Chapter 12 The Exclusive Room for Adultery
Benjamin's cold eyes met hers, his voice low and detached. "What do you need?"
"I've gathered some evidence, but I haven't sorted it out yet. I'm worried something might happen. Can I send it to you for safekeeping?"
The evidence she had consisted of a few photos, screenshots, and recordings. She didn't even have the courage to look at them herself.
She was also scared Steven might suddenly check her phone or computer. Rachel always felt uneasy, thinking it would be safer with her attorney.
Benjamin asked casually, "How's the property division going?"
"I've already identified the joint marital property. I'll take some time to make a list and send it to you."
Benjamin nodded. "We can investigate his personal property during the lawsuit, request the court to examine his financial records, and secure assets. But it's good to have a clear idea of the expenses he's incurred for the homewreck."
Rachel bit her lip and lowered her eyelashes. The night wind was a bit chilly.
She was only wearing a beige coat and a turtleneck sweater. After standing and talking for a while, her nose was already turning slightly red.
"I understand." She asked, "How should I give you the evidence?"
Benjamin thought for a couple of seconds, tapped a few times on his phone, and held it out to her.
Rachel saw it was the WhatsApp add friend screen and suddenly recalled his proud and cold demeanor in the office that day when he said he never added clients on WhatsApp.
She flashed a faint smile and pulled out her phone to add him as a friend.
Benjamin's profile picture was a small cat with short legs tilting its head.
This surprised her quite a bit.
It was utterly unlike the famously aloof Benjamin.
She sent the friend request, and Benjamin quickly accepted it, then put away his phone.
Neither of them were the type to drag things out. After adding each other, they said their goodbyes. Rachel got into her car, turned on the heater, and waited for a while until the numbness in her hands and feet from the cold started to fade.
Just as she was about to start the car, a text message came through: [Steven and Nancy are staying at the Sunbeam Hotel. He never stays at Nancy's place. He booked room 1408 a year ago.]
Rachel's pupils contracted. This line of text had a familiar feel to it.
A familiar hotel, a familiar room number.
He went out of his way to be with Nancy but chose to stay at a hotel.
Was he afraid of being discovered by the neighbors?
It made sense. After all, Scenic Bay Estates was home to many of Dawnlight City's upper-class residents. The Martinez family held a significant position in Dawnlight City, and Steven had some fame.
So, room 1408 at the Sunbeam Hotel had become their exclusive rendezvous spot.
Looking up, she saw Steven and Nancy walking out of the restaurant hand in hand.
Rachel's grip on the steering wheel tightened slightly, her mind in chaos. Watching them get into the car and drive away, she didn't think much and started her engine, following them from a distance.
Although the evening rush had passed, there were still quite a few cars on the road.
Rachel maintained a close but not too close distance behind them.
Twenty minutes later, Steven and Nancy's car indeed pulled into the Sunbeam Hotel parking lot.
Rachel didn't get out of her car. She sat inside, watching through the windshield as they got out, Steven wrapping his arm around Nancy and walking into the hotel.
Her eyes were a bit vacant, feeling the sharp pain in her heart almost swallowing her whole.
Their betrayal came too suddenly for Rachel.
Only after their figures disappeared into the hotel did Rachel turn off the recording.
When she got home, it was nearly ten o'clock. The sky had started to drizzle, adding a bit more chill to the late autumn night.
The entire villa was dark.
Both she and Steven liked quiet, so the servants didn't live in. They only came to work during the day.
She didn't feel it was quiet before, but now it lacked a certain lively atmosphere.
After parking the car in the garage, she walked through the corridor outside, seeing the two pear trees in the yard through the rain.
She stopped in her tracks.
Among all the flowers, she had a particular fondness for pear blossoms. Steven had transplanted these two trees at a high cost after they got married.
Many of her perfumes were pear blossom scented.
These pear trees were beautiful whether budding in spring, blooming in early summer, or covered in snow in winter.
She stood there for a long time, suddenly realizing her love for pear blossoms had faded significantly.
Dragging her weary body back to the bedroom, she stood at the door, looking around at everything that held memories of her and Steven since their marriage.
The decor was based on her preferences.
Every aspect of the home's renovation and decor was a joint effort, reflecting their shared taste.
The sweetness of the past had now turned into a joke and mockery.
She forced a smile, walked to the desk, and glanced at the bottles of pear blossom perfume he had customized for her. After a few seconds, she decisively picked them up and threw them into the trash.
Turning around, she felt disgusted by the bed linens they had slept on and took out new ones to replace them. Then she took a shower. While she was doing her skincare routine, Steven called as usual.
She didn't answer. After finishing her hand cream, she sent him a video call request.
The video connected after about ten seconds, showing a familiar face. Behind him were dark brown curtains.
"Hey honey, just finished your shower?" Steven asked with a smile.
"Yeah."
Rachel didn't see anything unusual in his face or the background, but her heart felt a pang of bitterness.
She had to ask calmly, "When are you coming back tomorrow?"
"In the morning."
Just as he finished speaking, there was a sudden noise from his end.
Rachel clenched her fists, "What happened?"
Steven glanced aside, still calm and gentle, "Nothing, just some papers falling off the table."
"Alright."
Rachel's eyes dimmed for a moment. After a few seconds of silence, she suddenly felt there was nothing left to talk about between them.
She smiled, "You've had a long day. Get some rest. See you tomorrow."
"Okay, you get some rest too. Goodnight, honey. I love you."
Rachel looked at his affectionate and gentle eyes in the video, and the way he said 'I love you.'
She had once been deeply immersed in his eyes and tone countless times.
Now, listening to it, she held back the choking feeling and responded softly, then ended the call without waiting for a reply.
She lay down on the soft, comfortable bed. Though she soon fell asleep, tears still escaped from the corners of her eyes.
That night, she didn't suffer from insomnia but fell into a long dream.
It felt like she was back in college when she first met Steven. His love was so passionate, so intense, so free, and so unrestrained.
In the hotel room.
Steven hung up the phone and saw Nancy with a sad face, pouting, looking like she was about to cry.
His heart softened, and he walked over to gently hold her. Nancy resisted, not letting him hug her, "Liar! You promised to stay with me for another day!"
"There's an important meeting at the company tomorrow at two in the afternoon. I can't miss it." Steven hugged her again, coaxing softly, "Come on, don't be upset."
Nancy's eyes were wet, filled with grievance. She looked up at him from his embrace, "When's the next time? Next month again?"
Steven gently stroked her cheek with his thumb, smiling, "I bought you that cat's eye sapphire necklace you liked this afternoon. It'll be delivered tomorrow."
Nancy's eyes widened with excitement, hugging his neck. The thin strap of her nightgown slipped from her round shoulder, exuding a pure and seductive charm.
"Really? You're the best, honey. I love you so much."
Steven's eyes darkened, his grip on her waist tightening, his voice becoming hoarse, "Is that so? Who was it that called me a liar just now?"
Nancy's eyes sparkled, filled with affectionate light. Her slender fingers drew circles on his chest, her voice sweet and coquettish, "How do you plan to punish me? Last night's position? Or something new?"