Chapter 5

Whitney hadn't expected Cody to wake up so suddenly. Before she could come up with something to say, he was already apologizing. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said those things to you yesterday. I know the flowerpot incident wasn't your fault. You were just as much a victim. I was just terrified something might happen to Yvette, and I spoke without thinking. I didn't mean to snap at you. Please don't be upset." Whitney knew that he was just too worried about Yvette to think clearly. She looked away, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. "You don't have to explain. I get it." Seeing that her expression seemed normal, Cody finally let out a breath of relief. "Then who were you on the phone with just now? Where are you going?" he asked. "Not me. A friend of mine is coming over to visit," Whitney lied smoothly. Cody nodded, not suspecting anything. "Your friend should be staying for a month, right? That's perfect. She can keep you company. I'll be flying overseas in five days for an important project. With her around, I'll feel a lot better about leaving." His gaze flickered slightly when he said it, but Whitney caught it. She knew he was lying. Five days later, he wouldn't be flying overseas for work. He would be giving Yvette a grand wedding. Once, there had been a time when they told each other everything. Yet now they stood here, lying to each other. Whitney couldn't help but feel a wave of bitter irony. For some reason, she wanted to laugh. But her smile looked more painful than it would have if she were crying. Cody immediately sensed that something was wrong and rushed to comfort her. "What's wrong? You don't want me to go? But this deal is crucial for the company. I have to go personally. But don't worry. I'll only be gone ten days, max. When I get back, I'll clear my schedule and give you all my time, okay?" Whitney wanted to tell him that she didn't need his time and that he could spend ten days, ten years, or even a lifetime doing whatever he wanted. But before she could get the words out, a nurse appeared and told Cody that Yvette was awake. He didn't hesitate for even a second before he came up with an excuse and left to see her right away. As Whitney watched his retreating figure, she pressed one hand to her aching chest and told herself that this was almost over. Just a little longer, and she wouldn't have to pretend anymore. … When Whitney got home alone, she began packing her things. She didn't want Cody to be able to trace her once she was gone, so she handed off all her valuables to a trusted friend, who would ship them abroad using a private courier flight. On top of that, she wiped all her social media accounts clean and filed for complete account deactivation. Cody came home twice during those days, but he noticed nothing. Both times, he just went straight to the kitchen, made some nutritious meals for Yvette, and then left again. Watching him move around the kitchen, Whitney couldn't help but think back to when she used to be a picky eater in their younger days. He had specially hired a professional chef to teach him how to cook just for her. He had spent weeks adjusting the flavors until they were perfect for her tastes. No matter how exhausted or busy he was, he would always make sure she had three proper meals a day. But ever since Yvette showed up, Cody barely cooked for her anymore. Now, Whitney realized that she hadn't tasted his cooking in nearly six months. And she had long stopped needing his care.