Chapter 2 Cheated?

Rachel stared at the message, momentarily stunned. She recognized every word, yet when put together, they formed a truth she simply couldn’t accept—no matter how many times she reread them.

Rachel had met Steven in college. Back then, his pursuit of her had been nothing short of legendary—flowers, breakfast, handwritten notes, and endless small gestures that made her feel chosen. He had followed her everywhere with a sincerity that was impossible to ignore, and eventually, she fell for him. “He always brought her small gifts—stuffed animals, treats, and coffee for her friends. The whole campus knew how much he loved her, how deeply his feelings ran. He was willing to sacrifice everything for her.” “He was willing to give up anything for her. And all these years, his feelings had never wavered. Nancy had been her college roommate for two years, and the two of them had become inseparable friends.”

“She had witnessed the entire romance between Rachel and Steven. Nancy had always looked down on Steven, finding fault with him at every turn. When they got married, Nancy wasn’t the least bit happy for them.”Nancy had tearfully warned Steven to treat Rachel well, or she wouldn’t let him off the hook. Rachel couldn’t understand. How could Nancy—who rarely even saw Steven—act as if she knew him so well? End up in a hotel room together? But she wasn’t naive. This clearly meant Steven was cheating with Nancy. Still, Rachel found it hard to accept that Steven could betray her like this. Had cheated. How could such a perfect husband betray her? Especially with Nancy. Yet the memory of the recent accident on Golden Canopy Road flashed through her mind.

“Her heart raced uncontrollably, as if it were about to leap out of her chest. The text message made the entire afternoon drag on painfully for Rachel. She kept checking her phone over and over, unable to calm herself.” “She kept checking her phone all afternoon, until evening, when Steven finally sent a message: ‘Sorry, Rachel, something came up at work that I need to handle.’”“‘I can’t join you for dinner tonight. Can we watch the movie tomorrow instead?’ Rachel felt uneasy. They had planned to go to a fancy restaurant tonight, and now she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong.”and then see a newly released movie. She had made the restaurant reservation yesterday and bought the movie tickets at the same time, so canceling everything now made her stomach twist with unease.

Suddenly, it felt like a heavy stone was pressing on her chest, making it hard to breathe. She realized that Steven had always been someone who kept his promises, and now the thought that he might be breaking one filled her with dread.

Whenever he made a commitment, he always followed through. But when had it started, this year or last year? Lately, he had begun breaking his promises, offering one excuse after another.

She didn’t reply to Steven’s message, her mind in turmoil until 8:30 PM. Finally, she grabbed her purse and car keys and headed to the Sunbeam Hotel mentioned in the text. At the front desk, she asked the staff for directions and then took the elevator to the 14th floor. At room 1408, she checked the time on her phone, her heart pounding with anticipation.

It was 9:03 PM. Her hand hovered over the doorbell, nerves surging through her body. After a moment, she took a deep breath and calmed herself slightly, steeling her courage before pressing the button. She pressed the doorbell. After about ten seconds, the door opened to reveal a familiar, smiling face—Nancy. Even though she had mentally prepared herself, Rachel felt her stomach twist with surprise and unease. Rachel froze for a moment, the light in her eyes dimming. Compared to Rachel’s calm, Nancy’s initial joy quickly turned into a look of panic. She was wearing…She was wearing a black silk chemise that revealed her neck and collarbones. The dress hinted at her figure without being overly revealing. Her innocent yet charming demeanor made Rachel feel even more uneasy.face had

A touch of makeup highlighted her features, her eyes sparkling with confidence. Even another woman couldn’t help but notice her presence. Nancy covered her chest with one hand, creating a sense of tension in the room. Nancy forced a smile to hide her panic and asked naturally, Rachel, what are you doing here? Rachel didn’t miss any of her subtle expressions, and a chill ran through her body.

Rachel’s heart sank. She clenched her purse tightly, keeping her face composed, and glanced inside the room. Raising an eyebrow, she asked suggestively, What’s going on here?

Nancy’s body stiffened, her lips trembling, eyes darting as she stammered, I-I actually have a boyfriend. A boyfriend? As far as Rachel knew, Nancy had been involved in two previous relationships, making Rachel doubt her words.In college, the last one had lasted nearly three years before ending when the guy moved abroad. They broke up after three months of long distance. Nancy was beautiful and charismatic, which made her relationships almost inevitable.Nancy was beautiful and had many admirers, but she hadn’t dated anyone since then. Rachel always thought Nancy couldn’t get over her ex. As Nancy’s best friend, she could tell that Nancy was lying.

Rachel’s face showed just the right amount of surprise and happiness, When did this happen? You finally moved on? Nancy acted shy and coy, I couldn’t…I couldn’t live in the past forever, so I decided to give it a try. We only made it official recently. I was going to tell you after my vacation. Rachel… Rachel smiled and continued, That’s the right attitude. It’s been so many years; it’s time to let go. Nancy smiled, a hint of doubt flashing across her face. By the way…Rachel, what brings you here? Nancy asked. Rachel ignored her question, curiosity and gossip written all over her face. Where is he? Let me see who managed to win you over! Wearing… Such a silk chemise, you must be planning to impress him! Rachel’s mind raced—she wanted to know if Nancy’s boyfriend was Steven. If he was, how should she face him, and what would she even say?And what should she say? Rachel didn’t dare think any further, her fingertips paling, her heart pounding uncontrollably. Stop it! Nancy playfully swatted at Rachel’s hand, trying to lighten the tension. Rachel’s hand had been tugging at her dress, and Nancy playfully swatted it away, pleading, He’s not here yet. I thought it was him at the door. Oh, Rachel, stop teasing me. Rachel recalled Nancy’s joyful…Rachel recalled Nancy’s joyful expression when she opened the door. It seemed Nancy’s boyfriend really hadn’t arrived yet, leaving Rachel with mixed feelings—a blend of unease and slight relief.

Maybe she wasn’t ready to face the truth. But she still smiled, Alright, I won’t disturb you and your boyfriend. Let’s have dinner together next time.

With that, she turned to leave. Nancy quickly grabbed her, You haven’t told me why you’re here. Rachel paused, knowing her sudden appearance would arouse suspicion. She might as well… She might as well be honest and see Nancy’s reaction. She turned back, hiding the pain in her expression, Catching a cheater. What? Nancy’s pupils contracted. Who’s cheating?

Who else but Steven? Nancy’s face paled, her heart stabbing with fear as she held her breath. Steven with who? Rachel glanced at her, shaking her head, I don’t know. Someone called me after work, saying they saw Steven with a woman entering this hotel’s 14th floor. I knocked on a few doors and even got yelled at.

Nancy followed her subtle gesture toward the neighboring room, relaxing slightly. Angrily, she said, That’s outrageous! I may not like Steven, but he loves you dearly and treats you like a queen. Everyone can see how good he’s been to you. How could he cheat? That person must be lying to stir up trouble between you two. She quickly added, But if he ever dares to betray you, I’ll be the first to deal with him! It’s probably a lie. I’ll have Steven look into it. Rachel smiled,Rachel smiled, hiding a painful coldness in her eyes, with a touch of teasing and ambiguity, I’ll go now. Enjoy yourself. Nancy shyly glared at her, watching as she left, The smile faded from Nancy’s face as she clenched her fists, a storm of emotions brewing inside her.