Chapter 5
I stared at Joseph, completely puzzled as to why he had suddenly become so irritable.
Once, when I asked him why he was home so late, he replied coldly. “We’re married, but that doesn’t mean I’m a prisoner you need to monitor. Stop suffocating me.”
Yet now that I had stopped asking, he accused me of being indifferent.
I was thoroughly confused.
I held back the urge to snap back and calmly said, “You were out with your friends, and I didn’t want to keep bothering you with calls. Besides, aren’t you and Hailey old acquaintances? I didn’t feel the need to worry.”
Joseph’s eyes flickered for a moment, probably surprised by how casually I mentioned Hailey.
After a pause, his voice softened as he explained, “I went to Hailey’s graduation today, and the posts on Facebook were just to encourage her. There’s nothing more to it, so don’t overthink it.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could, he quickly added, “Is that a problem? Do you think I shouldn’t have gone? I’ve known Hailey for years. Even though she pursued me before, we’re just friends and colleagues now. I couldn’t have skipped my friend’s celebration, could I?”
I nodded gently and replied, “I understand. I’m not upset. It’s getting
17
late. You should go rest.”
Joseph looked at me intently, as if searching for any sign of dissatisfaction on my face.
After what felt like a long silence, he reached out to hold my shoulders.
I subtly turned away and said, “I’ve been having trouble sleeping lately. You can sleep in the other bedroom tonight.”
Joseph’s eyelashes fluttered in surprise, clearly shocked that I shifted to the side to dodge his hand.
In the past, even if he barely lifted his arm, I would automatically move
closer into his embrace.
Right now, his face was dark and cold, like the sky before heavy rain. He spun around and slammed the main room door shut, making the frame thud.
As soon as his steps faded away, I drifted off to sleep.
Once I stopped overthinking his feelings, even falling asleep became simple.
The next day, my advisor’s phone call woke me up.
He somehow found out I was heading to England for school and was determined to throw me a farewell party.
I declined repeatedly, and only then did he settle for a second option. mentioning that he had organized a reunion for our five–year graduation anniversary.
I couldn’t say no to such a thoughtful plan, so I agreed to go.
I never would’ve guessed that the second I stepped into the private room, I’d catch sight of Joseph and Hailey smiling at each other.
Hailey was holding onto his arm, her pearl earrings softly glowing in the cozy light.
Now that I think about it, Joseph is the advisor’s junior, and Hailey is also part of their circle. This event was basically their domain.
When Joseph spotted me, he instantly let go of Hailey’s hand and gestured toward an empty chair.
I acted like I didn’t notice and headed straight for a seat in the corner.
Hailey glanced over, a flicker of satisfaction crossing her face before she quickly put on an innocent expression.
“Sorry, I was just feeling a bit bored, and Joseph kindly invited me along. I hope I’m not intruding on your reunion with your old classmates.”
