Chapter 2

I wasn't surprised when Rosie first messaged me, because many socialites had also messaged me asking me to voluntarily give up Blake.

He was handsome and talented. Even without my father's support, Blake's abilities would have allowed him to make a name for himself in New York.

A man like that, married young---how many socialites in the circle felt it was such a shame.

So many people liked Blake, but I never took any of them seriously, because his eyes were full of only me.

I've been frail since childhood, always looking sickly. That time I went to the hospital with a fever, the doctor said my constitution was too weak, and if I got married, I couldn't have children for at least five years.

I looked at Blake fearfully.

Back then so many girls were chasing him, and now that he had the ability, there was no need for him to tie himself to me.

I gave him an out. "You can choose divorce. I won't blame you."

"What nonsense are you talking about? It's okay, I'll help you slowly nurse your health back. Not having children is fine too. At worst we can adopt a child."

He said it so sincerely, and he did everything he promised.

From the beginning of our marriage, he prepared some kind of surprise for me every month, and all these years he never seemed to tire of it.

So with him treating me so well, how could I not think those women were just jealous and threatening me?

Until Rosie appeared.

She showed me the necklaces Blake gave her, evening gowns, and later luxury goods and a car.

Blake was really thoughtful---everything he could give, he gave to Rosie.

We had agreed after marriage that no matter how late it was, we'd always come home for dinner.

But starting last year, Blake rarely ate at home, and eventually he'd come home very late.

Yesterday was my birthday, and he didn't even come home.

Only because yesterday also happened to be Rosie's birthday.

When I saw her message, I finally couldn't control my temper and smashed the cake he bought me.

Blake---he said he'd love me forever.

If Rosie hadn't sent me an audio recording, I might still be unwilling to believe that Blake was no longer the person he used to be.

"Blake, today is your wife's birthday. Aren't you going home to be with her? Won't she be angry?"

Blake laughed lightly, his tone full of disdain.

"Tori? I do love her, but she's just so boring. She seems well-mannered and polite, but she's actually old-fashioned and rigid, lacking so much interest. Not like you, Rosie---lively and adorable."

That was Blake's voice. I couldn't be mistaken.

Rosie acted coy in the man's arms, saying "how awful," but her face showed no sign of actually finding it awful.

This was all sent to me by Rosie.

I knew she wanted to upset me, but Blake was the one who gave her the ammunition to hurt me.

Looking at the mess in the room, for a moment I felt relieved.

Blake---did I really have to have him?

The love from before was real, and the betrayal now was equally real.

I dialed a number.

"Liam, are you busy?"

Liam was pleasantly surprised to receive my call. "Tori, it's been so long since you contacted me. I thought you'd forgotten all about me."

I smiled apologetically.

Blake had no sense of security. Although he never said it, I still cut off contact with all my male friends.

Looking back now, I was really foolish.