Fallen Paths and Self Redemption

Rosalind’s abortion had left her unable to have children. The doctor confirmed she couldn’t have anymore. The baby had been the child of our shared mentor, but she lied to me, saying it was an accident.

To support her career, I willingly took on the role of her behind-the-scenes guy, doing all the housework like a full-time housekeeper—cooking, cleaning, everything.

But on her twenty-eighth birthday, she wrapped her arms around the company manager’s neck and said, “No matter what, I hope you’ll always be by my side, day and night.”

The manager chuckled and asked, “Aren’t you worried about your useless husband finding out?”

Rosalind stood on her tiptoes and kissed him, saying, “Just think of him as a free housekeeper.”

The manager laughed heartily and started kissing Rosalind’s flushed face.

I stood outside the door, feeling like I was sinking into a frozen abyss.

What she didn’t know was that the “useless housekeeper” she mentioned made several times more than she did.

1

On Rosalind’s twenty-eighth birthday, which happened to be Thanksgiving, I had prepared a feast for her return from work. She texted me saying there was unexpected overtime at the office and she might be very late.

I replied, “Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. I’ll wait for you, no matter how late. Love you!”

I went to the balcony to smoke and noticed it was snowing. Remembering Rosalind had worn a short skirt that morning and the company parking lot was far away, I grabbed her winter coat and snow boots and took a cab to pick her up.

When I got to her office, it was quiet and empty. I was worried she might have already left in the snow when I heard her sweet, flirty voice coming from a nearby office.

I breathed a sigh of relief—she was still there.

I crept up to the office, wanting to see how charming Rosalind looked at work, but froze when I reached the door.

Inside, Rosalind and another man were locked in a passionate embrace. Rosalind looked up at him and said, “Andy, today’s my twenty-eighth birthday. I wish you could always be by my side, day and night. Is that okay?”

Andy gently stroked her cheek, treating her like a precious gem. He kissed her softly and laughed, “What about your useless husband?”

“Why even bring up that powerless man?” Rosalind kissed him again. “Just think of him as a free housekeeper.”

Andy’s laughter filled the room.

I stood there frozen, watching the intimate scene unfold.

2

I quickly turned and walked out of the company, struggling with each step despite it being less than thirty meters. By the time I reached the entrance, it was sleeting, and the wind was stinging my face.

About an hour later, Andy came down first. He saw me standing in the rain and snow, paused for a moment, then gave me a barely noticeable smirk.

With a knowing grin, he said, “Rose will be out soon. You’re quite the devoted husband, aren’t you?”

I ignored him and looked past him for Rosalind, who had just stepped out of the elevator. Her hair was a bit messy, and her cheeks were ...