Chapter 1
Killian Barnes broke his promise on our tenth wedding anniversary, choosing to leave me behind for a business trip with his female assistant. When he returned, he handed me a collectible pink diamond. necklace, calling it a gesture of apology.
For a moment, I thought he truly loved me. But when I turned around, I saw her–his assistant–adorned in a dazzling set of emerald jewelry, far more exquisite and valuable than my own.
I played my part, pretending to be the gracious and understanding Mrs. Barnes. On the surface, I smiled, but inside, a storm brewed. As their brazenness grew, so did my pain. They thought I was asleep in the bedroom, but I overheard everything- their whispered words, their laughter, their betrayal–just a wall away in the study.
Afterward, Killian tried to smooth things over again, gifting me an entire set of pink
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haute couture dresses. That’s when it struck me–every pink gift he gave was a veil of betrayal, a mask for his deceit. And my cloakroom was filled with them–a silent testament to every time he had lied
to me.
But I had my own plan. I gave him a gift in return, telling him to open it in half a month. He smiled, thinking I was planning some grand surprise for him. He didn’t realize it was the last thing I’d ever give
him.
When that day came, I was already gone. The note I left was simple, but my absence. spoke louder than words. No one would ever find me again.
“Congratulations, Miss Ward. You‘ ve successfully obtained permanent residence in Canada. Would you like to retain your citizenship in your home country?” the staff member asked, their tone polite but inquisitive.
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necklace for 800 million US dollars at the world’s most exclusive auction. Sources reveal the necklace, a former royal collection, is one of the rarest in existence. When asked about the extravagant purchase, Mr. Barnes replied, ‘My wife loves pink.‘”
The broadcast triggered delighted gasps from a nearby pair of girls.
“Oh my god! Mr. Barnes and Penelope are living the fairy–tale romance of my dreams!” one squealed.
“Right? Remember when Penelope joked about wanting the stars for her birthday, and Mr. Barnes bought the naming rights to an entire star field just for her? It’s like a movie!”
“Don’t forget, they’ve been together since college! From campus sweethearts to wedding bliss… Ugh, I’m so jealous. Where can I find a husband like Mr.
Barnes?”
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Their giddy chatter continued, but I felt nothing but bitter irony.
Yes, Killian and I had been college classmates. He’d been captivated by me from the moment I sang at the freshman welcome party. He pursued me relentlessly, the heir of the Barnes Group of Companies, determined to win me over.
I, however, wanted no part of his privileged, gilded life. I rejected him more times than I could count.
But Killian was never one to give up easily. He pursued me relentlessly for four years, undeterred by my rejections. Finally, on the night of his senior year, he showed up at my door, drunk and vulnerable.
“Penelope,” he pleaded, his voice cracking. as tears streamed down his face, “please give me a chance. Let me stay by your side and love you the way you deserve. I swear, you’ll be the only woman I’ll ever cherish, the most beloved in my life.”
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Despite the disheveled state he was in–his nose running and tears mingling with the alcohol on his breath–his eyes held a
sincerity that was impossible to ignore. They shone with a love so pure it made me pause.
And in that moment, I nodded. I said yes.
At our wedding, he recounted the story to everyone, his voice filled with pride and emotion. “From this day forward, Penelope and I are not just partners in life–we‘ re husband and wife, bound by love and law! I promise we’ll love each other forever!”
The applause that followed was deafening, echoing through the grand hall as family and friends celebrated our union.
For a time after our marriage, Killian kept his promises. He treated me with affection and care, lavishing me with extravagant. gifts–precious and rare treasures that only someone like him could afford.
