Her Perfect Betrayal

Chapter 3

Dorothy's impatient voice echoed through the apartment. "I said move! I'm going out."

She rolled her eyes. "Meeting my friends is my personal freedom. I'm married to you, not imprisoned by you. You have no right to interfere. So step aside or else..."

“Or else what? Who gave you the authority to threaten me?”

In his former life, Raphael had been nothing short of a fool. Thinking about it now, he wished he could grab his younger self and knock some sense into him. What on earth had he been thinking?

“What… did you just say?” Dorothy's eyes widened with shock. "You actually raised your voice at me? Have you completely lost your mind?”

For the first time since she'd known him, Raphael didn't apologize, instead, he had talked back.

Dorothy's anger was soon replaced by confusion.

What had happened to him?

She knew Raphael better than anyone. Whenever she frowned or even showed the slightest sign of displeasure, he would immediately admit fault, apologize, and do whatever she wanted.

But today, he seemed like an entirely different man.

Dorothy's expression hardened as she folded her arms. “I'll say it one last time. Move.”

She paused, her gaze turning cold. “I'm counting, just like I always do.”

"One."

Raphael remained motionless.

"Two."

The apartment door had been left slightly open. Several curious neighbors quietly peeked into the hallway. Some pretended to collect deliveries. Others cracked open their doors. Everyone in the building knew the couple.

They also knew exactly how every disagreement ended. Raphael always gave in. Every single time.

One elderly woman, Mrs Green, whispered to the next neighbour, "He'll apologize before she finishes counting."

The neighbour nodded knowingly. "He always does."

Dorothy smiled confidently. She had absolute faith in her control over Raphael.

"Three."

Silence filled the apartment.

Then, Raphael calmly lowered the bouquet of roses. "I can't waste my time with you."

The watching neighbors exchanged unsurprised looks. "See? I told you. He compromised again."

Dorothy's smile became even more arrogant. She had expected nothing less. "I knew you'd come to your senses."

She adjusted her handbag before speaking casually. "Jake is waiting downstairs. You'll come greet him with me." She smiled proudly. "Make sure you look your best and receive him well, so you don't disgrace me."

Dorothy's words barely stirred Raphael's emotions. He looked at her as though she were a complete stranger.

Dorothy frowned. "Did you hear me?"

Raphael ignored her completely. Instead, he turned toward the elderly housekeeper who had quietly witnessed the entire exchange. "Mrs. Carter, prepare a large dinner tonight."

Without wasting any time, Mrs. Carter headed to the kitchen. Soon, the rich aroma of butter and herbs filled the air, making his stomach growl hungrily.

The sound surprised even him. He instinctively pressed a hand against his abdomen as an overwhelming wave of hunger washed over him.

Memories resurfaced. After the apocalypse had begun in his previous life, food had become more precious than gold.

Raphael had searched abandoned cities day and night, risking his life against mutated beasts and zombies, only to return with barely enough supplies for a single meal.

Yet every time, Dorothy would insist that her family eat first.

"My father hasn't eaten all day."

"My mother is too weak."

"My brother is still growing."

Raphael had always smiled and handed over his portion, but there was rarely anything later.

For months, he had survived on stale crackers, wild roots, and rainwater while ensuring Dorothy and the Brooks family never missed a meal.

Only after establishing the largest survivor base in the region had life become somewhat easier.

Even then, he continued placing everyone else before himself, until the very end. A bitter smile crossed his face.

"Young Master, dinner will be ready soon." Mrs. Carter poked her head out of the kitchen.

"Thank you," Raphael nodded.

The elderly housekeeper smiled gently before disappearing back inside. As she chopped vegetables, however, she sighed quietly.

Poor Young Master...

She had watched Raphael devote everything to Dorothy ever since their marriage. Now he was even preparing an elaborate dinner for the very man Dorothy was going out to meet.

Mrs. Carter assumed Raphael was once again sacrificing his pride to make Dorothy happy. Her heart ached for him.

Outside the kitchen, Dorothy reached exactly the same conclusion, and a smug smile spread across her face.

Just as I thought—he's still completely under my control."

She believed that no matter how badly she treated Raphael, he would always remain her loyal lapdog.

She casually walked toward the kitchen entrance.

"Oh, Mrs. Carter."

The housekeeper looked up.

"Yes, Madam?"

"When you're cooking tonight, don't use any peanut butter."

Mrs. Carter blinked. "Peanut butter?"

Dorothy nodded matter-of-factly. "Jake is allergic to peanuts. So make sure none of the dishes contain any."

She spoke as naturally as though she were discussing her own husband's preferences.

Mrs. Carter stared in surprise. "...Understood."

The nearby neighbors, still lingering outside their apartments out of curiosity, overheard every word and several exchanged amused looks.

"So the dinner really is for Jake."

"Raphael bought flowers, prepared a feast, and now he's even accommodating another man's allergies. What a spineless husband!"

"I've never seen anyone so easy to bully."

Soft laughter spread through the hallway.

Dorothy looked at Raphael with a satisfied smile, fully expecting him to agree as he always had.

Instead, Raphael finally spoke.

“Mrs. Carter.”

“Yes, Young Master?”

“Do not prepare a seat for anyone named Jake Ashford. I'm the one having dinner tonight, and this meal has absolutely nothing to do with him.”

He then turned to Dorothy, his gaze filled with open disdain.

“As for that bastard, I couldn't care less whether he eats, starves, or chokes on his own food.”

Raphael's expression turned cold. Without waiting for Dorothy's response, he brushed past her and walked straight into the apartment, leaving her standing there in stunned silence.