Chapter 7 A Man Who Changes Heart Only Gets Worse

• Candice remained silent.
• Despite Kyle’s outward calm, there was a trace of unease on his otherwise composed face.
• His phone kept ringing—calls, video requests, and eventually a barrage of text messages. One after another, presumptuous and relentless.
• The tension in the room thickened.
• “Not going to answer?” Candice asked coolly.
• Only then did Kyle reach for the phone. Without even glancing at it, he shut it off and placed it back on the nightstand.
• He touched her forehead. “Still a bit warm. It’s okay, go to sleep. I’ll stay here with you.”
• Candice lay back down and closed her eyes.
• An hour later, her breathing was steady—like she had fallen asleep.
• Kyle picked up his phone from the nightstand as he headed to the balcony. After scanning the messages, he made a call. “You okay? Don’t be scared, don’t be scared. I’ll be there soon…”
• He kept his voice low. After the call, he returned inside, grabbed his coat, and left.
• Behind him, Candice quietly opened her eyes.
• She had never fallen asleep at all.
• She didn’t even know what she was still hoping for. A man who’s changed his heart is like a piece of rotting fruit—only growing more foul with time.
• 4:30 a.m.
• Kyle returned.
• Seeing Candice still asleep, he breathed a sigh of relief. He walked over and touched her forehead. The fever had gone.
• He headed into the bathroom to shower.
• Later, he emerged in a robe and climbed into bed, wrapping his arm around her waist from behind.
• Once he had fallen asleep, Candice carefully removed his hand from her waist and sat up in bed. Her gaze fell on the sleeping man beside her—still handsome as ever, with those thin lips, that sculpted Adam’s apple, and…
• Her eyes landed on the faint row of bite marks trailing along his collarbone.
• A sharp pain pierced through her chest.
• And that body—soiled, defiled. In that moment, the thought of smothering him with a pillow flickered through her mind.
• Kyle woke to find Candice already up.
• When he came downstairs, she was wearing an apron, breakfast for two already prepared. She even called him over to eat.
• “Your fever just broke. Why not sleep a little longer?” Kyle asked as he walked over, trying to touch her forehead. Candice subtly dodged. “Just a little cold. No big deal.”
• She untied her apron and went to sit down.
• His hand, left hanging in the air, made him feel awkward. But seeing that she wasn’t angry anymore, he let it go.
• He sat down too.
• “I want to discuss something with you,” Candice said.
• “What is it?” Kyle asked, sipping juice.
• “I want to resign.”
• Kyle was clearly stunned. Before he could ask why, she explained, “I’ve worked non-stop these past few years. I’m tired. I want to experience the leisurely life of a wealthy housewife.”
• Kyle narrowed his eyes, as if trying to read between her words.
• “You’re not joking?”
• “I’m serious. What? You think I’m a masochist who doesn’t know how to enjoy life?” she asked with a smile.
• Kyle thought for a moment and agreed. “Maybe it’s for the best. You can stay home, and maybe we can try for a baby.”
• Candice smiled faintly, noncommittal.
• Sure, that’s rich. You want me to become your baby-making machine while you keep having your late-night escapades with your little Candy girl? Dream on.
• “I’ll start the resignation process in the next few days. I’m thinking of taking a trip to Europe with Sophia. Haven’t traveled in a long time.”
• “She’s not busy at her firm? Has time for a trip?”
• “She’s busy, but she’s making time for me.” Candice smiled sweetly.
• Kyle fell silent, as if something had just occurred to him.
• After a moment, he said, “That’s good. Go have fun. I’ll arrange everything for you in advance—just relax and enjoy yourself.”
• Candice just smiled again, neither agreeing nor refusing.
• When the time comes, I’ll say goodbye for good.
• The wound on her forehead was too conspicuous. Candice didn’t want to appear pitiful at the office during her resignation, so she took a few extra days to rest.
• With time on her hands, she began slowly packing her things—clothes, shoes, bags—and moving them to her new place.
• A little each day.
• The emptiness in the wardrobe became obvious. Anyone paying attention would have noticed.
• But Kyle? Completely oblivious.
• Even when Candice burned their wedding photo right in front of him in the yard, he sat there, eyes glued to his phone—smiling at times, happily replying to messages.
• If he had spared even a second to glance out the window at his wife…
• Candice stood bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, quietly watching him.
• She stared at him for a long, long time.
• Only when the heat of the lighter seared her fingertips did she finally let go.
• The flames devoured the gasoline-soaked photo, casting light on the wedding portrait of the once-blissful couple. She had been smiling so sweetly, so radiantly. His eyes had been filled with nothing but her…
• Then their faces began to twist and melt away, consumed by fire, until all that was left was a heap of black ash.
• Suddenly, a crushing tightness seized her chest. She stared at the ashes, eyes welling with a storm of unshed tears.
• “What are you burning?”
• Kyle had finally noticed the commotion outside and stepped out.
• Candice tilted her head back, forcing her emotions down. “Nothing. Just some…” She turned back to him, eyes slightly red but wearing a soft smile. “Useless garbage.”