Chapter 3

Adam and I met through an arranged introduction. He claimed it was love at first sight, showering me with meticulous attention, so I agreed to marry him.

But gradually, I started to realize he was keeping things from me.

Though we lived separately before the wedding, he often stayed out all night, claiming to be with friends. Yet, I'd always hear women's voices in the background when I called. When I pressed him, he'd impatiently hang up.

My doubts really solidified when I once caught him drunk and passionately kissing another woman at a party.

Afterward, he claimed it was just a drunken mistake, but I wasn't convinced.

However, just as I was reconsidering everything, my mom was hospitalized. She feared she didn't have much time left, and her greatest wish was to see me married. I couldn't bear to disappoint her, so the wedding proceeded as planned.

Before the wedding, I had told Adam clearly: whatever his past, there would be no betrayal after we were married.

But I never imagined he'd invite all his ex-girlfriends to the wedding.

It was then I truly understood just how extensive his romantic history was.

After getting home last night, I had a friend dig into his past. The results were damning: he had been intimate and lived with every single one of his ex-girlfriends.

His parents had told me he was always working out of town, had a few relationships, but was fundamentally a good person.

Putting myself in his shoes, I couldn't accept this.

And he, thinking he had me wrapped around his finger, actually planned to have his ex-girlfriend move in with us.

It was utterly ridiculous!

Now, I stood blocking the master bedroom door, calmly staring at Adam.

"Adam, I do love you, but I won't tolerate betrayal."

"Since you've chosen this path, I have only one condition: divorce, and you return all the wedding funds."

He had been short on money for the house, so my mom, wanting my happiness, took out all her savings to give me a sense of security.

Hearing this, Adam's face flushed with fury.

"Lily, are you crazy? I told you, nothing happened with them last night!"

"And you have the nerve to ask for your wedding funds back? We're already married. Even if we divorce, I'm not giving you a cent. This would be you breaking off the marriage!"

"It was just a few wedding pranks! Are you really going to be such a sore loser about it?!"

I kept my face cold. "If you won't agree to those terms, then she needs to leave. Then you sign an agreement that if you ever betray me again, you'll pay double the compensation."

Chloe stepped forward, explaining quickly, "Lily, you can yell at me all you want, but please don't insult Adam. And I'm only staying for two days. Nothing's going to happen with Adam. Are you really that insecure?"

Adam, seeing me so angry for the first time, looked annoyed.

"Honestly, you're so petty! What's so special about the master bedroom? I'll let Chloe stay in the guest room, is that good enough?"

"I can't stand small-minded people like you. I never noticed it before."

He turned to Chloe. "Chloe, it looks like you'll have to rough it a bit."

Chloe looked completely understanding. "Adam, it's okay. As long as you two don't fight, that's all that matters."

Adam looked at me with disgust. "Are you happy now?! All this fuss just because you can't stand me being around Chloe!"

"Look at Chloe. If only you had half her compassion."

With that, he walked into the bedroom and slammed the door shut.

I felt a challenging gaze on me. Looking towards the guest room, I saw Chloe watching me with a smug, knowing smile.

That witch!

I started to step towards her.

But then, my mom, still in the ICU, called me on FaceTime.

"Lily, I couldn't make it to your wedding. How was your first day as a newlywed? Where's Adam?"

I couldn't bear to upset my mom, so I took the FaceTime call into the bedroom.

Adam, seeing me enter, sneered dismissively.

"Just a minute ago, she was insisting on a divorce, but as soon as Chloe moved to the guest room, she came running back. Always so jealous. It's so exhausting."

My mom didn't quite catch what he said, only assuming it was a normal spat, and urged us to keep the peace.

Adam forced a fake smile and called her "Mom." I quickly made an excuse and hung up.

Not long after, he left, claiming he was taking Chloe out to clear her head.

I watched them go, a cold glint in my eyes.

If he wanted to play these games, he shouldn't blame me for being ruthless.