Chapter 3

Louis's expression froze. He couldn't speak for a long time.

Seeing that he didn't respond, Amanda stepped forward. When she saw Costa, she also froze for a moment.

But the next second, her eyes turned red, and she said to me almost pleadingly, "It's all my fault, Miranda. I shouldn't have said I'd never seen the ocean. Then Louis wouldn't have abandoned you to take me to the Maldives."

"Luckily it rained heavily today and the plane couldn't take off. Tonight, let Louis stay with you. I'll leave right now."

Louis immediately looked distressed. "Amanda, you don't need to leave. This is your home. You can stay as long as you want!"

Normally, I would start fighting with Louis again, demanding to know why he could make decisions about a house that was half mine.

But now, I immediately nodded in agreement.

"That's right, Costa, same for you. This is your home. Stay as long as you want. Don't worry about what anyone else says."

Louis looked at me in disbelief. "Miranda, are you calling me 'anyone else'? Have you forgotten I'm your husband?"

Hearing this, before I could react, Amanda clutched her chest and said softly, "Louis, it hurts."

Louis immediately forgot everything and carried Amanda back to her room.

I also breathed a sigh of relief and quickly ushered Costa off to shower.

Then I found Louis's most expensive silk four-piece bedding set and made up the guest room.

After getting everything ready, I ran back to wait outside the bathroom door.

Costa had sensory integration disorder—I was worried he might have difficulty with something.

While waiting, I happened to run into Louis coming downstairs to get medicine for Amanda.

He looked at me with a cold laugh. "Miranda, you don't need to play nanny to another man just to spite me."

I was about to curse him for his audacity when I heard the bathroom door open.

Louis's eyes widened instantly, his voice rising in disbelief. "Miranda, you actually gave this man my pajamas to wear!"

Costa, fresh from his shower, immediately looked flustered, pressing his lips together. "Miranda, I didn't know these were Louis's clothes. I'll go change back right now."

I quickly grabbed him. "Change what? Your clothes are soaking wet. Just wear these."

Then I turned to scold Louis. "Can you not be so petty? You can't spare a single outfit?"

Louis's chest heaved up and down with anger. "Is this about the clothes? Miranda, do you remember who the man of this house is?"

Just then, Amanda suddenly emerged from her room.

"Louis, what's going on? Why is it taking you so long to get the medicine?"

She was wearing my matching couple's pajamas with Louis, on her hand was the bracelet Louis gave me for my birthday, and in her hair was the Miu Miu clip I'd bought last week.

Louis fell uncharacteristically silent.

He put the medicine in Amanda's hand, and when she tried to make him stay, he said, "You rest first. I still have something to do."

Then he grabbed my arm and dragged me into the bedroom.

He clearly had something to say, but I didn't want to hear it.

I kicked him away and walked out.

Only after I'd completely settled Costa in did I return to the bedroom.

Louis had been waiting for me for a long time.

He sat by the window, surrounded by smoke, the ashtray in front of him full of cigarette butts.

I frowned as I walked over and pushed the window open.

"All you do is smoke. Can't you learn from Costa? He never smokes!"

Louis nearly choked, coughing for a long time before recovering, saying through gritted teeth, "Miranda, is there nothing else you can talk about besides Costa?"

"No. Just like there's nothing you can talk to me about besides Amanda."

Hearing me mention Amanda's name, Louis's expression became impatient again. He was about to say I was being petty when he turned and saw the anniversary cake sitting on the table.

Lonely and forgotten.

Only then did he suddenly remember that today was our five-year wedding anniversary.

Louis's tone softened abruptly.

"Miranda, I'm sorry. I forgot today was our anniversary. I'll make it up to you."

"I've already scheduled Amanda's heart surgery. After she recovers, I'll send her away, okay?"

When Louis turned gentle, his eyes were like a deep pool that could drown a person.

I almost agreed.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door and Costa's voice came through.