Chapter 2

"Darling, go ahead and open it!" Bernard exclaimed with enthusiasm.

Despite our anniversary, he'd arrived home late.

I deliberately ignored the crimson marks and abrasions on his chest as I accepted the velvet case with "Jane" inscribed on it.

Within lay a sizable rose-hued diamond, glistening gently.

He swiftly slipped it onto my finger. "It's made for you! My love deserves nothing less than the finest!"

It was common knowledge that this was a bespoke South African pink diamond he'd acquired for me at an auction the previous month.

It stood as a unique emblem of affection.

With all the publicity, I became the object of envy and admiration.

I suppressed the resentment in my heart and mustered a weak, sardonic smile. "I appreciate it, it's lovely."

I then presented him with a package as well. Taken aback, he inquired, "What's this?"

"A reciprocal gift for you."

"But you mustn't open it for two weeks."

His hand hesitated and a look of bewilderment crossed his attractive features. "How come?"

"This gift is unique. It will only be meaningful if you unveil it in two weeks' time."

He didn't suspect anything. Instead, he carefully stored it away and set an alert on his phone: "Unveil the anniversary present from my beloved in two weeks."

Observing him treat it like a treasured possession, my heart filled with sorrow.

Unbeknownst to him, I was already in the process of erasing my identity. In two weeks, I would completely disappear from his life.

Due to my striking appearance, I'd never lacked admirers. However, my parents' troubled marriage had left me deeply insecure.

I rebuffed every suitor, claiming I wasn't prepared for a relationship.

Then Bernard entered the picture.

His tenacity was overwhelming. No matter how often I turned him down, he never yielded.

He even plunged into an icy Siberian lake without hesitation to win a brooch I fancied.

My once-steely heart gradually began to thaw.

Even after winning me over, he treasured me deeply, going to great lengths to provide me with the finest things in life.

Even when I was wary of marriage, he proposed 99 times before I finally agreed.

The day I donned the engagement ring, I told him through tears: "I'll do my utmost to reciprocate your love, but remember this—if you ever betray me, I'll leave without a second thought!"

Once, everything seemed flawless.

Until three months ago, when he hired a new assistant, Kate.

His assistants had always been male. Even when others suggested that female assistants were more meticulous, he would always respond firmly, "Having a female assistant could lead to misinterpretations. I want to ensure my wife's complete peace of mind."

Everyone lauded him for being a devoted and loving spouse. But Kate was the exception.

Gradually, Bernard began mentioning her more frequently.

Though he seldom praised his employees, his lips would always curl into a slight smile whenever he spoke of Kate. "She's a promising young woman, ambitious and brimming with potential."