Chapter 3
When Balfour came home, he’d already showered.
He found Lynne still asleep, so he leaned in, intending to kiss her. But as soon as he got close, the sharp, overpowering scent of his cologne made Lynne sneeze–hard. One sneeze turned into another, and soon she was gasping, clutching her nose, trying to catch her breath.-
Balfour’s brow furrowed. He quickly straightened and hurried to open a window.
“Sorry, I forgot you’re allergic. I’ll go shower again.”
By the time he emerged, Lynne was already in the living room.
He glanced at the bare dining table, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “No breakfast today?“M
Lynne’s eyes were downcast, her expression unreadable. “Didn’t you already eat?“M
Balfour stared at her, momentarily thrown.
Lynne’s voice was calm, almost detached as she explained, “You posted on your social media last night. Changed your profile picture too.”
Balfour frowned, pulling out his phone. The posts were there, all right–Cynthia had used his phone to share photos, even swapped in a matching couple’s profile picture.N
He shoved his phone back into his pocket, forcing a smile. “My secretary’s kid was at the office yesterday. Must’ve been him, playing around.”
Lynne felt something inside her plummet, her hands turning cold. She stood frozen where she was.
This was the second time Balfour had lied to her.N
While she was still lost in thought, Balfour reappeared, suitcase in tow.
“Sweetheart, I have to head out of town for work. Your birthday’s coming up soon–just wait, I have a surprise planned for you!”
Lynne didn’t answer, just stared at the suitcase, her gaze laced with silent ridicule.N
Something about her silence made Balfour tense up, but before he could say anything, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at the caller ID, shot another look at Lynne–she wasn’t paying him any attention–then retreated to the bedroom to take the call.
Lynne heard the door lock click shut. Slowly, she bent down, unzipped his suitcase, and searched the lining. Inside, she found two unopened boxes of condoms.
Her hands stiffened. She put the suitcase back exactly as she’d found it, a bitter smile twisting her lips.
It was just like last time. After that one party, Balfour had suddenly started taking business trips more and more often.”
Back then, she’d been worried he’d burn himself out, so she’d made nourishing soups for him, trying every way she could to take care of him. Now, looking back, she realized what a fool she’d been.
After Balfour left, Lynne went out too. She had to ship her studio’s things ahead before moving abroad.M
By the time she finished, night had already fallen. Exhausted, she’d barely locked her door when her phone rang–it was the police.
When she rushed over, Balfour was in the middle of raising his fist, ready to punch a man across from him. A woman, mascara streaked down her face, was clutching Balfour, sobbing.
“Balfour, don’t!”
Balfour’s eyes were bloodshot, wild—he looked like a lion about to tear someone apart.
The other man sneered, ducking behind an officer. “So that’s where your new confidence comes from–you found yourself a rich boyfriend.”
“Mr. Tobin, you’re putting us in a tough spot,” one of the officers warned.
But Balfour wouldn’t listen to anyone. He was hell–bent on beating the guy to a pulp.
Lynne stood frozen, stunned by the scene. She’d seen this side of Balfour before.
Back when he was starting his company, working himself to the bone day and night, she’d worried about him eating nothing but takeout and instant noodles, so she’d always made home–cooked meals and brought them to his office.
But one night, there’d been a downpour. Two drunk men had dragged her into an alley. Someone happened by just in time and saved her, but when Balfour found out, he tracked the men down himself.
When Lynne arrived, the sight had left her shaken: Balfour’s hands were stick with blood, the two men twitching on the ground.
The look in Balfour’s eyes back then was just as savage as it was now B
Lynne’s heart felt like it was splintering, every step she took heavier than the last.
She looked at Balfour, trembling with rage, and spoke softly.
