Chapter 2

It was late, but when I called my buddies, they still eagerly came out.

We grabbed some beers and late-night street food, and they grumbled that ever since I got married, I'd been so wrapped up in my wife and kid that I'd practically forgotten them.

The alcohol dulled my brain, and the days of chatting with my friends in the college dorm felt like yesterday.

Thinking back, I'd given up so much for Ava and Leo. It really wasn't worth it.

After saying goodbye to my friends, I checked my phone. There were countless missed calls and messages.

I was about to dismiss them, but among Ava's many messages, I saw one from Ryan.

"I'm so sorry, Liam. Ava and I really don't have that kind of relationship. I was just feeling down yesterday and wanted Ava and Leo to cheer me up. I completely forgot it was your birthday. I'm truly sorry!"

I'd had too much to drink. Maybe it was that text that disgusted me, because I stumbled to the roadside and started violently throwing up.

After a while, I replied, "It's fine. I don't care."

It showed 'typing,' but no new message appeared for a long time, so I headed home.

The house was a mess, even worse than when I'd left.

I pretended not to notice and was about to go into the bathroom to wash up when Ava walked out. Seeing me reeking of alcohol, she frowned.

"Finally decided to come back? Why did you drink so much? Clean this up, then go shower and sleep."

"Whoever made the mess should clean it up."

I collapsed onto the sofa, feeling drowsy. Suddenly, something poked my butt. It was Ava's phone, unlocked, displaying her chat history with Ryan.

"Ava, you and Leo spending time with me upset Liam. It's all my fault for being so thoughtless. Maybe we should see each other less from now on."

"Don't say that. He's just narrow-minded and can't stand it. Birthdays come every year; we can always celebrate it again later, right? Who knew he'd throw such a fit? He's just getting worse with age."

"Ava, don't talk like that. Liam has every right to be angry. Don't let it bother you too much; you'll make yourself sick."

"Hmm, thanks for your concern. If only Liam were half as understanding as you."

Ava rushed over and snatched the phone back, yelling furiously, "Why do you always snoop through other people's privacy? I told you, there's nothing going on between us!"

"Whatever. I'm going to rest."

My demeanor left her speechless. She opened her mouth as if to say something but held back.

Suddenly, she remembered the robot she'd given me and exclaimed, "Perfect! This guy can come in handy. Let me show you how to use it."

Hearing that, I opened my eyes and stared at Ava coldly.

She prattled on, introducing how to turn the robot on and off, completely oblivious to the shift in my gaze.

"Ava, have you forgotten? This model of robot? I was part of its development team."

That sentence froze Ava in her tracks.

Then, she glanced at the model number on the robot's back and gave me an awkward smile.

"Oh, right. Well, then I don't need to teach you. That's good."

Ava and I had both been R&D staff at the same tech company. But no one could help us with childcare, so I quit my job to stay home and raise Leo.

Now, I regretted every single thing I'd given up for my family.

We sat in silence, the only sound in the room the whirring of the robot vacuum.

"You should go to bed. I'll just sleep on the couch."

With that, I closed my eyes.

"Oh, I'm working late tomorrow night, so I won't be back..."

"Got it," I replied, a hint of impatience in my voice.