Before marriage, I had no idea he’d always had Valerie in his heart because he’d treated me with such care and concern. However, as soon as Valerie graduated and returned to the country, everything had changed. 

It turned out she was the one he’d always loved. 

… 

Chuck only came home the next day. He had a broad smile on his face but dropped it when he saw me. I sat on the couch in the living room while sipping a glass of water and staring at a painting. I couldn’t help finding the situation ironic. 

“You spent the night at Valerie’s place, right?” I asked calmly. I wanted to see whether he would be honest with me. 

He put his car keys down and sat beside me. “So what if I did? It’s not like anything happened. Val’s just returned to the country, so she’s not used to things here. I’m like her brother—it’s only right for me to care for her.