Chapter 3

Emmanuel was worried and rushed over to check on her: “Erin, what's wrong?” I was vomiting violently and couldn't recover for a long time. I didn't understand. Why would Emmanuel, who loved me so much, cheat on me? Wasn't he afraid I would find out? Or did he think he was being discreet enough to keep it a secret from me forever? The evening breeze cleared my mind. Emmanuel asked her, “Are you okay, Erin? If you’re not feeling well, I’ll take you to the hospital right now.” “No, I probably just ate something bad for dinner.” “Then come to the office tomorrow and we’ll eat together.” I scoffed. Go to the office to watch you and Janet getting intimate in the office? I suddenly felt like playing a prank. “Sure, I’ll come to the office with you tomorrow morning, accompany you at work, have lunch together, and then we’ll go home together in the evening.” Emmanuel hadn’t expected me to agree, and his expression grew strained: “But I’ve been pretty busy lately, so I might not be able to stay with you the whole time.” “You go ahead with your work; I’ll wait for you in your office.” “...Alright then.” Back at home, Emmanuel offered to run a bath for me, went into the bathroom, but unusually closed the door. I went downstairs and sat back in the car. After starting the car, the latest chat history appeared on the screen immediately. Emmanuel: The situation has changed; we can’t be in the office tomorrow. Little Greedy Cat Janet: Ah, a bit disappointing. Emmanuel: Don't be disappointed, little naughty cat. Big brother will take you to the rooftop to do it, which will be even more exciting. Little Greedy Cat Janet: Hehehe, big brother is the best. When I returned to the bedroom, Emmanuel had just come out of the bathroom: “Erin, the bathwater is ready. Why don't you take a bath first?” “No, I want to rest.” "Alright, go to sleep if you're tired. By the way, can I open the gift you left on the table now?" I said, “Wait a week before opening it.” “Why wait a week? I want to see what my Erin prepared for me right now.” “Because...” Because in a week, I'll be leaving you forever. “Because in a week, this gift will finally make sense.” Emmanuel gently kissed her forehead: “Alright, I'll listen to you.” The next morning, Emmanuel's phone started ringing around six o'clock. He turned it off and hugged me: “Ignore it, let's sleep a little longer.” But the phone kept ringing insistently. Emmanuel frowned irritably: It's not even time to go to work yet, and they're already nagging me this early in the morning. I'll eventually fire these useless executives." He turned it off again. When the phone rang for the third time, Emmanuel got out of bed angrily, “Erin, you sleep a little longer. I'll go ask them what's so urgent that they need to find me.” I softly said, “Hmm.” I turned around and faced away from him. Emmanuel left the bedroom with his phone. But soon, his figure appeared outside the front door on the first floor. There was a delivery guy in a yellow uniform standing outside, handing him a package. Emmanuel took it, but when he came back, his hands were empty. I asked him, “Is something serious happening at work?” Emmanuel said, “It's okay, don't worry. Just rest, I'll make you breakfast.” Whether out of guilt or genuine concern that I might have eaten something bad, Emmanuel prepared a very generous breakfast. Milk, eggs, bread, jam, and my favorite oatmeal porridge. “You can’t just eat anything anymore. I’ll find you an auntie to come to the house every day and cook for you.” “No need.” “Be a good girl, Erin. You have to listen. Otherwise, I won’t feel at ease when I go to work.” “ Emmanuel, can I ask you a question?" “Go ahead.” I put down my knife and fork and asked calmly, “Do you think the seven-year itch is a valid concept?” Emmanuel immediately wore a look of disgust: “That's just an excuse for other men to cheat. I'm different. I'll only love our Erin for the rest of my life.” “Only love me for the rest of your life?” "Yes. " “What if you fall in love with another woman?” “Then may I be struck by lightning and die a horrible death.” I scoffed, “Such a heavy oath—aren't you afraid it might come true?” “I'm telling the truth. Why should I be afraid?” I picked up my knife and fork again and spread jam on the bread. Emmanuel said, “Erin, you have to believe me.” I just said, “Let's eat.” “You still don't trust me? Do I have to cut open my heart for you to see before you'll believe me?” “There are people waiting for you at the office. Don't be late.” Emmanuel finally relaxed and sat down across from her: “Let them wait a little longer. They're a bunch of useless people. I'll fire them sooner or later.” “Fire her? Could you bear to do that?” I said “her,” not “them.” I didn't know if Emmanuel had noticed or not, but I heard him say, “Besides you, there's nothing I'm willing to part with.”