Once, I Believed We Had Forever
Chapter 3
Diana POV
Juliet's provocations cut my heart like knives, anger surging through my veins, but I didn't want to reply with a single word.
More than that, I wanted to know when Nathan had started his affair.
I clicked on Juliet's social media profile.
Of her posts, eight out of ten subtly showed off their relationship, with Nathan undoubtedly the protagonist.
One image showed a man's slender fingers with the caption:
"These hands don't just flip through documents in court-today they peeled shrimp for me."
Another showed the shadows of a man and woman on the ground:
"He says he doesn't love me, but when he heard I was going on a date, wasn't he the first one here?"
There was even one of a man's back as he worked by a floor-to-ceiling window:
"Men really are most attractive when they're working."
Although none showed a clear face, how could I, so familiar with Nathan, not recognize him?
I forced my trembling fingers to continue scrolling through the history.
I discovered that as early as two years ago, when Nathan went abroad for that sensational international case, Juliet had flown there to see him.
I hadn't imagined they'd been secretly together for so long.
Nathan had witnessed his father's betrayal and his mother's tragedy. He used to be the person most deeply disgusted by marital infidelity.
So I never doubted him in this regard, not wanting to touch his wounds.
How could I have thought that this unconditional trust would blind me for over two years?
A chill spread from inside out, as if I were in an ice cellar.
Nathan, weren't you the person who most hated betrayal?
The next afternoon, Nathan came home.
He entered the villa, closely followed by Juliet in a high-end tailored suit.
Juliet extended her hand graciously. "Ms. Diana, hello."
I froze completely, watching this absurd scene.
Nathan pulled me into the kitchen and explained in a low voice:
"Juliet is the heiress of the Lloyd Group and an important client of mine. I ran into her at the office today."
"She heard you decorated our home with great taste and insisted on visiting. I couldn't refuse."
Looking at his handsome yet hypocritical face, I gradually shifted from shock to a deathly calm.
I said nothing.
My gaze just fell on his still-bare ring finger as I asked knowingly:
"So, did you find the ring?"
Nathan's expression flickered with unnaturalness. "My assistant has been too busy these days and accidentally forgot which safe he put it in. I've asked him to check again."
I nodded, not exposing his lie.
Inwardly, I sneered-he'd never find it again in his lifetime.
"Diana..."
He'd just started to speak when suddenly the frantic barking of our Samoyed came from the living room, followed by Juliet's scream.
"Help!"
"Woof woof!"
"Get away! I don't like dogs! Nathan, save me!"
Hearing the commotion, I was about to step forward when the man in front of me changed expression drastically and rushed out first.
In the living room, the pure white Samoyed was barking frantically at Juliet.
Juliet had fallen to the ground, desperately hitting it with her limited-edition handbag.
"You beast, get away!"
Seeing this, Nathan rushed over and kicked the Samoyed hard, then crouched down to shield Juliet in his arms.
"It's okay now, it's okay."
Juliet looked pale with fright, sobbing as she nestled in his embrace.
"Nathan, I'm so scared. Was that beast trying to bite me..."
"Don't be afraid. I'm here. It can't hurt you."
Following behind, I saw this scene, then looked at Cotton Ball rolling away several times, whimpering pitifully. My mind went blank.
Cotton Ball was usually so gentle-why would it suddenly bark at Juliet?