After getting home, Molly quickly wolfed down the snacks she'd missed out on the night before in just ten minutes.
Later that evening, as Chad was taking a shower, he couldn't shake the nagging feeling of guilt, like he was hiding something from Molly. It was as if he was worried she'd somehow find out about his past.
Meanwhile, Molly was blissfully unaware. If she ever found out about his college days...
Before leaving, Chad watched his wife, who was about to video call her girlfriends for a skincare chat. "You should tag along with me on Andre's business trip," he suggested. "Take a little vacation for yourself, and maybe keep an eye out for any women buzzing around married men."
After saying this, she shot a glance at him as he stood there, drying his hair, shirtless.
Chad set down his towel and perched on the edge of the bed, a small knot of hesitation forming in his chest.
Their married life was solid and happy. Did he really want to stir things up by bringing up a past girlfriend? He’d have to explain the old relationship he’d hidden, and also that his colleague now was that same ex-girlfriend.
If he kept quiet, Molly might remain blissfully ignorant, happily carefree every day. Their relationship was strong, he was committed, and he had severed ties with his ex.
But if he told her, it could create a rift. Now that Annie was his colleague, would Molly start imagining things? Knowing Molly as well as he did, having an ex-girlfriend as a colleague would definitely be a sore spot for her.
When Molly heard that Andre wanted to take his family to Australia, she encouraged her friend, "Don’t just stay cooped up at home. Anya’s been out and about for over two weeks now, and Leo’s been living like a monk."
During the video call, Henry's playful antics and attempts to chat with his aunt were hard to miss.
Eventually, unable to continue the call due to the kids, Mia ended it and texted: "Did you tell her?"
"No."
No need for names—the brief question was enough for them to know exactly what they were talking about.
Mia sighed, cuddling her little one in bed, looking down at her son, so lively and full of energy. "Want to go on a trip?"
"Mom, mama, mommy," he babbled.
Mia leaned in to give her son a kiss.
Henry, trying to kiss his mom's hand, made Mia look at her adorable little bundle and suddenly think of an off-the-wall idea.
She quickly shook her head, dismissing the silly thought.
That night, Molly turned her back to Chad in bed. When he placed a hand on her waist, she threw it off.
"What’s up?"
"I'm just tired."
Molly closed her eyes, her mind swirling with a jumble of thoughts as she fell asleep with a heavy heart.
Molly had been extra diligent at work lately, prompting Donnie to joke, "Molly, anyone would think you’re here to spy on the boss."
Molly shot back, "What’s your boss been up to that he’s so guilty?"
Donnie thought for a moment, "Not much, maybe hiding some pocket money?"
Molly rolled her eyes.
Later, Molly visited her family, and her friend tried to convince her not to waste time staying in. "Chad doesn’t have time to go with me. If he were in business, I'd be glued to his side wherever he went. He’s on a work trip, and I’m out to enjoy myself. If Andre is inviting you because of me, I’d feel bad if you didn’t go. We’re both adults, no need to fuss over me."
Spending a night at her parents', Chad, remembering how disappointed she looked the last time he didn't pick her up, decided to go to her family’s house to keep her company, even if it meant working late.
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