Chapter 1

The day my sister-in-law suffered a sudden heart attack, the hospital was overwhelmed with its surgery schedule.

I called my husband, who is also a doctor, countless times, hoping he could help with her surgery.

He hung up on me without any concern, and when I tried again, the line was busy.

My sister-in-law missed the critical window for treatment and tragically passed away.

In the hospital lobby, I saw a news report on the electronic screen.

The main subjects were my husband and his childhood sweetheart.

The caption read: "Couple gets lost after an adventurous escapade and urgently seeks help from local police."

A bitter smile forced its way onto my face. Five years of marriage, it's time to put an end to it.

My sister-in-law's sudden death left me in a stupor for a long time.

I dragged my weary body home, feeling as if my soul had been drained.

Watching the news replayed on TV, my heart felt like it was plunged into an ice cave.

I sat on the couch, dazed, through the entire night.

The next day, Declan Johnson came home whistling a tune, but his good mood vanished the moment he saw me.

He deftly slipped off his shoes and kicked them aside carelessly.

Glancing at the news on TV, he hurried to offer an explanation before I could say anything.

"The stuff on TV is all fake. You know my friend works in the media; they use these headlines to grab attention. People these days will do anything for money, no limits."

I sat silently on the couch, too tired to listen to his excuses.

Seeing my expressionless face, he frowned.

Then he pulled out a lipstick from his pocket and tossed it to me.

"Here's your birthday gift. Don't say I don't care about you."

I opened the lipstick cap stiffly.

My last bit of hope vanished at that moment.

It was a used lipstick, the exact shade Phoebe Taylor wore in the video.

There were even traces on the collar of his white shirt.

Yesterday was my birthday, and my sister-in-law had taken a high-speed train from out of town to celebrate with me.

She knew Declan and I had been in a cold war for days.

She wanted to use this opportunity to mediate between us.

Who knew she would suddenly suffer a heart attack, taking her young life away.

Seeing the used lipstick, a flicker of guilt crossed Declan's face.

He hastily shoved the lipstick back into his pocket and awkwardly tried to explain himself.

"Last night, I worked overtime until late, and we had a gathering. A female colleague had the same lipstick, probably got mixed up. I'll bring it back tomorrow."

"It was too late, and I didn't want to disturb you, so I stayed at a colleague's place."

His explanation was weak, and his eyes were evasive.

I couldn't help but respond sarcastically.

My husband of five years, when did he become such a liar?

I gave a cold laugh.

If he was really working overtime, his own sister wouldn't have died.

After all, Declan is a top physician.

Seeing him explain so earnestly, I coldly responded.

"Oh? Really? So I should thank you for not coming back all night? Be considerate of you?"

My attitude seemed to anger him.

He glared at me with wide eyes.

"Nora Johnson, can't you be reasonable? For whom am I working overtime all night? Always being sarcastic in front of me? Still have the nerve to throw a tantrum? Have I spoiled you too much?"

"What man doesn't need some personal space? You watch me like a thief every day, you're not uncomfortable, but I sure as hell am!"

His emotions erupted in an instant, the veins on his forehead visibly throbbing.

But I remained exceptionally indifferent. After all, it wasn't the first time he'd lost his temper at me.

After venting, he ignored me.

Instead, he went into the shower and made a phone call.

The shower wasn't soundproof.

Even from a few meters away, I could hear everything clearly.

On the other end, Phoebe Taylor's voice was coy.

"Declan, yesterday was so thrilling. I really want to go on more adventures with you."

"You promised me you'd never touch that woman again. You'll belong only to me."

Upon hearing her voice, Declan instantly became tender.

"Silly girl, of course, I'm only yours. I'm fed up with that woman."

"You have no idea, today when I saw her sallow face and rough skin, I felt like throwing up."

I instinctively glanced at my rough hands.

And the sallow face in the mirror.

For Declan, I had been a housewife for five years.

I never imagined it would lead to this result.

Tears rolled down my cheeks, filled with regret.

These five years of marriage might as well have been thrown to the dogs.