Chapter 3

The next morning, Sara got up and made breakfast. She made oatmeal to settle Spencer's stomach, worried that he might have a hangover. Spencer came downstairs in a white tracksuit, looking almost like a college student. He walked into the dining room with a slight frown on his face. "You're awake. Have some breakfast," Sara said. With that, Spencer sat down. Sara knew he was usually grumpy in the mornings—always serious and scowling when he first woke up. She didn't say anything else as he ate his oatmeal. Instead, she took her seat across from him and started eating on her own. The oatmeal Sara made was soft and thick, and Spencer felt much better after finishing a bowl of it. The discomfort from last night's drinking had been bothering his stomach, but it was finally starting to fade now. Just then, soft ding sounded, signaling an incoming text. "Spence, I don't believe you're actually married. You're just trying to mess with me, aren't you? I'll be waiting for you at the airport." Spencer glanced at the message and set his phone aside without replying. He'd seen a WhatsApp notification from Clementine earlier and ignored it too. Now, she'd followed up with another text. He'd erased all her contact information three years ago after she left the country in an effort to move on. Then, another ding sounded—it was another message. "Spence, I had no choice back then. I haven't forgotten you. "Spence, I'll wait for you at the airport. I won't leave until you come." Spencer's grip on the phone tightened as frustration built inside him. "I'm not going to Grandpa's today. I'll go another day. I'll call him and explain. Something came up, and I need to head out," he told Sara. "Alright. Take care of what you need to," Sara softly said. Spencer looked up at his wife of nearly three years. Much of her youthful shyness had faded. She was no longer the timid, fragile girl who had come from the countryside. She had grown into a poised woman—her skin fairer, her presence more graceful. There was no denying that Sara was a good wife. She was attentive, never intrusive, and always calm. It was as though she had no temper at all. Not to mention, she got along effortlessly with his family and carried herself confidently around his childhood friends, leaving no room for criticism. In the bedroom, Spencer found himself completely drawn to her too. He'd lose control like a reckless teenager every time he touched her. He wasn't sure what it was that he felt for Sara—maybe it was just a force of habit, or the comfort of having someone waiting for him at home. Clementine had been his first love. They'd dated in college, where she was the star of the dance department, and he was the golden boy of finance. Spencer had never been one to chase women. Even when admirers slipped him love letters, his aloof demeanor often made them pull back, with some even getting reduced to tears. Back then, Clementine had relentlessly pursued him, chipping away at his icy resistance until he finally gave in. Once together, they'd shared a chemistry that neither had anticipated. After getting together, Spencer remained as reserved as ever, rarely speaking or smiling. But Clementine would pull him out of his shell, dancing around him or chatting nonstop about her day. Meanwhile, he'd listen in quiet companionship. Spencer had planned to marry her after graduation. On the night before their ceremony, he'd gathered his childhood friends to set up an elaborate surprise proposal. But Clementine never showed up. Instead, he received a message from her. "Spence, I'm sorry. I've been accepted into an advanced program in Pavrielle, the capital of Fremoria. My flight leaves tomorrow. I can't step straight from graduation into the confines of marriage. Not yet. I need to follow my dreams. Will you wait for me—just three years?" Spencer never replied, but he did wait. Letting her go was something he couldn't bring himself to do. But after three years had passed, Clementine still hadn't returned. Her dance company offered her a lead role, and once again, she chose her career over him. There was no official breakup, but neither reached out again after that. That night, Spencer didn't come home. Sara had noticed his abrupt departure that morning. Her concern deepened when he stopped answering his phone. So, she called his assistant, James Lerner. "James, is Spencer with you?" she asked. "Mrs. Tiernan, Mr. Tiernan hasn't been with me today. There wasn't any overtime scheduled. Is everything alright?" James asked in return. "Yes, everything's fine. Thank you. Goodbye." "You're welcome, Mrs. Tiernan. Goodbye." Sara felt a wave of nausea wash over her as she hung up. She poured herself a glass of water and drank it quickly, hoping it would settle her stomach. That night, she slept restlessly and awoke earlier than usual. However, even then, Spencer still hadn't come home. Eventually, Sara got out of bed and made breakfast—oatmeal with a sunny-side-up egg. Without thinking, she turned on the TV. The entertainment segment was playing, and the anchor's smooth voice filled the room. "Celebrated dancer, Clementine Wendell, has returned to the country. Jetstream Kriton Group's CEO was seen meeting her at the airport, fueling rumors of a rekindled romance…" Sara's spoon slipped from her hand and clattered onto the table. A chill spread through her body. So, it was her—the woman who had always held Spencer's heart. No wonder he'd suddenly canceled their dinner at the Tiernan residence and hadn't come home the night before. He must've gone to pick her up, and they'd probably spent the night together. Sara couldn't bring herself to finish the thought. She finished her oatmeal on autopilot, took the bowl to the kitchen without even rinsing it, and collapsed onto the couch in a daze. Maybe it was time to leave. But why did the thought of walking away from Spencer feel so unbearable? Sara's hands drifted to her abdomen. "Little one, we might have to leave your dad soon. I can't tell him about you. But I'll love you enough for both of us and give you all the love he should have given you." After that, Sara didn't eat for the whole day. She was too anxious as she waited for Spencer to come home. For the first time in years, she found herself hoping that he would return early. Yet, she dreaded the possibility that his first words might be asking for a divorce. But another worry gnawed at her at the same time—what if he didn't come home because he was with Clementine? Of course, he was. He'd gone to the airport to pick her up. They were probably together. … Spencer returned in the evening and was immediately struck by how unusually quiet the house was. Sara wasn't waiting by the door like usual, and the dining table was bare. The silence felt off, as if something was wrong. Spencer then thought that Sara was upstairs and started to head up. But then, he caught sight of a figure by the couch. Upon moving closer, he realized that it was Sara, fast asleep. The sound of his movements stirred her awake. Sara looked up, and there he was—Spencer—standing beside her. Sara froze for a moment then scrambled to sit up. She had no idea how long he'd been standing there. "Why did you come back?" she asked. She hadn't expected him to return tonight, especially after seeing the news. "Where else would I go?" Spencer snapped, his face darkening. Her question clearly irritated him. "That's not what I meant. I thought you were busy with other things." Sara lowered her head, her voice softening. She wanted to tell him that she knew he went to see his first love. After all, the news even said that they were back together. How was she supposed to know he'd just show up again that night? But, of course, she never didn't. "Have you eaten? I fell asleep and forgot to make dinner." Sara only realized she'd forgotten to cook when she remembered Spencer's sensitive stomach. "No," Spencer curtly answered and sat down at the dining table. The stormy expression on his face reminded Sara of a child sulking over something she couldn't quite grasp. With a resigned tone, she asked, "Should I make some pasta then?" "Fine."