Chapter 3

When Marcus dropped me off, we saw Arthur getting out of a car, his arm wrapped around Chloe.

Before I could speak, Arthur frowned and demanded, “Now you’re not only causing trouble at home, but you’re also trying to get back with your ex, trying to make a fool of me?”

Chloe deliberately stroked her belly, looking at me with a smirk.

“Mr. Marcus just gave me a ride. What about you? You brought your mistress directly into our home.”

“Watch your mouth!” Arthur rounded on Marcus. “It’s been five years! Haven’t you given up on my wife yet?”

Marcus and I had long since lost any feelings for each other.

We dated for three months and had thirty arguments. We even had a huge fight on the day we broke up. So, no, we’re not getting back together.

But to provoke Arthur, Marcus deliberately put on a smug face. “You don’t appreciate Avery anyway. What’s wrong with me pursuing her?”

“You wouldn’t dare!”

Arthur was about to confront Marcus further, but Chloe suddenly let out a little gasp. He immediately rushed to her side, anxious. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

“My feet are a little numb, Arthur. Can you carry me inside?”

Arthur didn’t even spare me a glance. He simply scooped Chloe up bridal-style, taking every step with exaggerated care.

That scene couldn't stir my heart anymore; it was already as cold as ashes. Marcus watched, then turned to remind me, “He treats you like this. Don’t you dare go soft on him now.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll stick to our agreement.”

After saying goodbye to Marcus, I walked inside to find the usually high-and-mighty Arthur kneeling before Chloe, massaging her swollen, pregnant calves.

I tried to avoid them, but Arthur called out, “Go prepare lunch for Chloe.”

I smiled, looking at him. “Aren’t you afraid I’ll *add something* to her lunch?”

“Don’t you dare provoke me, or I can’t guarantee what might happen to her in this house.”

With that, I went upstairs to my room. I opened my long-unused laptop. I could still access Arthur Enterprises’ financial data.

I spent the entire afternoon in my room preparing for my collaboration with Marcus. I only snapped back to reality when Chloe’s voice cut through the door. “Avery, come out! My legs are aching a bit. Come massage them for me.”

I didn't respond, so she kept knocking and shouting.

Only when I finally opened the door did she flash a triumphant smile. “Do you think playing dead will work if you don’t answer? You don’t run this house.”

“I’m not Arthur. I won’t indulge a mistress who thinks she can do whatever she pleases.”

“Oh, you’ve got some nerve. You still think Arthur loves you, don’t you?” Chloe suddenly burst out laughing. “Wanna bet?”

The words were barely out of her mouth when Chloe suddenly smashed a vase beside her and flopped backward onto the floor. “Avery! Why did you hit me?!”

Chloe’s trembling, sobbing voice echoed through the house, reaching Arthur, who was working downstairs, and drawing him up.