Capítulo 16

It was Emma calling.

William answered instantly, proving how much he valued her calls—he'd pick up anytime, anywhere, even with his nominal wife beside him.

"What's wrong? Don't cry," William's voice held a tenderness I'd never heard before. "Wait for me there.I'm coming right away."

As soon as he hung up, William pulled over to shoo me out. "Take a taxi or wait here—I'll send someone to pick you up."

"What's the hurry?" I asked curiously.

"Need to handle something." He sounded annoyed.

"Where? Take me with you—I'm bored." I deliberately refused to leave.

I thought he'd reject me, but he turned with a cruel smirk. "Really want to come?"

Emma must have needed help. Going would mean witnessing him rushing to another woman's rescue, sure to make me jealous. William enjoyed making me suffer, to make me regret marrying him.

"Let's go," I said firmly.

He floored the gas, and we stopped at a mall. William marched inside, with me trailing to the sixth floor, filled with restaurants. A sushi place was in an uproar. I stayed outside as William emerged five minutes later with Emma, her eyes red .

He stroked her hair like a cherished pet, leaning down to listen intently.

My heart hollowed, but I took a photo and left.

Overhearing whispers, I learned Emma had quarreled with the sushi shop owner over worm-infested salmon and been locked in the kitchen.

So she still relies on William for trivial matters. Annoyingly, he adored playing hero.

After leaving the mall, I sent the photo to Nelson. His reply came later: ?

Why had I sent it? Hoping for sympathy?

Sasha called excitedly: "Alice, free tomorrow? Help me pick a wedding dress! Darian and I are engaged next weekend, marrying by year-end."

"Sure. Send the address—meet at 8 AM?"

"Perfect!" She texted a bridal shop's details.

I dozed off on the sofa, waking to William's cold voice: "Alice, get up!" He held the lipstick I'd planted in his car.

"Found it already?" I feigned confusion, sitting up.

"Did you plant this on purpose?" He threw the lipstick at me. "Aren't you dying for a divorce? Playing tricks now?"

"It's just a lipstick. Why so angry? Did your little savior see it? Jealous?" I apologized nonchalantly. "My bad—next time I'll be careful."

"Stop using dirty tricks on her, or you'll regret it." He sounded genuinely worried for Emma.

I forced a bitter smile.

"Don't worry. I didn't go into the sushi shop, didn't see your lover. How could I target someone I don't know?"

William stormed upstairs, icy as ever.

He'd finally earned Emma's help，only for her to find another woman's lipstick in his car, pushing her away again. No wonder he was furious.

"Madam, dinner is ready," Luna whispered after William left.

I nodded, heading to the dining room. After showering, I went to bed, dreading tomorrow's dress-shopping with Sasha.

Just then, my mother-in-law messaged a list of herbs: Alice, have someone fetch these for William. He needs to drink them twice daily for half a month.

Me: Mom, what's this for?

Her: For vitality and fertility. William must be weak—how else can we have grandchildren?

I wanted to refuse, but hesitated before agreeing: Okay, but I don't know if he'll drink it.

She sent an OK emoji: Leave it to me.

The next day, I sent Luna to fetch the herbs. "Is something wrong with you, Madam?" she asked, eyeing the list.

"Nope. My mother-in-law wants William to take them for... grandchildren," I said bluntly, letting her know I was the wronged wife.

"I have a relative who's a traditional doctor—his prescriptions work wonders. Want me to ask?"

"Sure! Thanks, Luna. I'll give you a raise if it works!"

"Don't mention it. I'll go today."

"I'm heading out—won't be back for lunch."

At Goodwill Bridal Shop, Sasha greeted me. The store was modest, fitting her fiancé's budget. As Sasha tried on dresses, Emma walked in with friends, needing a rental for their drama club.

"Alice! What a coincidence!" Emma exclaimed.

Sasha emerged in a dark red cheongsam. "How about this?"

"Too dull. Any brighter colors?" I asked. The assistant led Sasha away, and I turned to Emma.

"We need a wedding dress for a play. The drama club can't afford much," Emma explained.

When they balked at the 150 dollars/day rental, I stepped in. "Take it. I'll pay."

"No, Alice! We'll pick a cheaper one."

"Choose what you love. Regret is worse than expense." I paid despite protests, earning thanks from Emma's roommates.

"Thanks, Alice. I'll pay you back," Emma said, blushing.

"No rush—it's nothing."

Sasha chose a vibrant red dress, beaming as she sent photos to Darian. After, she suggested lunch, and I picked the sushi place where Emma had her incident.

"Alice, are you sure? The food here isn't fresh," Sasha frowned.

I bit into a sushi roll. Would William ever eat here with Emma? Could he turn a common girl into a socialite?