Chapter 4

The universe was filled with wonders, yet I felt as if I were caught in Simon's gravitational pull.

I entered the acting profession because of him, and every part I've accepted has been in an attempt to get nearer to his film sets.

I gripped my pen tightly, jotting down all the experiences I hoped to have in the coming years.

Engrossed in my writing, I failed to notice Hannah peering over my shoulder.

She grabbed my journal and began to read out loud with a mischievous smile.

"Explore the ocean depths?"

"Claire, haven't you done this before? If you go, why not ask Simon to accompany you? He personally instructed me the last time I went."

Naturally, I was already aware—she had shared it on her social media accounts.

His slender, graceful fingers had steadied her as she plunged into the water.

Those same hands once held mine just as securely.

Simon's face clouded over as he caught wind of her words.

Then my phone vibrated. I unlocked it to find his message, still fixed at the top of my conversation list.

After removing the pin from the chat, I read his text.

"Why do you keep dredging up ancient history? Is it really necessary, Claire?"

"I can suggest a diving instructor if you're interested, but if you're expecting me to join, I'm afraid I'm too busy."

I gazed at the message briefly, set his chat to silent mode, and answered with a curt "Fine."

I noticed his expression darken suddenly, but I didn't care. I reclaimed my journal and shot Hannah a stern look.

"There are no cameras rolling now, so nobody appreciates a blabbermouth like you."

Hannah turned to Simon with a pleading expression. "Simon."

As Simon was about to speak, I put on my headphones, effectively shutting him out.

Wendy had already touched down in Switzerland, so I sent her the hotel information provided by the production team.

Shortly after, there was a knock at my door.

I hurried to answer it, not even bothering to put on shoes.

As I swung the door open, my smile faded. "What brings you here?"

Simon stood before me.

Rather than addressing my question, he scowled deeply and asked, "Who were you expecting? Are you disappointed to see me?"

Lately, Simon had been behaving oddly—almost unrecognizably so.

When we used to shoot at the same hotel, he never sought me out and forbade me from seeking him out as well.

"Work takes priority. We may be married, but does it really matter if we stay together or not?"

But now, he was asking me things like.

"Why didn't you come to see me today? Have you forgotten we're married?"

I responded bluntly, "It's best to avoid gossip."

He immediately countered, "We're in a foreign country!"

Before he could continue, my phone rang. Wendy was calling to inform me she was stranded outside the hotel.

At that moment, Simon noticed my bare feet and sneered, "Who's got you so excited? No wonder you've been acting so ... "

"It's none of your concern," I interrupted coldly.

Just as he used to tell me whenever I inquired about Hannah.

I hastily dressed, slipped on my shoes, and rushed downstairs without sparing Simon a glance.

Wendy handed me a thick pile of notebooks and we found a secluded spot together.

She watched me anxiously, concerned I might have a change of heart.

I gave her a rueful smile. "This time, I truly want to forget, Wendy. Three days—that's all that remains."

As I spoke, I struck a match.

The pages slowly turned to cinders in the flames, mirroring how my love for you had dissipated.

I handed Wendy a fresh journal. "Three days from now, return this to me."

The Swiss Alps were awe-inspiring, their summits seemingly merging with the azure sky.