2

Once the seed of suspicion is planted, it takes root and grows. I silently put the phone back in its place without confronting Bruce. After seven years of relationship, without clear evidence of infidelity, I didn't want our trust to crumble because of my own unfounded suspicions. I observed him while hiding my emotions, trying to find any signs that he had changed his heart. In fact, he was as caring as ever, attending to every detail of my needs. But there were also unusual things. One day, we went out to eat, and halfway through the meal, a work call came in. I answered it and returned to see Bruce staring at his phone screen with a faint smile on his lips. “What are you smiling about? You looked so happy?” I stood behind him and asked suddenly. He startled, turned around abruptly, his smile still lingering on his lips. “It's just a depressed patient who eats less than a cat every day. These dishes look good, so I'm taking a photo to show her.” Bruce clenched his fist to his mouth, cleared his throat, and explained to me in a calm tone. He was a psychiatrist, so it was understandable that he cared about his patients. I knew he had a work number with many patients added, and he occasionally checked in on their recent conditions. But. “Isn’t this your personal number?” I pointed at his chat window. He paused for a second, but didn’t panic: “This patient is quite sensitive. I use my personal number to build a closer relationship with her.” I couldn’t say anything else. Bruce’s phone suddenly vibrated. He glanced at it and then looked at me apologetically. “Rose, there's an emergency at the hospital. I have to leave first. Finish your meal and wait for me at home.” He kissed my forehead, grabbed his coat, and left without looking back. The sky was overcast, and a heavy rain began to fall. For a while, I couldn't hail a taxi. I called Bruce, he had a little short of breath. "Baby, a patient is threatening suicide, and I can't leave right now. “I'll come home after I'm done. That's all for now.” In the background, I couldn't hear the noise of the rescue efforts, only his heavy breathing. While I was in a daze, he had already hung up the phone.