Not Just a Phase in My Life

My heiress wife's childhood sweetheart has just announced his engagement to someone else today. For some reason, she seems heartbroken. As her husband, my mind turns into a mess when I hear the news. Everyone in our social circle knows that my wife's family is incredibly wealthy. When she buys luxury goods, she basically buys out the whole store. But today, she coops herself up at home and doesn't go out. Worse yet, she doesn't give me the money for this month's living expenses. I'm seriously losing sleep over this. "Honey, please accept reality and move on. Is there anyone who hasn't been a fool for love?" The second I hit send, my heiress wife bursts out of the bedroom, where she was holed up. "Tell me for whom you were a fool. For whom did you humble yourself?" Chapter 1 My heiress wife, Elise Shore, recently fell into a deep funk. Even the best food and the most fun plans couldn't get a rise out of her. Her best friend invited her to go shopping, but she refused even that. Another suggestion was to go on a trip abroad, but she still wouldn't go. As the only daughter of Shore Group's chairman, Elise had always been the apple of everyone's eye. She'd never been like this before. After digging around, I found out from people in her social circle that her childhood sweetheart had publicly announced his engagement to someone else. That was why she was acting like this. It hit me then that Elise was suffering from a broken heart. Seeing her so down and hurt turned me into a mess. Still, my first thought was how I could comfort her. After all, she was the one funding my monthly living expenses. She'd locked herself in her room for two days straight without food or drink. At this point, it was worrying. But more importantly, she'd yet to give me my monthly allowance of five million dollars. It made it hard for me to even leave the house. Recently, some friends of mine had invited me on a trip to Nivoria to see the aurora. We would then go diving in Coralion. I'd also just ordered a top-of-the-line supercar, but only the deposit was paid. I needed money for the balance, and the deadline was coming up fast. The problem was that my wallet was as empty as it could be. At that thought, I took a deep breath, knowing that I needed to get Elise back on her feet. I couldn't just lose my financial lifeline. So, I quickly texted her, "Honey, you can mourn, but you need to move on soon. Has anyone in this world not been a fool for love before? The key is to bounce back and move past this. "Think about that long string of numbers in your bank account. They want to get moving, too. Don't give up, honey. You've got this." To alleviate her heartbreak, I even sent her the link to a cheerful song. After doing all that, I glanced at Elise's bedroom door, feeling rather pleased with myself. I figured she'd soon be soothed by my words and would be able to step out of the shadow of her heartbreak. I thus got up and headed out to meet my friends. Our plans for the night were simple. We would eat, drink, and sing to our hearts content. Just as I was belting it out in the private room, one of my buddies suddenly nudged me. "Elliot, your phone hasn't stopped buzzing for a while now. You should check it." I put down the mic and reached for my phone. My phone screen showed over a hundred unread messages and dozens of missed calls—all from Elise. I smiled and raised my glass triumphantly. "See? I've got a knack for comforting my wife." I'd only sent a few messages, and that had been enough to make Elise snap out of her funk. See how she'd bombarded me with texts in one go? Chapter 2 The effect was immediate! My monthly allowance should've already been transferred to my account, right? I passed the mic to the friend singing beside me. There was no time to check the messages Elise had sent me. I quickly unlocked my phone and went straight to my digital bank account. To my dismay, it was still empty. A jolt of pain shot through me. Were women going through heartaches so hard to appease? I backed out of the page and finally checked Elise's messages. "Where are you? "Answer me this instant. Why did you share such a depressing song with me? Do you think I'm too happy?" I quickly scrolled up and realized that I'd indeed shared a sad song. In fact, it was basically the epitome of sad songs for heartbreak. My face burned with embarrassment, and I slapped my forehead. Damn it! I'd screwed up big time. I'd definitely tapped on the wrong song when sharing the link earlier. If not for that, I'd probably already have five million dollars in my account. "Elliot, it's your song." My friend's voice rang out. I took back the mic and was about to start singing when he added, "I've recently heard people say that your wife's been showing up at Quill Group. You should watch out. Honestly, Damian Quill is a jerk. Someone needs to teach him a lesson and stand up for you." Damian Quill was Elise's childhood sweetheart. Rumor had it that if he hadn't gone abroad so young in life, the two of them might've ended up together. But in a twist of fate, Elise had married me instead. Ever since we tied the knot, she'd been lukewarm at best. Still, seeing as I usually received my monthly allowance on time, I turned a blind eye to many things. And just like that, life went on. "You're right. Damian is begging to get put in his place. What do you say, Elliot?" another friend said. I returned to my senses and quickly said, "Now, now, let's not be rash. Don't mess with my wife's childhood sweetheart. What if she gets mad at me?" As soon as I said that, my friends stared at me like I'd sprouted a second head. Someone remarked, "Elliot, you're a model husband." Everyone gave me a thumbs-up, but I saw the disdain in their eyes. I couldn't be bothered to explain myself. They wouldn't get it, anyway. Just then, the song I'd picked came up, and I started crooning. "Later, I finally learned to love, but you were already gone…" I was just gearing up for the climax when a loud bang stole everyone's attention. The private room's door had flown open. I looked toward the doorway to see a face so gorgeous that it seemed to suck the air out of the room. The woman wore a black coat over straight-cut dress slacks that showed off her long legs. They were paired with a fitted white V-neck shirt that elongated her slender neck. Her high ponytail and those exquisite features carried a cool edge, making her look spirited and dashing. Everyone froze for a few seconds as the woman, Elise, strode straight up to me, looking me in the eyes the whole time. Then, her gaze flicked to the lyrics on the screen. "Who did you finally learn to love?" Chapter 3 I snapped back to reality and awkwardly said, "Honey, I'm just singing a song. I'm not in love with anyone else—" "Then who were you a fool in love for?" Elise asked coldly. My friends saw the situation going south and scattered with quick goodbyes. I looked at that unfaithful bunch and inwardly sighed. I couldn't blame them. After all, who would dare cross the sole heiress of Shore Group? Elise didn't even spare them a glance. She dialed up her domineering presence, and her face was as cold as ice. She said, "You're coming home with me. We're going to clear this up." After getting into the car, neither of us spoke. The driver kept his mouth shut, too. Consequently, the air felt awkward and heavy. Elise was clearly still in a bad mood. She rolled the window down, letting the cold wind cut in. "Honey, it's a little cold. Let's close the window," I suggested. "Don't you dare." Her voice was frosty. "So, tell me. Who did you humble yourself for in love? And who did you later learn to love?" I was taken aback. Then, I let out a faint laugh. "Honey, it's not scary to go through a breakup. What's scary is never getting over it. You know how people say there's plenty of fish in the sea? Why should you—" "Are you sharing breakup wisdom with me right now?" she interrupted. "No, of course not. I was just trying to…" I trailed off, realizing that Elise was watching me silently as the air around her seemed to crackle with anger. I shut my mouth and swallowed the rest of my words. It seemed she really was heartbroken. Otherwise, on a normal day, I only ever saw a smile on her face. Damian really was a jerk, huh? Given the circumstances, I had no idea how to comfort Elise. I quietly opened my music app and shared a song with her, titled "Freeing You with a Heavy Heart". That was about all I could do at the moment. Then, I sent her another one called "Letting Go". Sometimes, letting someone go of someone was its own kind of love. Elise must have heard her phone buzz because she immediately checked it. When she saw my messages, she glared at me. "You… You're infuriating!" "Honey, if you don't love me and want to chase your own happiness, I can let you go. All you need to do when we get divorced is give me, say, a billion dollars or so. I'll nurse my broken heart alone…" I put on my best wounded, low-spirited look as I gazed at her. Then, I leaned gently on her shoulder. Elise tapped away on her phone. Shortly after, mine chimed. I grabbed it right away to see a notification. "You've received 5,000,000.00 in your bank account…" I counted the zeroes that made up five million dollars. This month's allowance had just landed! I cleared my throat, pulled myself together, and looked at Elise. "Don't worry, honey. I'll always be your strongest backup. I'll support you in everything that you do." "Attend a banquet with me tomorrow," she said curtly. "Okay." "Make sure you clean up properly. Don't embarrass me." I smiled. "Relax, honey. I'll deliver." Chapter 4 When we got home, I played the attentive partner and cooked Elise some pasta. She'd barely eaten over the past few days, and I needed to buck up on my "lifestyle services" now that my allowance had come through. A simple dish of spaghetti and meatballs made its grand entrance. Elise shot me a cool look. "I just gave you five million dollars, and this is what you're feeding me?" "The gourmet stuff will come later," I said with a smile. She didn't say anything more and lowered her head to eat. Before long, she polished off her whole serving. I watched her, thinking that the heartbreak she'd suffered these last few days must've really worn her out. It honestly made my heart ache, too. … The following night, the banquet kicked off right on time. I arrived with Elise. That night's event was a Shore Group business reception, so it was a fairly high-end occasion. As Shore Group's heiress, Elise had barely stepped in before a gaggle of socialites gathered around her. I wasn't into business networking, and I happened to spot a few of my close friends nearby. I headed over to them and picked up a glass of wine, taking a couple of sips. "See that? That's Damian Quill." I looked in the direction they'd pointed to see Damian in a sharp, tailored suit. He looked the part of a perfect gentleman… on the surface, at least. "The jerk's making a beeline for your wife," someone said. I looked closer. Sure enough, Damian had sidled up to Elise. They exchanged a few words before she followed him off to the side. "What's that punk dragging your wife off to do?" "Go and check on them!" "Relax, guys. Elise knows where to draw the line," I said. At my words, they silently gave me thumbs-ups again. I laughed awkwardly. Well, I'd just gotten my five-million-dollar allowance. It really wouldn't be right to meddle in Elise's private life, would it? "Elliot, you're seriously magnanimous," someone said. I suddenly clutched my stomach. "Sorry, my stomach's acting up. I need the restroom." I set down my glass and headed in the direction where Elise and Damian had gone. When I found them, I saw them standing in a hallway off the banquet hall. It was empty, save for the two of them. "Elise, you know my family forced me into the engagement. You're the only one I love. Do you know how much it hurt to see you walk in with Elliot tonight? I can't stand seeing you with anyone else. You and I are the ones meant for each other," Damian said. He reached out to grab Elise's hand, but she stepped back. "I'm not interested in hearing this. Show some respect." "Elise, don't you get how I feel for you? You may not have a lighter, but you've always set my heart ablaze…" I winced at that. Good grief. He was disgusting! How could someone say something so cringeworthy with a straight face? "Damian, you're revolting." Elise turned to leave after saying that. However, Damian grabbed her hand. "Elliot doesn't deserve you. He isn't even worthy of breathing the same air as you! I can call off my engagement for you. As long as you divorce him, I—" I could ignore everything else, but there was no way I could stomach him trying to cut off my financial lifeline. I rushed forward and shoved Damian away, quickly putting myself between him and Elise. Unexpectedly, he staggered backward, lost his footing, and fell to the floor with a pained howl. "Elise, my hand! My hand hurts so bad…" I started, "Keep pretending, you—" Before I could finish, Elise pushed me aside. There was a hint of anger in her eyes as she looked at me. Was she mad at me for hurting her childhood sweetheart? It seemed Damian was the one she loved, after all. I sighed inwardly. She turned her attention to Damian and hurried toward him. His face lit up. "Elise, I knew you loved me. You feel nothing for Elliot! Come with me, alright? I'll take good care of you." He turned to me then, saying, "Do you see this, Elliot? This is true love! Do you even know what that is? Elise and I are the real deal. People like you don't deserve what we have!" As Damian gloated, Elise arrived before him. He held out a hand, expecting her to pull him up. However, all she did was raise a foot—clad in four-inch heels—and stomped on his face. I was absolutely stunned by this sight. Chapter 5 Surprisingly, Damian, sprawled on the floor, looked like he was enjoying himself. Instead of getting angry, he let out a wanton sound. "Elise, I like it when you treat me like this." I was baffled. Had he suffered brain damage at some point in life? Did he like being abused? Elise's expression turned stormy in an instant, and she looked like she'd swallowed something foul. She quickly stepped back and muttered, "You're disgusting." "Elise." Damian pushed himself up, a shoe print stark across his face. However, he looked oddly thrilled as he continued, "If you like it, you can step on me anywhere you want." What a psycho! I cursed him in my mind. I'd seen my fair share of nutcases, but it was my first time seeing someone at this level of crazy. "Damian." Suddenly, a soft female voice cut through the scene. I looked up to see a woman in high heels and a black, glittery evening gown jogging toward Damian. Her voluptuous chest bounced with every step. I couldn't help doing a double-take. When I turned back, I saw Elise glaring at me. She coldly asked, "Enjoying the view?" I chuckled. "It's pretty average. You're the best-looking in my eyes." I couldn't praise another woman's looks in front of my wife, especially since she was also my sugar mommy. I knew that much, at least. "Marissa, what are you doing here?" Damian's expression flipped the moment he saw the newcomer. His eyes glinted with a hint of grievance. So, this was Marissa Levine, his fiancee. Rumor had it she'd fallen for Damian at first sight, and that she was the one who'd pushed for the match between their families. "Who bullied you?" Marissa carefully wiped the shoe print off Damian's face, her eyes brimming with heartache and tenderness. He didn't answer, but his gaze drifted to me. She followed his line of sight, and her gaze sharpened. She looked like she was two seconds from pulling a knife on me. "Please stay away from Damian in the future." She even singled out Elise and coldly said, "Especially you. I can't believe you're out here flirting with other men when you're already married. Trashy, isn't it?" I was dumbfounded. It looked like Marissa had some kind of mental issue, too. I was about to speak when Elise pulled me away. This was so unlike her that I knew what this meant—she felt diffident. Well, it was not like I would dare call her out to her face. She needed her dignity intact. By the time the banquet ended, I was more than a little drunk. When we got back home, I collapsed onto the couch and started loosening my tie. Elise suddenly slid onto my lap. Her curves, molded by her gown, were like a net that snared my attention and held tight. She snaked her arms around my neck, her voice honey-sweet as she asked, "Do I look good?" Heat surged through me, and I yanked off my tie. "So what if you do? It's not like I can have a taste." Would anyone understand the torture of having a knockout beauty right in front of them, but only being able to look without touching them? It was like having a gourmet feast set within arm's reach but only being allowed to sit there and swallow back saliva. It was a double torture on my body and soul. "Are you seriously just going to look and not touch when I'm already being this forward?" Elise asked. With that, she slowly pulled down the zipper of her gown.