Chapter 1

After his crush moved in pregnant, my husband Liam turned into a stay-at-home good man, rushing back the moment he got off work.

Colleagues and neighbors envied me for marrying such a great guy.

But I could only force a bitter smile in silence.

Because he wasn't rushing home for me—he was taking care of his pregnant crush.

I cried and argued, but he just said, "Why can't you understand my dilemma? I just want to make up for past regrets."

I couldn't win the argument, so I left home, heartbroken.

Then, a figure blocked my path.

"Zoe, long time no see."

I looked up in disbelief—James, the guy I'd had a crush on for years, was leaning awkwardly on crutches, but his eyes were still gentle and soft.

Tears instantly welled up in my eyes.

In that moment, I finally understood my husband.

I couldn't help but grab his hand and say, "Come home with me. I'll take care of you."

"Why are you back so late? Hurry inside—don't let the cold air in. Isabella can't handle the chill."

"Also, Isabella has bad morning sickness, so her diet needs extra care. I'm making special meals for her, and you should stop eating those..."

Liam, wearing an apron, froze in place.

I didn't have time to notice him, carefully supporting James.

"Be careful with this step. I'll get the door replaced tomorrow—the threshold is too high."

James didn't move.

He let out a deep sigh and said, "Zoe, I appreciate your kindness, but it's not right for me to move into your home."

"I can manage on my own..."

Before he could finish, his left leg trembled weakly.

I quickly let him lean on me, my heart aching. "How can you manage alone?"

"Your leg is in such bad shape—how could I not worry?"

James stubbornly stayed at the doorway, refusing to enter.

He was too cautious to move freely, a far cry from the confident guy he used to be.

Seeing him like this broke my heart.

I followed his gaze and saw Liam scowling as he said, "You want to let another man live in our house?"

"Did you even ask for my opinion?"

James's leg gave way slightly, and he leaned on me again.

My heart clenched, and I snapped, "What's wrong with him staying?"

"He's disabled—what could he possibly do?"

"He's already in this state—don't you have any sympathy?"

Liam sneered coldly. "What does his disability have to do with me?"

"If people find out my wife brought a man home, openly cuckolding me, I'd be the laughingstock."

"No way! I won't allow it!"

I was about to retort when a frail voice called from inside.

"Liam, where did you go? I feel awful—come here now!"

I felt a wave of relief and said sarcastically, "If people find out my husband brought a pregnant woman home, I wonder if they'd tear him apart behind his back?"

Liam glared at me. "How dare you? How dare you slander Isabella?"

I shot back without hesitation, "Why wouldn't I dare?"

The woman inside began to sob softly.

Liam panicked, gritting his teeth. "Don't disturb Isabella."

With that, he hurried toward the inner room.

I knew he was backing down for Isabella's sake—he'd agreed.

I helped James inside; his feet could barely hold him up.

Once we were in, I quickly had him sit on the couch.

He still whispered, "Zoe, I really shouldn't be intruding on your life..."

"Zoe, I just wanted to see you from afar, but I... it's all my fault..."

"I think it's better if I don't burden you."

A scoff came from the kitchen. "If you know you're disrupting someone's marriage, why the fake sympathy act?"

I ignored Liam, helped James with his crutches, and said gently, "Don't mind him—he's always like that."

"Just settle in and rest easy."