Hearing this, Monique immediately stepped closer, her voice tense. "Ernesto, are you alright?" "If I weren't, I'd probably be dead by now," Ernesto retorted, deliberately avoiding her touch and maintaining an offended demeanor. "You actually doubted me? Didn't you even notice the style of that dress? You're the one who said you loved that designer." Ernesto stared sternly at Monique, his expression severe, though internally he was panicking. His current lover was hidden in the secret compartment nearby—a concealed space he'd recently built into the master bedroom, originally intended for storing cash. He never expected to use it to hide a person. What was Monique thinking, showing up at the crack of dawn like this? Had she found out about the other woman? Was she here to catch him in the act? Ernesto felt a surge of irritation but did his best to maintain his displeased front. "Your birthday is coming up. Aren't you excited about the gift I got you?" "Of course I am, Ernesto. You know you're the only one in my heart. Every time I have to face that old fool Scott, I wish it were you by my side instead." Monique lowered her head, feigning hurt. "Ernesto, I've waited so long for the day you'll marry me." "Be good. I've already prepared your birthday present," Ernesto said, pulling Monique into his arms. "I'm giving you myself—how about that?" "I..." Hearing such sweet words, Monique felt a flutter in her chest. Her face flushed, and she looked down, all questions about the high heels forgotten. If Ernesto said they were for her, then they were for her. "Ernesto, I... love you. I only love you!" Monique poured out her feelings. "I love you too!" Ernesto replied, then suddenly swept her up into his arms. The abrupt movement made Monique cling tightly to his neck. "Ernesto, not so fast—you're scaring me!" "Will you be asking me to go faster later?" Ernesto countered, carrying her toward the bed. Monique landed on the mattress with a soft thud, her mind reeling. Before she could gather her thoughts, Ernesto was on top of her, his hands roaming with clear intent. "Ernesto, slow down... I..." Monique's words were cut off as Ernesto kissed her. The next moment, without giving her time to adjust, he tore at her clothes and entered her roughly. Monique cried out. How could Ernesto treat her like this?She wasn't some cheap fling—how could he be so rough? What was wrong with him today? Why was he being so forceful? Monique truly couldn't take it. She couldn't believe Ernesto would act this way. Was he deliberately trying to be adventurous? But this kind of intensity was overwhelming. She felt as if she were falling apart. Frustrated and resentful, Ernesto channeled all his dissatisfaction into the act. Who told her to show up and ruin his time with his other woman? This disobedient woman—couldn't she have called before coming? His other lover knew exactly how to please a man and played along with anything. But Monique? She was past her prime, and he had long lost interest. If she weren't still somewhat useful, he would have ended things long ago. Finally, Ernesto finished. Monique lay motionless, only the sound of her heavy breathing filling the room. "Ernesto, today you..." "Was it good? I read online that women like it when their man takes charge like that. I wasn't sure if you'd be into it," Ernesto said, getting up and lighting a cigarette. "So what did you come here so early for?"