Chapter 5

Lucia's POV

After leaving the hospital, I went straight back to the office.

After the morning meeting, I received another assignment for an out-of-town business trip.

This time, I still didn't notify Holden.

I worked around the clock at the project site for a week, barely touching the ground.

During that time, Holden sent me a few texts asking when I'd come back to cook and where I was.

I didn't reply to any of them.

Not until the day I was heading back. I was waiting for my flight at the gate.

Bored, I scrolled through Ins.

The first post was from Vivienne.

The image was a mirror selfie.

In the photo, Vivienne wore an extremely thin lace dress, almost transparent.

Holden stood behind her, holding a measuring tape, concentrating on measuring her waist.

Their posture was suggestive, looking almost like he was embracing her from behind.

The caption read: "Holden's hand just recovered and he can't wait to take my measurements. Is this what it means to be someone's exclusive muse?"

The comments below were full of envy, all praising how perfect they looked together, with some even asking when they'd get married.

Holden had replied with a heart emoji.

Looking at this photo, I just found it funny.

In the past, seeing something like this would have made me shake with anger. I'd screenshot it and send it to Holden demanding an explanation.

But now, I just thought the dress cut made her hips look wide.

My finger tapped the screen.

I casually liked the Ins post.

Then I closed my phone and boarded the plane to sleep.

The plane landed in the evening.

As soon as I turned on my phone, Holden's call came through.

I answered, and before I could speak, his voice came through suppressing rage.

"Lucia, what's the meaning of that like?"

"What meaning?"

I dragged my suitcase out while asking carelessly.

"Vivienne's Ins post!"

Holden's tone was agitated.

"Did you do it on purpose? Liking it to pretend you don't care when you're actually angry inside? Using this method to get my attention?"

I paused, almost laughing in exasperation.

This man's self-confidence was truly in his bones.

"You're overthinking."

I said flatly.

"The photo was nice, the dress was good, so I casually liked it. What, do you want to control other people's freedom to like posts too?"

Silence on the other end for a few seconds.

"Where are you?"

He changed the subject, his tone slightly softer.

"My hand is healed. I want soup tonight. When are you coming back?"

Soup again.

Did he think that as long as he asked, I had to make it for him?

"I'm at the airport. Just got back from a business trip."

"Business trip?"

Holden's voice rose sharply.

"You went on another business trip? Where? With whom? Why didn't you report it?"

I frowned and held the phone away a bit.

"Holden, remember when we got back together we agreed not to interfere with each other? I'm very busy. I don't have time to report my itinerary to you."

"If you're that bored, go take measurements with Vivienne. Don't bother me."

With that, I hung up directly.

I got home late at night.

As soon as I entered, the house was dark with no lights on.

I'd just changed my shoes when someone grabbed me from behind.

My nose filled with a strong smell of tobacco.

I frowned.

I hated the smell of smoke. Holden used to go to the balcony to smoke for my sake, or let the smell dissipate before coming inside.

But now, he reeked of smoke.

"Lucia..."

He buried his head in the crook of my neck, his voice muffled.

"You're finally back. I missed you."

As he spoke, he turned my body around and lowered his head to kiss me.

His movements were urgent and rough.

I felt nauseated and shoved him away hard.

"Click."

I turned on the entryway light.

The sudden brightness made Holden squint.

He looked at me, his face dark, his eyes carrying both shock at being pushed away and anger.

"Lucia, what's your problem?"

He wiped his lips, dissatisfied.

"We're husband and wife. Being intimate is normal. Why are you so resistant?"

I looked at him coldly.

"Holden, go shower. You reek of smoke and that cheap perfume."

"It's disgusting."