Chapter 27 Coffee
Rachel froze, her knuckles turning white as she gripped her glass.
This restaurant was close to Stargaze Gallery, but his construction company was a good forty to fifty minutes away.
They really didn't waste any chance to meet up.
Her glass hid her sarcastic smile.
How thick-skinned must he be to bring her to the same restaurant he had dined at with Nancy?
"Rachel, what do you want to eat?" Steven handed her the menu.
Rachel pushed it back to him. "Whatever. You pick."
Steven knew she hated choosing dishes, so he didn't push it. He ordered three dishes and a soup, all of Rachel's favorites.
Thinking of him sitting in this very spot with Nancy yesterday, sharing an intimate meal, made Rachel lose her appetite. But she forced herself to eat a few bites, not wanting Steven to notice anything was wrong.
Seeing her put down her utensils, Steven frowned. "You're done?"
"Yeah, I'm full."
Steven sighed, his eyes showing a hint of concern. "You ate so little. Your appetite still isn't good. I'll make you some chicken soup tomorrow morning."
He paused, then added softly, "But Rachel, I have to go to Azure City tomorrow."
Rachel looked up at him, her voice light but her throat tight. "A business trip? When do you leave?"
"I have a meeting in the morning. I'll head to the airport straight from the office."
It had been over twenty days since his last business trip.
Rachel took a deep breath, trying to keep her voice steady. "How long will you be gone?"
"Three to five days."
"Okay."
She responded lightly, taking a sip of water.
"Rachel, are you upset? I can cancel the trip. I'll call Glenn and have him go instead."
Glenn Cole was his assistant.
Rachel looked at him blankly. "What? Why would I be upset?"
Steven chuckled. "You're always more important to me than work."
"I know," Rachel said. "But you can't neglect the company. Your dad and brothers are counting on you. You can't afford any mistakes now."
"Rachel, you're so understanding and considerate. I'm lucky to have married such a wonderful wife."
"Alright, let's eat and then head home."
Rachel lowered her gaze, hiding the disappointment, sadness, and disdain in her eyes.
The next morning, Rachel came downstairs to find Steven had already made chicken soup. He even filled a thermos for her to take to Stargaze Gallery.
Watching him drive away with his suitcase, Rachel felt a heaviness in her heart.
Was he really on a business trip this time?
Her doubts didn't last long. That evening, at seven, she received a text message as she returned home: [Steven and Nancy checked into room 1408 at Sunbeam Hotel.]
Rachel let out a bitter laugh. She had felt a twinge of nervous anticipation all day.
Such feelings were inexplicable.
Maybe it was the remnants of a long-standing relationship that were hard to sever.
Six years was enough to sink her into a mire, but climbing out wouldn't be easy.
Rachel took a deep breath and dialed a number. "Sunbeam Hotel, room 1408. I need clear video footage."
She hung up.
The person on the other end was a private investigator.
After learning about Steven's rendezvous with Nancy at the Sunbeam Hotel, she had hired a PI online.
It was risky and exhausting for her to trail them on her own.
She didn't want to sneak around like a thief.
It was better to spend some money and get it done right.
At the hotel.
Steven and Nancy had just finished making love and were about to go for another round when the doorbell rang.
Nancy, her arms around Steven's neck, pouted. "Who could that be?"
Steven frowned, annoyed at the interruption. The doorbell kept ringing, disturbing his mood. He reluctantly patted her waist. "I'll go check."
He got up, pulled on a white bathrobe, and walked to the door. Upon seeing a delivery person, his frown deepened.
Opening the door, he asked, "What's up?"
The delivery person had a tiny camera on their chest and handed him a coffee with a smile. "Your coffee order. Please give us a five-star review."
"I didn't order any coffee."
"Didn't order? But the address is right here. Check the number."
Steven looked at the receipt. It was indeed his phone number.
The delivery person handed him the coffee and walked away, ignoring his puzzled expression.
Steven returned to the room, coffee in hand, deep in thought.
Nancy hugged him from behind, nibbling his ear. "What are you thinking about? Let's continue."
"Did you order coffee?" Steven asked, turning his head.
Nancy shook her head. "No, you know I don't like coffee. The bitterness is unbearable. What's going on?"
"The delivery person brought two coffees with my number on them."
"What?" Nancy was shocked. "Who ordered it? Could it be Rachel?"
"Impossible!" Steven dismissed the idea immediately, his voice heavy. "She can't know! She won't know! Unless..."
He paused, narrowing his eyes at her.
Nancy was stunned, feeling both shocked and wronged. "You think I did it? Why would I do something so stupid? It would be a disaster if Rachel discovered our affair. I can't be with you like a normal couple and have to sneak around in hotels, and now you suspect me."
She started to cry softly.
Steven couldn't stand her tears. He quickly pulled her into his arms, kissing her tear-streaked eyes and lips. "It's on me. Look at you, getting all worked up."
"Well, it's true."
"Alright, alright. I was wrong. I'm sorry for making you feel bad." Steven glanced at the two coffees on the table, still frowning. "Shall we continue?"