Chapter 2 — My Husband and My Best Friend

We climbed into the vehicle belonging to Forest, while a fresh text message pinged on my phone screen from Leo. He wrote that he had arrived and demanded to know which room we were occupying. Lifting my chin, I gazed out the window. A familiar figure clad in a bright yellow jacket was frantically rushing toward the entrance of the exclusive club, only to be abruptly intercepted and blocked by the security guards stationed outside. Leo looked utterly agitated and furious, his emotions hovering dangerously on the precipice of absolute control. Recognizing the urgency, I quickly tapped out a reply to him. I told him I was terribly sorry, explaining that Vicky had consumed far too much alcohol and that I was escorting her to a nearby hotel to sort things out, instructing him to head directly to the hotel instead. Once the message was sent, I turned my attention back to Forest.

Must the two of you truly persist in this manner, I asked, giving Forest one final opportunity to salvage some dignity. Let us all preserve a shred of decency between us.

Vicky let out a sharp, mocking laugh that cut through the tense atmosphere. If you cannot handle the stakes of the game, then you simply should not play, she sneered. I honestly believed you possessed a far more generous spirit than this.

Forest’s expression darkened visibly, a heavy shadow settling across his features. I have already stated that this would be the final time, he muttered defensively. Besides, do you truly believe you could ever leave me?

I offered a calm, steady response, assuring him that I would cause no further trouble.

From the corner of my eye, I caught the illumination of my phone screen flashing with another incoming message from Leo. The text read that my assistance was appreciated and that he would reach the location in twenty minutes. Forest drove at a reckless speed, cutting through the night, and fifteen minutes later, we pulled up in front of the grand hotel.

We have arrived, Vicky announced with a triumphant smirk. Would you care to ascend with us and take a look? You are even welcome to try on my battle armor. Though, I rather suspect you lack the physical stature to wear it properly.

She leveled another blatant provocation in my direction, her gaze sweeping derisively over my chest. Choosing to ignore her entirely, I kept my eyes fixed steadily on Forest. I intend to wait for you down here in the lobby, I said smoothly. However, the manager of this particular establishment is quite familiar with me. Would you mind if I accompanied you up to the front desk to assist with the check-in procedures?

A flicker of visible irritation crossed Forest’s face at my persistence. You certainly possess the stubborn temperament of a mud statue, he grumbled under his breath.

I offered a melancholic, bitter smile. Who else could possibly love you as deeply and foolishly as I do?

Forest let out a heavy, resigned sigh before giving in. Very well, let us go.

Vicky looked as though she wanted to interject with another caustic remark, but Forest cut her off with a sharp, warning glare. No matter what, One is still my lawful wife, he scolded her quietly. In front of outsiders, I am obligated to maintain a semblance of respect for her.

Vicky stomped her foot in mounting fury, yet she had no choice but to stand by in silence and watch as Forest and I walked together toward the front desk. I accompanied them as far as the elevator doors. The moment the doors slid open, Vicky could no longer contain her eagerness, throwing herself directly into Forest’s arms. I deliberately averted my gaze, letting my features contort into an expression of profound, heartbroken reluctance. The instant I confirmed through the digital display that the elevator had ascended to the seventh floor, I turned on my heel and marched briskly back to the reception desk.

Could you please issue me an additional room key, I inquired politely of the receptionist. My husband went upstairs just a moment ago, but your elevator system requires a key card to access the upper floors.

The receptionist immediately handed over a spare key card without hesitation. At that exact moment, Leo burst through the front entrance, breathing heavily and wiping sweat from his brow. Our eyes met across the lobby. I offered him a gentle, sympathetic smile.

You have finally arrived, I greeted him softly. As it happens, I have just managed to secure a duplicate room key.

I let out a soft, theatrical sigh. Unfortunately, Vicky went upstairs with my husband only moments ago. We should probably head up together.

The color drained from Leo’s face, changing so drastically that the transformation was visible to the naked eye. Are Forest and her the only ones inside that room? he demanded in a strained whisper the moment we stepped into the confines of the elevator.

I feigned absolute ignorance and confusion. Indeed, I replied. Vicky threw a tremendous tantrum and absolutely insisted that Forest accompany her.

Leo’s pupils constricted into pinpricks, and an aura of palpable, freezing malice radiated from his entire body. The elevator chimed softly and the doors slid open. He strode out of the car ahead of me, clutching the room key I had provided earlier in a white-knuckled grip. I trailed slowly behind him, keeping my head bowed as I pretended to search through the contents of my handbag. Not until the distance between us stretched beyond ten meters did I halt my steps and raise my eyes to watch the scene unfold ahead. First came the sharp, electronic click of a door unlocking as Leo swiped the card. Almost immediately, the muffled, ragged sound of heavy breathing drifted out into the hallway. This was followed instantly by a piercing, horrified shriek and a guttural roar of absolute rage.

When I finally hurried forward in simulated panic, a gruesome sight met my eyes. Forest had already sustained a horrific, gaping puncture wound to his abdomen. He was clutching his stomach with both hands as blood gushed profusely between his fingers, stark veins bulging violently across his temples as he reached out a desperate, pleading hand toward the doorway. The moment his gaze locked onto mine, his eyes were filled with an overwhelming, desperate plea for salvation.

One... he gasped weakly.

Yet I merely stared down at him with icy calmness, not making a single movement to help. Not until the last vestige of hope finally flickered out and died within Forest’s eyes did I open my mouth and unleash a shrill, frantic scream for assistance.

Someone, please help! Save him!

My shrill cries acted as a fresh trigger for Leo’s shattered sanity. He lunged back into my field of vision, grabbing Forest by the ankles and dragging his limp, bleeding body backward into the room. From my vantage point in the doorway, I could only watch as a long, grotesque smear of dark crimson was dragged across the pristine flooring. Then came Vicky’s voice, trembling with genuine terror.

Leo, you must calm yourself right now!

Shut your filthy mouth, you deceitful bitch!

A sharp, resounding crack of a hand striking flesh echoed through the suite, and Vicky’s panicked voice was instantly silenced. Following that came another sickening wet sound—the heavy, rhythmic thud of a blade plunging repeatedly into human flesh. I drew in a deep, steady breath, forcing my lungs to endure the overpowering, metallic stench of fresh blood before pulling out my phone to dial the emergency services.

At that moment, Vicky staggered backward out from the inner room. She used one hand to steady herself against the corridor wall, and when she finally lifted her head, her gaze crashed directly into mine. Her eyes widened with absolute, bone-chilling shock as the horrifying truth seemed to dawn on her all at once. She opened her mouth and let out a manic, hysterical shriek.

It was you! she screamed, pointing a trembling finger at me. You were the one who summoned him here, weren't you?

I knitted my brows together in a display of profound displeasure and annoyance. I merely notified him to come here and escort you home, I retorted coldly. After all, he is your lawful husband, is he not?

With that, I deliberately raised my phone higher so she could see the active call screen. I have already contacted the police, I added indifferently.

Oh God! One, please, you must save me!

From deep within the blood-soaked bedroom, I could hear Forest’s agonized gurgles mixed seamlessly with Leo’s unhinged, maniacal roaring.

You wretched bastard, how dare you sleep with my woman! She belongs to me alone! Damn it all, I was willing to commit murder for her, so who the hell do you think you are to touch what is mine? Vicky is mine, and she will forever remain my woman, and no one else's!