Chapter 2

I handled the media alone and returned to our sprawling, ten-thousand-square-foot estate.

Empty. Dead silent.

This was the home I had built with all my heart for three years. Right now, it felt like a giant freezer.

At 3:00 AM, the beep of the smart lock echoed at the entrance.

Anderson was back.

He took off his damp black trench coat, handed it to the butler who hurried over, and stepped inside with his usual elegant composure.

"Why aren't you asleep yet?"

He walked into the living room. Seeing me sitting on the sofa, his brow furrowed slightly, his tone carrying a touch of gentle scolding.

"Did you sort out the emergency in Europe?" I raised my head, looking at him quietly.

"Yeah. It was a bit tricky, but it's taken care of."

He walked over to me, leaning down out of habit to kiss my forehead.

But as he drew closer, a completely unfamiliar scent invaded my nose.

It wasn't the cedarwood cologne I had personally blended for him. It was a cheap, sickeningly sweet peach perfume.

The scent of a young college girl in her early twenties.

I abruptly turned my head away, avoiding his lips.

Anderson froze mid-air. A flash of annoyance crossed his eyes, but he quickly masked it.

"What's wrong? Still mad that I left early?"

He straightened up and looked down at me, a hint of impatience in his voice.

"Elise, you’ve always been sensible. You know that in my position, there are things I can't avoid."

Sensible.

For three years, to be worthy of him, I had hidden all my sharp edges. I learned to be the perfect high-society wife.

I thought it was mutual devotion. He just took it for granted.

"I'm tired. I'm going to sleep."

I stood up, not giving him another glance, and walked straight upstairs.

After washing up and lying in bed, my phone screen suddenly lit up.

As if possessed, I opened Anderson's Instagram.

A new post stabbed my eyes.

There was no photo, just a short sentence: “Even if it pours, I will hold the umbrella for you.”

The posting time was exactly thirty minutes after he had abandoned me on the red carpet.

I bit my lip so hard I tasted copper.

The man who had once sworn before a priest to protect me through sickness and disaster was now holding his umbrella over someone else.