Chapter 4

I just thought Leonard was working too hard because he was too eager to build a future with me.

I even felt some regret. If I hadn't insisted on having him accompany me for my birthday, I thought this wouldn't have happened.

Ever since then, I would feel a dull ache in my leg on rainy days.

I had always thought that I was just getting what I deserved.

But now, this woman who claimed to be his wife told me that when I was vulnerable and calling for help in the mountains while enduring the terrifying pain, Leonard had rushed home overnight to make sure another woman felt safe, all because she had coughed a little during a video call.

I thought, "What exactly am I to him? Did our five-year relationship even mean anything to him?"

Before I could think things through, Tanya had already returned from the restroom.

Noticing that I was sitting in silence, she said considerately, "Are you tired? It's okay—you can rest for a bit. We still have plenty of time, so we can resume later."

I no longer had the energy to deal with her. I just nodded numbly.

She found a spot to sit. After examining me for a long time, she suddenly spoke up. "Actually, now that I take a closer look at you, we kind of look like each other. No wonder I felt an instant connection with you. We might have been sisters in another universe."

I looked up at her. I had to admit that we did indeed look somewhat alike.

Only our lips were completely different.

I suddenly remembered that Leonard would never take the initiative to kiss me when we got intimate.

People always said that kissing was the most direct expression of love.

There were several occasions when I let my feelings get the better of me and asked him to kiss me.

But every single time, he would tilt his head away to dodge it. He brushed it off with an excuse that he didn't like being distracted.

I had believed him back then, but now, everything was as clear as day.

He never disliked kisses.

He just didn't like my lips, which were nothing like hers.

Just then, Tanya's phone rang. In her hurry, she accidentally put the call on speakerphone.

"Tanya, you're out alone, so be careful, okay? Remember, don't get a cab at night. Just ask the driver to pick you up. I've made some herbal tea for you, so be sure to come home and drink it while it's hot."

I knew that voice all too well.

Just a week ago, I was at the hospital, tirelessly caring for the owner of that voice.

It was Melissa Hinton, Leonard's mother and also the woman I had treated as my own mother for five years.

My mother passed away when I was just a child, so I never experienced much of a mother's love.

For the past five years, Melissa had treated me with sincerity. She would always worry about my well-being and protect me whenever she could.

She even pitied me for having to pinch pennies, so she would always slip me some extra money on the side.

I treated her like my own mother.

She had always been in poor health, and she was constantly coming down with one minor illness after another.

Most of the money I earned went to Leonard for his business ventures, and the rest was mostly given to Melissa to help pay for her medical bills.

Tanya complained half-heartedly, "Oh, come on, Mom, I get it already. Why are you always worrying about me like I'm a child?"

The middle-aged woman on the other end of the line sounded like she was smiling. "You're the only daughter-in-law I have. Who else should I pamper if not you? I can't lose you, you know. How else am I going to get a grandchild?"

Tanya seemed a little embarrassed as she gave me a smile. "Alright, Mom, I'm keeping someone waiting. I'll hang up now. Bye."

After ending the call, Tanya casually explained to me with a sigh, "The old folks just love to nag. You get it, don't you?"

If it were any other situation, I might have just smiled and said yes.

But just seconds ago, I found out that her mother-in-law, who pampered her so much, was the same person I had been caring for so earnestly and treating as my own mother.

I couldn't bring myself to agree.