When Mom woke up that morning and saw my swollen eyes , she weakly touched my face . " Sweetheart , you didn't sleep at all ? " " Mom , how are you feeling ? " " Same old heart trouble . I'll be fine . " She looked at me , suddenly confused . " Jaxon didn't come ? " I stayed silent . " That boy ... " Mom sighed " When your father died saving his grandfather , he cried and swore he'd take care of us . And now ... " " Mom , don't . " " Iris , " Mom squeezed my hand , " are you happy in that house ? " I wanted to say yes , but tears betrayed me. Mom wiped them away and was about to speak when the door opened . Melody walked in carrying a fruit basket . " Hi , Auntie ! Came to check on you . " Her smile was picture - perfect . " Jax is swamped , so he sent me to represent him . " Mom gave her a cold look and said nothing . Melody didn't seem fazed . She set down the basket and turned to me . " Iris , Jax wanted me to tell you - tonight's anniversary dinner is cancelled . He's meeting with a major client . " I'd already guessed . " Got it . " " Oh , and , " Melody added like an afterthought , " the home system needs upgrading . Jax said to temporarily put you on guest - level access so you don't accidentally mess anything up . " " Guest level ? " I was stunned . " That means I can't even do basic things ... " " Don't worry , I'll help you remotely . " Melody's smile was sickeningly sweet . " Just text me when you need something adjusted . I'll take care of it . After all , high - tech stuff like this really needs a professional touch . " She left , heels clicking on the floor . Hell Yeah . Forget the Other Woman My Smart House Was Cheating On Me ! 18.2 % Chapter 3 Mom watched her go and snorted . " That woman's trouble . " " Mom? " " Sweetie , can't you see ? She's replacing you step by step . She controls your house - she's already the real woman in charge . " I smiled bitterly . " Jaxon says it's for work convenience . " " Work ? " Mom scoffed . " What kind of sense does it make to let an outsider control your own home ? Iris , you're too trusting . Too naive about Jaxon . " Although I felt uncomfortable inside , considering that Mom had just finished surgery , I thought it was better not to worry her . After taking care of Mom all day , I didn't return home until dark . Click ! The lights didn't turn on . " Alexa , lights on . " " Sorry , guest privileges cannot access that function . " Turns out I didn't even have permission to turn on the lights anymore . I fumbled for my phone in the dark and texted Melody : [ Could you please turn on the living room lights ? ] Ten minutes later , she finally replied : [ Sorry babe , was in the shower ! Just turned them on for you ] The lights came on . But needing permission to illuminate my own home felt humiliating . I tried the TV , AC , kitchen appliances ... Everything showed " Insufficient access . " In my own house , I'd become an actual " outsider . " Jazon didn't get home until eleven , reeking of alcohol . " Happy anniversary , " He set a box on the table . " Your gift , " Inside was a new insurance policy . " Critical illness coverage , five million payout , covers all major diseases . " He said seriously , " I researched every product on the market - this is the optimal plan . " 0.19 Hell Yeah Forgot the Other Woman My Smart House Was Cheating On Me ! 21.2 % Chapter 3 I stared at the cold contract . " This is my anniversary gift ? " He frowned . " It's practical . Way more useful than flowers or jewelry . When it matters , this could save your life . " " I don't want insurance . I want your companionship . " " I'm here now , aren't I ? " He checked his watch . " Actually came home an hour early . " I took a deep breath . " Jaxon , why did you downgrade me to guest access ? " " System upgrade . Melody said guest level is safest - prevents accidental interference . " " Melody said ? " I laughed coldly . " This is our home . Why does everything depend on what she says ? " " She's the expert . " Jaxon was getting annoyed . " Besides , it's temporary . Once the upgrade's done , you'll get your access back . " " How long ? " " Don't know . Depends . " He yawned . " I'm gonna shower . Early morning tomorrow . " Watching turn walk away , I suddenly asked : " Jazon , in your mind , am I your wife , or just some problem that needs managing ? " He stopped but didn't turn around . " You're overthinking this . Get some sleep . "