Valerie was holding a stack of photos with a calm expression and trembling hands, staring at the woman standing next to Matthew Smith, the woman's face is well hidden in her big sunglasses and a scarf covering her entire face.
Valerie looked at her husband who's always been giving her a cold stare and unsmiling in front of her but in the photos, he was smiling at the woman beside him and there was an obvious warmth in his eyes as he looked at her.
Valerie put down the photo, her expression is blank.
For over two years she has practiced the art of silence. She kept her feelings deep inside where others couldn't see happiness, anger, and deep sorrow.
She nodded to her father's assistant who brought the photos to her house.
"Tell my father, I've seen it."
Alex Hill sent his assistant to his daughter's house to show her some photos of her husband with a woman on his lap kissing and cuddling on the yacht.
Valerie kept a straight pale face. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ears. Her eyes cast downward but if you look deep into her eyes you will drown in her misery and loneliness.
Her expressive doe eyes are her very attractive trait. Those large, soft, expressive, trusting, light to medium brown show a certain vulnerability and innocence that can turn a common man into her captive.
However, Matthew Smith is not a common man. He is autocratic who always tells people what to do without caring for what they think. He's always reserved and calculating.
In their two years of marriage he never once looked at her except during her ovulation days when they would share a bed but it was always her who initiated to give him pleasure. He's not willing to give her any pleasure.
"You don't deserve to receive a tiny single bit of love from me, Valerie. Never will I love you in this lifetime."
Valerie clutched her heart and shook off the heavy feeling. Today is Matthew's arrival from his business trip. She can't be late at the airport.
She refused to believe that Matthew, who is always upright, would cheat. The only thing she asked before they marry, even though she knew he doesn't love her, is that he would never cheat during their marriage.
Although he never agreed to her condition he said he will never cheat in the open to destroy his reputation. He said he will never be like his father who is a well-known playboy and an adulterer.
'You are like your father, Matthew.' She said under her breath.
Matthew's plane landed in the airport while Valerie was waiting at the arrival area.
She was eye-catching standing alone in the corner.
A woman with a shapely figure wearing an A-line, knee-length white dress with matching boots and a black jacket hanging on her arm. Her heart-shaped gorgeous face, dainty nose, and strawberry red lips matched her sunrise-gold long curls.
Matthew right away spotted the lonely figure and suddenly got irritated by her appearance.
Valerie saw him and her eyes lit up as she walked towards him with open arms intending to hug him but he blatantly avoided her then handed her his jacket.
However, Valerie was persistent not to lose face to the crowd of girls watching Matthew with interest in their eyes, so she slid her arm on his waist while matching his wide steps.
"How's your trip, Matthew? How's the cooperation with the French shipping company? Did you also have fun sightseeing in Cannes, France?"
Matthew just gave a cold glance and said.
"Yes, I'm having fun anywhere without you."
His eyes and voice are cold. Not minding the people around that can hear him.
Valerie can only smile, swallowing the sourness of her heart.
She noticed a woman behind Matthew that looked familiar but her face was covered by a mask and sunglasses. Her eyes were plastered at the woman trying to remember where she saw that familiar figure.
the woman, on the other hand, noticed her scrutinizing gaze and she shrank her neck then turned in the other direction.
Upon arriving at their house, Valerie rushed to the kitchen to heat the food she prepared beforehand.
From the kitchen, she saw Matthew just unloaded his luggage from the car.
"I know you are tired and hungry. Wash your hands and come to the table." She said while picking up Matthew's hand-carry so he can carry the big luggage to his room.
However, Matthew raised his bag to his shoulder with a blank expression.
Shrugging her shoulders not bothered by his attitude she sighed.
"Fine, if you can do it on your own. Come over quickly, or else the food gets cold."
Matthew sneered then turned to the stairs taking his luggage to his room.
At the dining table.
"Matthew, how's the taste? I found the recipe on the internet."
Valerie keeps putting roast beef and gravy sauce on his plate. She knew Matthew likes meat so as much as possible she cooks meat and vegetables to balance his diet.
Matthew starts chewing like a puppet; he shrugs his shoulders and gracefully picks up his food like a nobleman.
"Do you think it tastes good? The stir fry broccoli is good too." Valerie pointed to the vegetables.
But Matthew kept his eyes lowered and continued ignoring her.
Valerie stopped talking and started eating, occasionally glancing at Matthew, happy by his satisfied reaction. He's picking up more meat and mashed potatoes.
After he's done eating, wiping his lips, and was about to leave the table Valerie stopped him.
"Matthew, can we talk later?"
He nodded. "I am in my office."
Then he squatted on the floor picking up the little furball Jakko wagging its tail. The Yorkshire terrier dog happily licked his hand as he scratched his head.
In Matthew's absence, Jakko became Valerie's loyal companion. The only happy creature to see her come home and get sad when she leaves.
Jako kept wagging his tail and licking Matthew's fingers while he continued petting the little furball with a slight smile on his face as he continued walking upstairs.
Valerie couldn't help but feel envious of Jakko. She didn't experience being picked up by Matthew or even get a gentle caress from his fine long hands.