Chapter 1

In London, everyone's aware of Patrick McGrath's deep devotion to his spouse, treating her as his everything.

Behind closed doors, however, he keeps an 18-year-old around, claiming she's a mirror of his wife from years past. He maintains it's just his way of holding onto true love's essence.

He's even decreed that no one should mention anything that might distress his wife.

One day, elated about her pregnancy, she hurried to his workplace to share the news. To her shock, there was the young girl, bearing an uncanny likeness to her, perched on Patrick's lap, offering him wine directly from her mouth.

The girl turned to Patrick and inquired, "Am I merely her stand-in?"

Patrick pulled her close and responded, "You're incomparable to her."

That very day, his wife scheduled an abortion and reached out to her aunt living overseas.

"Aunt, I've reached a decision. I'm moving to New Zealand."

——

On the other end, her aunt was briefly taken aback before responding joyfully, "Lora Fletcher, you've finally chosen! I'll have your uncle sort out the paperwork. It should take about ten days—I'll keep you posted!"

After ending the call, Lora headed straight home.

Upon arrival, she found Patrick already in the living room, an unusual hint of anxiety in his eyes.

"You're back late. Where were you?"

Lora held up her bag and calmly replied, "Nothing major. Just a bit of stomach upset. I went for a hospital check and got some Western medication."

Lora had always been in poor health, and conceiving was challenging. Post-abortion, the doctor had specifically recommended Western medicine for her recovery.

Seeing Lora appear fine, Patrick finally broached the subject. "Did you drop by the office today? Why did you leave so quickly after arriving?"

Lora guessed someone had reported seeing her outside his office. He probably wasn't certain if she'd witnessed the incident.

In reality, Lora's glimpse of them was brief. His assistant had only given him a sip of wine before quickly getting off his lap.

"I was just passing by your workplace," Lora said casually. "I saw you were occupied with your assistant, so I didn't linger."

Patrick visibly relaxed at her words, but Lora's heart ached.

They had been married for seven years and were viewed as an ideal couple by their peers. Lora had always believed their love would last forever, but his affections had shifted so rapidly.

"She was merely giving me a work update!" Patrick explained, moving closer. "You know how young she is—she doesn't understand proper boundaries, so she stood a bit too close."

He gently placed his hand on Lora's shoulder and continued in a soft tone.

"Darling, it's been so long since we visited our old school. I happen to have some free time tomorrow—why don't we go back and reminisce about the past?"

He seemed more at ease as he mentioned their alma mater, his mood noticeably lighter.

They were a couple who had gone from school uniforms to wedding attire, and visiting their alma mater on their anniversary had become a tradition. But this year, Patrick had claimed work was too hectic, so they didn't go.

In hindsight, Lora realized he was probably preoccupied with his 18-year-old assistant.

Lora sighed softly and shook her head. "Let's discuss it another time. The doctor prescribed me ten days of Western medicine, which I need to prepare daily."

Patrick hummed in acknowledgment, reaching out to gently stroke Lora's long hair.

Lora turned her head slightly, subtly avoiding his touch. His hand froze mid-motion.

"Lora, is something troubling you? Why do I sense you're unhappy? Is it because Christy Barrett seemed too familiar while giving her work report earlier today?"

"She's just a young girl, only 18. Surely you wouldn't take it seriously, right?"

Lora's chest tightened at his words. Once, she too had been an 18-year-old girl.

When Lora looked up again, her eyes were steady and composed. "No, I didn't take it seriously."

Patrick's expression softened as he murmured gently.