Part 3Love Rotting in Memory

"So sorry, something came up. Let's do this another time."

Chloe quickly apologized and had Spencer send his friends away.

Once everyone was gone, she followed me into the restaurant and sat down opposite me, explaining:

"Honey, don't misunderstand. I was thinking about how you were wronged today, so I wanted to buy you some new clothes to make up for it."

"I was worried I’d pick something you wouldn’t like, so I asked Spencer to help me choose."

Saying this, she handed me the bag she was holding.

"Didn’t you say your clothes were too low quality? See, I bought you something nice."

I opened it and looked at the tag. Over $1,500. Expensive, indeed.

But it wasn’t my size.

A men’s small. Only someone with Spencer’s lanky build could fit into it.

This was clearly bought for Spencer.

She buys me $9.99 T-shirts but shells out over a grand for Spencer. What a great wife.

I couldn't be bothered with her and called the waiter to order.

Chloe interjected, "Let me handle small things like this."

She rattled off a list of dishes, all my favorites.

Then she came behind me, massaging my shoulders, gently pouring me wine.

She even blew on a piece of freshly cooked pork belly to cool it before placing it in my bowl.

The waiter serving us remarked, "Your wife is so thoughtful."

But I just found it laughable.

It was only when I closed a big deal, or when she needed something from me, that I received this kind of meticulous care.

I used to find this public-private contrast of hers rather charming, quite interesting.

But thinking about it now, she was just incredibly utilitarian.

Perhaps she never loved me at all. She was with me only for what I could provide.

I opened my mouth, "Chloe, we..."

The word "divorce" was still on my lips when she stuffed a piece of cantaloupe into my mouth.

"This melon is so sweet, you have to try it."

Spencer, waiting on the side, was getting antsy. He kept making faces at Chloe.

"Chloe, isn't there something you forgot to say?"

Chloe paused, her tone softening even more.

"Honey, you've been so tired lately. It's time for you to take a break. While you're resting, let Spencer handle your clients."

"Don't worry, the commission will still be yours. You won't lose out."

I put down my chopsticks.

Sure enough, when someone's too nice for no reason, they're usually up to no good.

I knew it. Every bit of kindness she showed me came with strings attached.

Seeing my expression darken, Chloe meekly peeled an orange for me, coaxing,

"As a senior employee, you should also give the newcomers a chance to learn and grow, right?"

I sneered, "Sure."

Chloe was overjoyed, thinking I’d agreed.

I spread my hands. "Once I resign, all my clients will be his anyway."

With that, I immediately typed up my resignation announcement and posted it on my professional networking site.

Less than ten seconds after I posted it, my phone started buzzing like crazy.