Chapter 2

Alex must have been thoroughly pleased outside; his face was flushed, the lingering lust from his passionate encounter still visible in his eyes.

He smiled broadly, pulling out an earring and handing it to me.

"Nancy, happy anniversary!"

He reached out to pull me into an embrace. In the past, I would have eagerly leaned in, wrapping my arms around his neck and giving him a kiss.

But the thought of his lips just having touched that… trash… made me utterly nauseous.

I feigned shyness, stepping back two paces.

"I've prepared a candlelight dinner."

Alex chuckled, pinching my cheek before heading into the bathroom.

I immediately grabbed a pack of wet wipes and scrubbed the spot he had touched, going through half the pack.

By the time Alex emerged, I had composed myself.

I went straight to the point.

"Let's adopt a child. Then, when we're old, they can inherit our company."

Alex paused, clearly surprised I was willing to adopt.

I continued slowly,

"You're close with Director Johnson at the orphanage, aren't you? Have him keep an eye out for us. If there's a suitable child, we can adopt them directly."

Alex hesitated, then, after a long moment, he spoke nervously, probing,

"Nancy, we agreed to be child-free. Why the sudden change of heart about adopting? After all, it wouldn't be our biological child. Would you really leave them all your assets?"

I smiled sweetly, setting down my wine glass.

"Being child-free is good, but I think having a child who can help you with the business when they grow up would be nice."

Seeing my serious demeanor, Alex visibly relaxed. His pathetic act began.

"Nancy, I'm so sorry, I…"

I immediately shushed him, cutting off his nauseating confession.

"We grew up together. As long as you don't betray me, I'll dedicate my life to you. But if you were to ever do something to hurt me…"

As I spoke, I plunged my fork into the steak, tearing it into tiny pieces with brutal force. Alex's awkward voice cut through the silence.

"No, no, never! Marrying you is my blessing, how could I ever hurt you?"

I instantly flashed a perfect smile.

"Happy anniversary, honey."