Chapter 1 Events that unfolded

Stella woke up to find that her husband was not at her bedside. She walked outside, hoping to find him there.

But what did she hear? The sighs and moans of a woman having sex.

"Come on, baby. Harder. Faster!"

Stella peeked through the crack in the open door and saw her husband upstairs, naked.

"You're enjoying it, sighing like that. I like the sound of your voice," he said, dropping a vase of flowers.

Prak

"Did you hear that?"

Not wanting her whereabouts to be known, Stella hurried back to the room.

As the night wore on, Stella, who was having trouble sleeping, opened her eyes again when her husband embraced her with his burly arms.

His hugs used to make her feel comfortable, but now she felt disgusted, especially considering the woman's passionate sighs.

"I'm going to take a shower!" Stella said, getting up from the bed.

Jenson stared in surprise. "Shower?" You're set... Are you crying?" he asked, noticing her puffy face. "Did something bad happen to you?" He asked again.

"No, I just miss my mom and dad." She answered briefly.

"Oh, really? Then let's visit your parents' graves. I'll take you, dear."

Stella stood still. Her mind was still filled with the events of last night. Jason's actions left her feeling disappointed and hurt. She didn't want to talk much, let alone spend time with her husband.

"I want to go alone. You don't need to accompany me," she replied briefly before going into the bathroom to get ready.

For the first time in months, Stella joined the family for breakfast that morning after being busy with work. She sat across from Jason at the dining table.

"Mom, are we finally having breakfast together?" Rafael exclaimed happily.

"Of course, dear. From now on, I'll make time to eat with you," she replied with a smile that seemed bitter. Her gaze shifted to Jason, cold and hard to interpret.

"That's a good decision, dear. You should really put your family before your projects," said Jason, trying to sound wise.

Stella took a slice of bread, spread peanut butter on it, and gave it to Rafael.

"Mom, I don't like peanut butter. I like Aunt Mary's chocolate bread!" he protested, crossing his arms over his chest.

Stella was surprised. Rafael usually liked peanut butter. Now, however, he was mentioning the chocolate jam that she had always forbidden.

"Rafael, your tooth is hurting. Didn't Mom tell you not to eat chocolate?"

"But Dad and Aunt Mary allow it. They don't get angry like Mom," Rafael replied sullenly.

Just then, Mary emerged from the kitchen carrying a plate of chocolate bread and a glass of milk. She was so striking that Jason couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Young Master, here's your breakfast," she said softly, placing the tray in front of Rafael. She stroked the boy's head attentively.

"Your nutritional intake is important, so eat plenty."

"Thank you, Aunt Mary!" Rafael replied happily.

"Of course, young master. Excuse me," Mary said as she returned to the kitchen. Aunt Mary returned to the kitchen.

Stella couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Her husband was obsessed with Mary, and her son preferred her cooking.

"That maid has taken everything away from me," Stella muttered, clenching her fists.

"Today, I'll take Rafael. You can go straight to the office, Jason," she said coldly as she stood up to go get the car keys.

"Whatever. If that's what you want," Jason replied, continuing his breakfast.

In the hallway leading to the kitchen, Stella saw Mary clearing the dishes. She approached her immediately, her face flushed with anger.

"Pack your things right now! I never want to see you in this house again!"

Mary turned her head as if surprised. But her voice remained soft.

"Madam, what do you mean? Is this a joke?"

"Don't pretend anymore! I know who you really are. Your sweet attitude is disgusting!" Stella snapped.

Mary looked sad and slowly grabbed Stella's hand, but she immediately brushed it away.

"What did I do wrong? Why did you kick me out?" Mary asked in a trembling voice.

"Don't play innocent! I've had enough. It turns out that I keep poisonous snakes in this house. Get out before I lose all control!"

Mary was silent for a moment. Then, she smiled. It was a cynical smile that made Stella's blood boil.

"So, you know everything already?" Mary said quietly but defiantly.

She stepped slowly closer to Stella and said in a dismissive voice,

"Good. Jason and I have been together for eight years. He prefers my sexy body to your fat self. To him, I'm the real wife-not you."