Part 2After My Husband Fell In Love with His First Love's Substitute

I'd been married to Elliott for five years.

Our relationship, while not characterized by the fiery passion of a romance novel, had been one of mutual respect and companionship.

I thought we'd continue on this steady path for the rest of our lives until two months ago when Elliott returned from a conference with a time traveler named Rachel.

Rachel was petite and delicate.

I first met her while bringing Elliott lunch.

Elliott, a notorious workaholic, often neglected his health, so I had prepared a special meal to ensure he ate properly.

As I passed through the lobby of the research institute, I overheard a conversation.

"Professor Wellington seems to be incredibly attentive to Rachel. I've never seen him speak so gently to a woman. Does he really intend to send her off to the lab for research?"

"Exactly, and even if it's to make her cooperate with the research on her time-travel origins, Rachel always gazes at him so adoringly. She only wants to stay by his side. It's hard to believe there's nothing more to it."

"I heard she looks exactly like his first love."

A chill ran down my spine, and I tightened my grip on the lunchbox.

I wanted to hear more, but another girl noticed me and nudged her friend. They both gave me awkward smiles and quickly said hello.

I pretended not to hear and turned away.

As I approached the office, I saw through the glass door a woman in a plain dress clinging to Elliott, her body language full of distress.

"Are they trying to lock me in that little room? I'm scared."

Elliott gently patted her back. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one will hurt you."

"Really?"

The woman suddenly pulled away, tears welling in her eyes.

Elliott reached up and gently wiped away her tears, nodding reassuringly.

If I hadn't witnessed it myself, I would never have believed that someone as aloof as Elliott could be so tender with another woman.

My grip on the lunchbox faltered, and it dropped, spilling food everywhere with a clatter, shattering the tender scene.

Rachel, startled by my presence, darted behind Elliott like a frightened deer.

Elliott glanced at me, his expression cold as he kept Rachel shielded behind him.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice lacking warmth.

The defensive posture made my eyes sting.

Before I could respond, a man from the lab emerged, saying, "Professor, everything is ready inside."

He then glanced at Rachel.

She paled, gripping Elliott tightly with a look of panic.

"No… please, you promised you'd protect me…"

Elliott's face softened with sympathy.

He looked at the man and said, "Let's put it off for today. She's not in the right state of mind."

The man's urgency was evident. "But we've prepared for so long..."

Under Elliott's icy glare, the man's protest faded, and he left with visible disappointment.

Elliott shot me a final glance.

"I've got things to handle. You should head home for now."

Without a word, he turned and scooped Rachel up in his arms, leaving me in stunned silence.

His eyes didn't even linger on me for a second as he walked away without a hint of remorse.

He strode out with purpose, carelessly stepping on the meticulously prepared lunch I had brought him, crushing it underfoot.

I felt my heart ache; all the effort I had put in that morning was suddenly in ruins.

That evening, when we returned home, Elliott explained himself with a calm demeanor, "It's just work-related. I'm looking out for her, that's all. Don't read too much into it."

Was it really just about work? A seed of doubt took root in my mind, but I kept my mouth shut.