From Neglected Wife to CEO’s Obsession novel Chapter 23

Remy stared straight at me, his voice cold and sharp. "Avery, Julie is just a caregiver. Even if she made a mistake, she didn’t mean it. Why can’t you just let it go?"

For the first time, Remy was standing up for another woman—right in front of me. Not even Marissa ever got that from him. If anyone still believed there was nothing between him and Julie, they’d have to be kidding themselves.

"How am I not letting it go? Didn’t Julie say herself she got hurt? But you—you look like you’ve got something to hide."

He didn’t answer. He turned away, stiff and silent, his back like a frozen statue.

"Remy, what if I told you my burn wasn’t an accident? That Julie did it on purpose? Would you even believe me?"

He didn’t move, didn’t say a word.

Just when I thought he’d ignore me for the rest of the night, he finally spoke. "It’s late. Go to sleep."

He went to bed and fell asleep right away. I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, wide awake.

The burn on my leg still stung. I’d already put on the ointment, but as it wore off, the pain came back, hot and sharp. Sleep was out of the question.

I put on more ointment, and the pain faded a little. I was almost drifting off when the mattress dipped. Then I heard the softest click—the bedroom door opening and closing.

I opened my eyes and looked at the nightstand. The ointment was gone.

I’d already promised myself not to care about Remy anymore, but moments like that still got to me.

It would be so easy to check out who Julie really was—a single phone call and I’d have all the answers. I just didn’t want to. Not yet.

Let the truth come out on its own. I’d watch from the sidelines, like a free spectator at a drama.

Remy made breakfast the next morning, setting the dishes out one by one. When he saw me come out, he looked up and smiled like nothing had happened. "How’s your burn? I made some fish and tofu soup—it helps with healing."

I gave a mocking little laugh. Fish soup, first thing in the morning. He really went all out.

Julie and Cindy were already sitting at the table. Cindy waved at me. "Mommy, good morning!"

"Good morning, sweetheart." I brushed Cindy’s soft cheek, then turned to Remy. "Thanks, but why don’t you give the soup to Julie? I haven’t eaten fish since I was a kid."

He used to remember every single thing I liked and didn’t like. When did he start forgetting so easily?

Remy’s face changed in an instant. He froze, ladle in midair, not knowing whether to serve or put it down.

"Sorry, I’ve just been so busy lately. It slipped my mind. Tonight, I’ll make pigeon soup for you."

I waved him off. "Don’t apologize. It’s just soup. You’re a CEO—you’ve got a lot on your plate. People who try to juggle too much always end up dropping something. No one gets it all right, not really."

Anyone could hear the real meaning behind my words. Remy’s eyes turned dark and messy.

Julie was smart enough to keep quiet. She just helped Cindy with her breakfast, sneaking glances at me and Remy, like she was worried she might get caught.

Adults don’t argue over pointless stuff. A few words, a couple of white lies, and that’s it. Better to save my energy for things that matter—like splitting up assets.

Love was gone. Five years of my life were gone. I wasn’t going to let the money go too.

The mood at the table was icy. I sipped my milk and nibbled at my eggs.

The house felt huge and quiet, just me and Julie left.

Remy sent me a message: Avery, I promised I’d always be your husband. I meant it. If I ever betray you, may I never find peace.

I stared at the screen and started laughing. The more I laughed, the more ridiculous it felt, until I was crying and couldn’t laugh anymore.

The man I fought so hard to marry was the one who hurt me the most.

Why does Cindy call Julie ‘mom’? Who is Julie, really?

I sent the message. Remy’s typing bubble popped up, then disappeared. Finally, he replied with just two words: Caregiver.

He dodged my question. Another lie.

Fine, Remy. Keep going. Help me fall out of love with you faster.

That night, Remy didn’t come home for dinner.

Late at night, thirsty, I got up to get some water.

My leg was much better now. I didn’t need a cane, but I walked slowly, careful not to put too much weight on it.

The living room lights were off. Only a soft lamp behind the bookshelf was on.

Through the gaps in the shelves, I saw something that shattered everything I thought I knew. I stood frozen, completely stunned.