Chapter 2

"Chloe?"

Liam slid open the kitchen door. "What are you daydreaming about? Are you hungry? It’ll be quick. The soup just needs to simmer a bit longer."

He looked at me, his eyes seemingly filled with nothing but love.

I watched him wipe his hands naturally and walk over. I looked at his slightly open collar—where another sweet scent might have lingered just hours ago.

And on my phone, the post Vanessa made was silently screaming, ripping apart this warm, loving illusion.

I instinctively flipped my phone face down on my lap.

Liam didn't seem to notice my reaction. He bent down close to me. "What’s wrong? You look a bit pale. Are you feeling okay?" His voice was dripping with concern.

I flinched back, dodging his touch.

The movement was too sharp. Liam froze for a second, a flash of confusion crossing his eyes, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "Really starving, huh? Hang in there. Your man is making you a feast."

He turned around, humming a tune, and went back into the warm light of the kitchen.

The glass door slid shut, separating his back from me.

I picked up my phone again.

I unlocked it and opened the post once more.

Vanessa's reply, those few words, burned into my eyes like hot iron.

*Third anniversary... surprise...*

I looked up at the kitchen.

Liam had his back to me, focusing on the soup pot. He occasionally tasted it with a spoon, his side profile looking incredibly patient and focused under the light.

What a heartwarming picture. What a perfect surprise.

A deep chill settled into my bones.

My best friend.

My husband of three years.

When did they start?

In the places I couldn’t see, how were they celebrating another anniversary surprise?

My finger hovered over the direct message button on Vanessa's profile.

But I didn't tap it.

I just locked the screen and gripped the phone tightly, as if it were the only thing keeping me from shattering right then and there.

Then, I slowly straightened my back, took a deep breath, and swallowed the bitter taste in my throat.

"Liam," I called out, my voice so calm it surprised even me. "Do you need me to set the table?"

"No, no! You're the queen today. Just sit and relax."

He waved his sauce-stained fingers, his eyes overflowing with tenderness.

"Oh, by the way, that white wine you wanted to try last time? I chilled it. Should I open it now to let it breathe?"

We had passed by that wine in the supermarket last month, and I had casually mentioned it would go well with steak.

He actually remembered.

I recalled him just giving a lazy grunt back then while looking at his phone. I had assumed he wasn't even listening.

A wave of bitterness rushed up my nose.

"Sure," I replied in the same light tone, even forcing a smile. "Whatever you think is best."

He answered happily and turned to grab the wine from the cabinet.

The glass door reflected his humming silhouette.

The clinking of silverware echoed as Liam began to set the dishes on the table.

A perfect anniversary dinner. Every detail showed immense effort.

If I hadn't seen that post ten minutes ago, I would probably have thrown myself into his arms, feeling like the luckiest woman in the world.

But now, every exquisite dish felt like a silent slap to my face.

"Here, take a seat." Liam pulled out a chair for me, his hand naturally brushing my shoulder.

I lowered my eyes, avoiding his gaze, and sat down.

He sat opposite me. He had just lit the candles, and the flickering flames made his handsome face look even more deep and romantic.

He raised his glass, looking at me intensely. "Happy third anniversary, Chloe. Thank you for these three years... I'm so glad to have you."

"This looks amazing. When did you secretly learn how to cook like this?" I asked, cutting my steak, trying to sound casual.

"Oh... just lately. I've been looking up recipes online, wanting to surprise you today."

He smiled, but his eyes seemed to drift for a fraction of a second before he looked down to sip his soup. "I'm glad you like it."

*Lately, looking up recipes.*

My heart sank.

When did Vanessa start posting? It seemed to be... *lately* too.

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### Chapter 3