Chapter 2

It was late at night a week later when Ethan finally came home, dragging his suitcase behind him.

I was curled up on the couch, just finishing a movie.

I glanced at him, sat up, slipped on my slippers, and headed toward the bedroom.

As I brushed past him, he grabbed my arm. He stared at me with a complicated expression. "Chloe, are you just going to bed like that?"

I looked back at him, confused. "What else should I do?"

"It’s late. Why wouldn't I go to sleep?"

Did you expect me to stay up and ask about your romantic getaway, like you did with my sister?

He looked taken spirit back. He probably expected me to behave like I used to—hurrying to take his luggage, cooking him a warm late-night meal, and asking him if his business trip was exhausting.

Looking back at my past self, I realized how desperately foolish I had been.

I gave him a flat look, pulled my arm away, and walked straight into the bedroom.

A few minutes later, a warm, damp body slid into the bed behind me.

His hand found its way to my waist.

I scooted closer to the edge of the bed. "Don't. I'm really tired today."

He got the hint and pulled his hand back.

Then, he muttered impatiently, "You stay at home all day. How tired could you possibly be?"

Oh, right. I’m sure I’m not as exhausted as you.

After all, you have to manage a multi-million dollar company and find time to take my sister on secret overseas vacations behind my back.

Sensing my coldness, Ethan rolled over with a frustrated sigh.

I stared at his back in the dim light. He felt so close, yet his heart was miles away.

I realized I had never truly held a place in his heart.

I used to think that if I ever caught Ethan cheating, I would scream, cry, and fall apart.

But seeing that photo of them kissing had only left me with a strange, hollow calmness.

When I first saw that delivery text, I had foolishly fantasized that Ethan was finally fulfilling his promise.

I remembered the day we got married.

His startup was bleeding cash back then, desperately needing every penny.

We couldn't afford a real wedding. We just had a quick courthouse ceremony, wearing simple white shirts and cheap corsages, and hosted a small dinner for our parents.

After everyone left, he held my hands in our cramped, rented apartment and promised me solemnly.

"Chloe, one day, I will buy you the finest things this world has to offer."

When I saw the text about the necklace, I had excitedly waited for him to clasp it around my neck.

I had even booked a table at the city’s finest restaurant just to celebrate.

But he had rushed into the private dining room, devoured his steak without once looking up at me, and thrown a cheap red velvet box into my lap.

"Happy anniversary," he had said dismissively.

Then he stood up. "There's an issue with the European branch. I have to fly out tonight."

And just like that, he walked out.

When I searched the house later, I didn't find the necklace.

Instead, I found the receipt in his study drawer.

I touched the cheap earrings in my ears and laughed at myself. "So, these were just the free gift that came with the necklace."

I looked up at our wedding photo hanging in the living room, feeling a sudden sting in my eyes.

The dull ache in my chest kept me wide awake.

I opened Instagram to distract myself, only to see a new update from my sister, who had just landed.

The location was marked at the airport's VIP lounge.

"The one who truly loves you always knows exactly what you want! ❤️"

"Celebrating our first international trip together! ✈️"

In the photo, she was wearing the diamond necklace. The man she was kissing in the background was my husband.

My chest tightened as if a giant hand were squeezing my heart.

I gasped for air, hating myself for still feeling the pain.

I should have seen this coming.

I should have known the moment Lily came back to the country.

Lily was a world-renowned violinist.

On the day she returned, the airport was swarming with reporters.

Ethan had been caught in the background of a news broadcast, sitting in his car.

It immediately became a trending topic on Twitter.

Even though the image was blurry, I recognized his sharp profile and high nose bridge instantly.

There were only five white-interior Rolls-Royce Phantoms in the entire city, and one belonged to my husband.

I couldn't have mistaken it.

My husband had chosen the rightful owner of that necklace long ago.