Chapter 2

Actually, Ethan had forgotten so much.

When we first started the business, I was the one who stayed up all night with him. I was the one who went to those corporate dinners and drank for him.

Once, I drank so much I got a stomach ulcer and bled. In the ambulance, his eyes were red from crying. He squeezed my hand and promised, "Ivy, I swear I’m going to give you a good life."

The day we secured our first major investment, he picked me up and spun me around in circles.

We were too excited to sleep all night, talking about our future.

Because of that investment, the company took off.

On our third wedding anniversary, we went to the most expensive restaurant in the city.

It was a place we could only dream of when we were broke. Back then, he had pointed at the distant skyline and said, "When we make it, we’re going to celebrate our anniversary there!"

I had snuggled into his chest, kissing his cheek. "I don’t care about any of that. As long as I'm with you."

And he did it.

At that dinner, he pulled a ring box from his pocket. The diamond was huge, far more intricate and brilliant than the simple band we married with.

"Ivy, I couldn't give you the dream wedding back then. Now, I can finally make it up to you."

He looked just like the boy who cried during our vows—his eyes were red, staring at me with pure devotion.

I had cried too, stretching out my hand. I let him take off the old plain band and slide the new diamond ring onto my finger.

We had known each other since childhood. We were high school sweethearts.

He asked me out after graduation, and proposed right after college.

Everything was supposed to be perfect.

I thought we would grow old together.

But I forgot that hearts change. Even the most intense love has an expiration date.

The next morning, Ethan and I got up at the same time.

Once we were dressed, I stood in front of him, smoothly adjusting his tie.

"I'll go to the office with you today," I said quietly, my hands never stopping.