Instead of sitting in the passenger's seat, she sat in the back seat with Alexis. Along the way, she talked to her daughter, only occasionally talking to Waylen if it was about the children.

Since Rena and Waylen did everything to keep their ramshackle marriage a secret from Alexis deliberately, Alexis remained oblivious to her parents’ predicament.

Grinning widely, Alexis got out of the car and went to school, making sure to wave at them before disappearing behind the gate.

Standing side by side, Waylen and Rena watched her retreating figure.

After a prolonged silence, he wordlessly walked back to the car and opened the door to the passenger's seat, hinting at Rena to get in.

Rena obediently sat in the car, but then she said, "Drop me off at the next intersection. I'll take a taxi."

Looking at the road ahead, Waylen lit a cigarette.

“Where are you going? I'll just drive you there.”

After a moment of hesitation, Rena gave him the address. Along the way, neither of them spoke a word.

She thanked him when she got out of the car.

But before she could shut the door, Waylen grabbed her hand and sneered, "Rena, we're married. No need to say thank you when I give you a ride! Why are you acting so distant?"

Rena sat back in her seat and tried to suppress her boiling rage.

“Waylen, if you want to maintain our marriage, you should talk to me in @ proper way. But if you don't want to, you can just vent your dissatisfaction."

A hush fell over the car.

After a long time, Waylen stepped on the gas, his knuckles turning white from gripping the steering wheel so tightly.

Maybe Rena was right. Maybe they'd both lead happier lives if they freed themselves from this tortuous relationship. They could still raise their children, and if he wanted to be with a beautiful young lady, he could...

Waylen didn't want to think about it anymore, so he pounded on the steering wheel with guilt, anger, and anxiety.

The horn of the car blared, startling nearby birds into taking flight.

He had dropped Rena off at the entertainment building. As soon as Rena shut the door, he drove away.

Anyway, he harbored rage.

Rena stood there quietly for a long time before finally forcing herself to walk into the building.

In the afternoon, it was Rena who picked Alexis up from school.