olivia, will you... will you come back?"

I nodded in confusion: "Of course I'll come back."

"Really?!"

His volume suddenly increased, then abruptly fell silent. Only erratic breathing could be heard through the receiver.

"No, I... I mean, I'll wait for you to come home. You can come back whenever you want, as long as you come back. I'll always be at home waiting for you..."

I sensed something odd about him, so I added another reminder: "Remember to leave the light on for me."

This time he didn't hesitate, answering promptly as if afraid I might change my mind: "Okay."