Chapter 4

Xavier leaned back in his chair, legs crossed, smoking a cigarette. "Shawn, I know you mean well. But Lily isn't the kind of girl you think she is. She's pure, like a blank sheet of paper."

Whenever he mentioned her, his tone softened unconsciously. But when he spoke of me, it was laced with deep resignation. "I admit Lena is a good woman. But even a goddess grows dull after ten years. I can't get it up for her anymore. All she talks about now is household chores, nagging me—don't eat cold food, don't drink too much, quit smoking. This predictable life feels like stagnant water. I dream of escaping it."

"But Lily is different. She'll play with me on the beach, demand kisses on snowy streets, pull me into puddles when it rains. With her, I'm not Ivy's dad, not Lena's husband, not my parents' son. I'm just Xavier—free to be reckless."

Shawn, hearing this, didn't argue further. He just patted Xavier's shoulder with the wisdom of experience. "But Xavier, you have to be practical. Romance is for dating—marriage is all about the messy details. Mark my words: you'll regret losing Lena."

Xavier irritably stubbed out his cigarette. "Relax. Regret isn't in my vocabulary. All these years, I've been the one earning money, paying for everything Lena wears and eats. Where would she be without me? I haven't treated her badly. Now it's time I live for myself."

Before he finished speaking, I pushed the door open and walked in. The room instantly froze. All eyes darted between me, Xavier, and Lily. I ignored them. Carrying a birthday cake, I walked straight to the guest of honor, Ada. "Happy birthday, darling."

Ada, Shawn's wife, was a bold, straightforward woman. We were close friends. During dinner, she deliberately provoked Lily to defend me. "Hey, new girl, there's a rule in our circle: first-timers at the table toast everyone. Start with Lena."

The air tightened instantly. Everyone stared at Lily. Tonight was the first time I really looked at her: a soft pink dress, hair cascading gently over her shoulders—fragile and innocent.

Lily pinched her wine glass lightly, her voice trembling like a mosquito's hum. "I... I don't drink."

Ada scoffed. "First time's awkward, second time's easy. You've already slept your way into Xavier's bed—we'll be seeing plenty of each other."

Lily's face paled. Biting her lip, tears welled up as if she'd been deeply wronged.

Xavier couldn't stay seated. "Ada, stop bullying her. She's young and shy—not like you. I'll drink for her."

I looked up at Xavier. His eyes flickered away for a second, then met mine with renewed resolve.

"Oh, protecting her already?" Ada slammed her glass on the table with a thud. "Xavier, you're so good at caring for others. How about caring for your own wife?"

His brow furrowed, voice turning icy. "Ada, this is my family matter. Stay out of it."

Shawn tugged at Ada's sleeve under the table, but she shook him off. "Family matter?" Her voice rose sharply. "Defending your mistress in front of everyone is a family matter? Xavier, have you no shame?"

The table fell dead silent. Some pretended to sip their drinks; others stole glances at me, waiting for my reaction. I remained seated, face unreadable.

Lily, though, eyes red and voice choked, stood up. "I'm sorry, Xavier... it's all my fault... I shouldn't have come..."

She ran out, sobbing. Xavier shot me a glare and chased after her.

"Lena, are you okay?" Ada's voice was laced with concern.

I shook my head. "Thank you, Ada."

She sighed, her heart aching for me. "You're always so calm. I would've flipped the table by now."