Chapter 2
Until one day, everything unraveled.
A photo arrived on my phone–a picture of Killian lying in bed, sound asleep. His face was peaceful, but what caught my attention was the strand of long, unfamiliar hair draped across his cheek.
In that moment, the truth became painfully clear. He had another woman in his life. And all the extravagant gifts–the diamonds, the haute couture dresses, the lavish vacations–were nothing more than his way of masking his guilt, a silent confession after every betrayal.
As I stared at the photo, my phone buzzed in my hand. The caller ID flashed his name -Killian, the man idolized as the perfect husband by the world.
up
“Honey,” he began, his voice warm and familiar, “I bought you a gift to make missing our wedding anniversary.”
for
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I glanced up at the enormous mall screen where his image beamed down at adoring. crowds, his every move inspiring envy. and admiration. My lips curled into a bitter
smile.
“Thank you,” I replied evenly. “It’s just as well–I have a gift for you too.”
His surprise was palpable even over the phone. “Really? Honey, you‘ re amazing! It’s my fault, yet you still went out of your way to prepare something for me. I’m so lucky to have you.”
“You‘ re welcome,” I said, my tone
betraying none of the storm within me. “I
hope you’ll like it.”
Later that evening, I slipped the neatly folded divorce agreement into an envelope, sealing it with finality.
This would be my gift to Killian.
Killian invited me to his company, insisting on a grand gesture. Before an audience of employees and onlookers, he presented me
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with the pink diamond necklace, its brilliance reflected in the admiring gazes
of the crowd.
He gazed at me as if the world began and ended with us. “Honey, happy fifth anniversary!” he declared, his voice filled
with affection.
I smiled, but I didn’t respond. Because I hadn’t forgotten–our fifth anniversary was three days ago.
As he fastened the necklace around my neck, he leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Honey, I’m sorry. There was an emergency at the company a few days ago–someone caused trouble, and I had to step in.”
I nodded, signaling my understanding. His shoulders relaxed visibly, as if a weight had been lifted.
The applause erupted as we embraced in front of the crowd, a perfect image of a happy couple. But as his arms wrapped
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around me, I caught a faint, unmistakable
scent lingering on his shirt–a sweet perfume that no man would wear.
A perfume that belonged to another
woman.
I pulled back slightly and reached into my bag, retrieving an envelope. “I have a gift for you, too,” I said with a soft smile, handing it to him.
Curiosity lit up his face as he accepted it, pressing the envelope against his chest like a cherished treasure. “Open it in fifteen days,” I added, my tone light. “It’ll be a surprise.”
His smile widened, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “A love letter, isn’t it? You‘ ve always been so romantic. I still remember how we promised in college to write each. other a love letter every year, to keep the magic alive.”
He sighed, his expression turning nostalgic. “It’s been ten years since we
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started dating. Honey, you‘ re amazing- you never forget the little things. I’m so lucky to have you.”
I smiled and nodded, keeping up the charade.
For the past ten years, I had written him a love letter each year, just as he claimed. But they never left my drawer, gathering dust instead of memories. Now, as I
thought about it, those letters deserved the same fate as my feelings–a quiet, decisive end.
The staff sighed in admiration around us, their voices full of playful envy.
“Mr. Barnes, you and your wife are the definition of true love! Ten years and still going strong!”
Another colleague chimed in, pulling a mock pout, “Please, Mr. Barnes, stop flaunting your love! It’s almost criminal how perfect you two are!”
Killian chuckled heartily, pulling me closer
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with an arm around my shoulders. Phones flashed as people captured our “perfect” moment, and within minutes, the photos and videos would flood social media, painting a glossy picture of the ideal couple.
Yet amidst the sea of cheerful faces, one stood out–Anastacia Harris, Killian‘ st assistant. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, her expression carefully neutral but her eyes betraying a smoldering anger.
After the spectacle, Killian leaned close and whispered, “Let’s celebrate properly. I’ll take you to that new French restaurant everyone‘ s raving about.”
I nodded, maintaining my smile, and excused myself to the bathroom.
As I washed my hands, a conversation drifted in from the hallway.
“Did you see that pink diamond necklace today? Oh my god, it’s enormous–800 million dollars! President Barnes really
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spares no expense for his wife!”
“I know! Ugh, I’m so jealous. When will I ever meet someone who treats me like that?”
Amid the giddy chatter, a sharp scoff interrupted.
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