Chapter 3The Secret in the Study

During dinner, Arthur mentioned he had a few days off.

And asked if I wanted to go home.

Actually, my plan was to confront Arthur, sign the divorce papers, and then go back.

After my family went bankrupt, my dad's mental health took a hit.

He rented a house back in our hometown, spending his days gardening and growing vegetables.

He gradually recovered.

My dad always thought Arthur and I had a great relationship.

I hadn't told him about the divorce yet.

If I went back with Arthur, the divorce papers would have to wait.

Arthur was waiting for my answer.

I had no choice but to brace myself and force a laugh.

"Sure. If you're not busy, let's go back together."

When we were leaving, Arthur stood at the door, not moving.

I looked at him.

"Did you forget something?"

His gaze fell on my shoulders, obscure and unreadable.

"Put your shawl on properly."

Perhaps realizing his tone was too harsh,

He softened his voice and added:

"It's cold outside."

"..."

After taking a shower, I looked at my discarded clothes in the laundry basket.

I remembered the bra I had recently lost.

It was a low-cut style, trimmed with white lace.

I really liked it.

I wonder where Arthur hid it.

I deliberately left the nightgown I had just taken off on the counter.

Arthur would be borrowing the bathroom again tonight.

If the nightgown disappeared, then I'd have concrete proof.

Sure enough, a little while later, Arthur knocked on the door.

Still wearing that cold, aloof face.

"Sorry, I need to borrow it one more time tonight."

I smiled at him and said generously:

"No problem, go ahead."

Listening to the sound of the water running in the bathroom, every second felt like a year.

I kept staring at the same page of my book without reading a single word.

Finally, Arthur came out.

He looked completely normal and said softly:

"Get some rest soon. Goodnight."

"Mhm. Goodnight."

As soon as he left, I immediately rushed into the bathroom.

Sure enough.

My nightgown.

Was gone.

I was both embarrassed and furious.

I marched angrily to the door of the guest room.

Just as I was about to knock,

I suddenly heard a few suppressed, muffled groans coming through the crack in the door.

Th-this-this...

Is he... right now...?

My face burned searing hot.

Afraid of walking in on something incredibly awkward,

I had no choice but to turn back to my room.

My imagination ran wild all day, resulting in bizarre dreams that night.

In my dream, Arthur was wearing my lingerie.

Asking me if he looked good.

I called him a pervert.

He chuckled, pressed me down, and whispered in my ear:

"Chloe, then you wear it.

"Wear it just for me, okay?"