Chapter 22 The Inevitable Wound
"Do you have anything to explain?" Aveline's voice was flat, yet sharp.
Adrian stayed silent, his shoulders tensing as he stared at the shirt. "What do you mean?" he finally asked.
Aveline held her breath. Her whole body trembled, not just from anger, but because she was hurt. "Don't evade. Explain where you were last night and why I found this on your shirt. This isn't the first time, Adrian."
On the shirt's chest, faintly but clearly visible, was a bright red lipstick stain. A mark that could not have come from himself, or Aveline. Aveline rarely wore lipstick, even when teaching. If she had to, Aveline preferred nude or soft colors that weren't flashy.
Adrian's cheeks tightened. "That's... nothing," he stammered. "I... might have accidentally bumped into someone..."
"Stop lying!" Aveline's voice broke this time.
Adrian froze.
Aveline took a step forward. "I've had enough, Adrian. You're always coming home in the middle of the night. You're cold. You're distant. You never want to talk or touch me. And now, you're not even smart enough to clean up the traces of your affair!"
Aveline's hand shook as she threw the shirt onto the table again. "Who is she? Your female coworker? Or is there someone else?"
Adrian clenched his jaw so hard that his muscles bulged. "I am not having an affair with anyone."
Aveline wanted to be angrier, but Adrian's words made her pause. "So what is this called? A one-night stand?"
Adrian tensed. Just for a moment, but it was enough for Aveline to notice. The silence was more cutting than a confession.
Aveline let out a long breath, holding back the tears that were about to fall. "I can't believe this. After everything we've been through, after Liam's passing..." her voice caught. "You're doing this behind my back?"
Adrian turned his face away, as if unable to bear Aveline mentioning their son's name.
A few seconds passed in heavy air before he finally spoke. "Nothing happened. I... was drunk. And that shirt..."
"Do you think I'm stupid, Adrian?" Aveline trembled. "I can smell her perfume on your collar. What exactly does a drunk man and woman do all night that leaves such a clear mark?"
Adrian froze. That was the final blow that shattered the last remnants of the excuses he maintained.
Aveline stared at him for a long time, with a devastated look. "Just say it. You're having an affair, aren't you?"
Adrian took a long breath, then... In a sudden movement, he turned the attack back on her. He swept the dining table, sending plates, glasses, and bowls of food flying and crashing to the floor.
Aveline flinched at the sight.
"And what right do you have to judge me?" his voice rose. "You're no better, Ave."
Aveline frowned. "What do you mean?"
Adrian moved closer, his eyes sharp even though his body was still swaying from all the burdens he carried. "Don't pretend to be pure. You think I don't know what you're doing with that student of yours?"
Aveline was stunned. "Ezra? What... are you talking about?"
Adrian chuckled scornfully. "Everyone must already know you're close to him. Too close, even. Maybe even our neighbors."
He moved closer until their faces were only centimeters apart. "Because you dared to bring him into our house."
"I never..."
"Don't lie!" Adrian snapped. "I saw him in this house that night. You think I didn't see? Your eyes... your closeness... Are you sure that's not embarrassing? What do you think people think when they know you let another man into the house when your husband is at work?"
Aveline stepped back, restless and confused. "He was just talking about studies. It's not what you think."
"Oh yeah? What's the proof? Or are you just afraid to admit it?" Adrian cornered her again. "You cry for that little kid's attention, and then what? Do you hope he can replace me in my position? What do you need a much younger man for? Does it feel fresher and more potent?"
Aveline slapped him quickly. The slap was loud, breaking the tension-filled air. Adrian held his cheek briefly, looking surprised. But instead of getting angry, he just smirked bitterly.
"Your true nature finally shows."
Aveline's tears fell heavily. "You're the one cheating in this marriage... and you're blaming me?"
"I'm just stating facts," Adrian hissed quietly. "You fell into a boy's arms. And you were even stupid enough to do it in your own home."
Aveline shivered. "You don't know anything, Adrian. Ezra and I are just..."
"Enough." Adrian raised his hand, stopping her explanation. "I don't care what your excuse is. But don't you dare think you're better than me."
Aveline closed her eyes, feeling her entire body weaken. The wounds she had held in for so long were finally opened so wide that she struggled to breathe. Adrian... her husband... the man she once loved, now stood before her like a hateful stranger.
"I have never cheated..." Aveline's voice was weak. "You are the one who betrayed me."
Adrian swallowed, but still didn't move towards Aveline. There was no attempt to comfort or any sign of regret.
"Stop the drama, Ave. We're the same."
"No." Aveline shook her head, wiping away her tears. "We are not the same. You lie, you hurt, and you also hide behind a past you refuse to talk about."
Adrian's face turned pale. "What are you talking about?"
Aveline looked straight at him. "That woman's photo... the one you hid from me. The woman is named Selina."
Adrian was startled. It was only one second, but it was enough. His gaze widened, his breath hitched. And Aveline saw everything.
"I saw the photo, Adrian," she said quietly. "And I know who she is. She's Selina, isn't she? The lecturer at the campus where I teach, who died mysteriously."
The atmosphere changed drastically. Adrian was no longer defensive. His face, which had been angry, now looked terrified.
"Aveline," Adrian said softly, almost pleading. "Don't interfere."
"Who is she?" Aveline asked. "Why are you keeping her photo? Why have you never told me anything about her?"
"Stop!" Adrian raised his voice like someone being choked.
Aveline backed away. Adrian held his head, frustrated and confused, as if reality was starting to swallow him.
"Selina... is none of your business."
"That's exactly the problem."
That sentence cut deeper than anything, and a long silence enveloped them.
Finally, Adrian grabbed his jacket, turned his body, and headed for the door without looking at Aveline again. "I need time. Don't wait up for me."
The door slammed shut.
Aveline stood alone in the dining room. Her breath was short, small, almost ragged. Her hands trembled, clutching the edge of the table. All the pain of that night piled up. Adrian's betrayal, the slander directed at her, and the name Selina now dancing as a new mystery that threatened her marriage.