Part 3The Perfect Affair, the Perfect Trap

Over the next few days, I behaved exceptionally docilely.

I went to work as usual, came home, and cooked dinner. I expressed understanding for Liam's late returns, and even gently told him to take care of himself when he claimed he had company meetings and couldn't come home for dinner.

Liam clearly relished this situation.

He boasted on the forum: "My wife has been especially understanding lately. It seems my strategy is working. As long as I don't show any flaws, she'll always be that happy little fool. Tonight, I plan to try out the new projector in 801. It's the same model as the one downstairs, so I won't even need to adjust to a different remote."

Friday evening.

I purposely bought a bouquet of fresh flowers and came home early.

As I entered, Liam was on the balcony talking on the phone. Seeing me, he hung up in a hurry and came to greet me.

"Honey, why are you home so early today?"

"It's the fifth anniversary of us meeting, darling, did you forget?" I smiled, handing him the flowers.

Liam paused, clearly having forgotten.

All his brain cells were tied up juggling two women; he had no time for such dates.

But he reacted quickly, immediately slapping his forehead. "Oh, my mind! Of course I remember! I was just about to surprise you!"

"Really? What surprise?"

"Um... actually, I ordered a cake, it'll be delivered soon." He bluffed.

I sneered inwardly. That cake, I bet it was for Chloe Sterling upstairs, wasn't it?

"That's wonderful," I linked my arm through his. "By the way, darling, I wanted to discuss something with you."

"What is it?"

"My mom hasn't been feeling well lately and wants to come to the city for a check-up. I was thinking our apartment, although it's two bedrooms, the second bedroom is too small, and Mom wouldn't be comfortable. I saw Apartment 801 upstairs seems to be empty. How about we ask if we can rent it for a few days?"

Liam's face instantly stiffened.

"That... that's not necessary, is it?" he stammered. "Your mom can just stay with us, we'll make do. Besides, it's such a hassle to rent someone's apartment, and... and 801 is occupied."

"Occupied? Didn't you say last time they just moved in and you weren't familiar with them?"

"Ah... yes, it's precisely because we're not familiar that it's awkward to ask." Cold sweat beaded on Liam's forehead. "Honey, why are you suddenly so interested in the upstairs apartment?"

"I'm just thinking about Mom." I released his arm and turned to the kitchen for plates and utensils. "Fine, then Mom can stay in the second bedroom. But..."

"But I think our apartment's decor is a bit outdated. You know, I wonder if 801 is decorated better. I really want to go up and see."

"Clang!"

Liam's phone slipped from his hand and fell to the floor.

"Honey, you... what are you talking about?" He bent to pick up his phone, his hand trembling violently.

"Nothing, just an observation." I smiled. "Let's eat."

Liam picked at his food, barely tasting it.

He frequently checked his phone, his eyes darting around.

I knew he was messaging Chloe, telling her to be quiet tonight, to make absolutely no noise.

But what he didn't know was.

I had already contacted my family.

My dad, a retired military man, with a fiery temper.

My brother, a fitness trainer, who could knock out an ox with one punch.

And my best friend, a famous relationship blogger in the city, specializing in catching cheaters live, with five million followers.

I told Liam I'd be going to a neighboring city for a two-day business trip tomorrow, attending a closed training session.

The joy in Liam's eyes almost overflowed, but he still feigned concern, holding me: "Honey, I'll miss you. Be careful while you're away."

Don't worry, I'll certainly give you a weekend you won't forget.