Chapter 1

In my third year of matrimony with Ethan Williams, his former sweetheart unexpectedly resurfaced in our lives, now working as a humble retail assistant.

Ethan, filled with compassion for her unfortunate circumstances, acquired the entire establishment as a "reunion present."

His extravagant act became the talk of our social circle. Meanwhile, I, his spouse, became the subject of ridicule—Mrs. Williams, the naive fool.

I remained silent. Instead, I dispatched a courteous floral arrangement to the newly acquired store. Then, dressed in somber attire, I visited his sibling's final resting place to release my anguish.

"Ethan," I murmured, my tears dampening the stone, "I've discovered a means to escape your brother's grip. Though he shares your gaze, he's a different person entirely."

My words lingered in the silence, laden with sorrow, until a recognizable voice behind me inquired: "What on earth did you just say?"

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The following day, after Ethan's grandiose gesture, the group conversation was alive with chatter.

[Ethan really outdid himself for her. Purchasing an entire store? Must be genuine affection!] [It must be her—the legendary first love. When will he introduce her to us? We're eager to see what she's really like.]

Their remarks were scathing and dismissive. None considered that I, Mrs. Williams, was still present in the group.

My fingers quivered as I perused their messages. For once, I didn't suppress my frustration. Instead, I silently left the group chat.

Ethan's phone call arrived shortly after.

I was fastening a white blossom to my collar when my phone vibrated. I activated the speakerphone, leaving my hands free.

"Zoe," he said, his voice stern, "what were you thinking, sending flowers to Claire?"

"I'm your wife," I responded evenly. "Sending flowers to an acquaintance is simply polite."

He emitted a brief, mocking chuckle. "Don't think I'm fooled. You just wanted to flaunt your position as 'Mrs. Williams' and embarrass Claire."

"Let me remind you," he continued icily, "any status you possess, I bestowed upon you. Remember your place. Retrieve your pitiful flowers and apologize to Claire. Immediately."

His voice was so thunderous it startled me, causing my hand to slip. The pin jabbed my finger, and I let out a tiny cry of discomfort.

On the other end, Ethan sneered. "Zoe, don't attempt these petty tricks with me. They're ineffective. If you don't show up today, don't expect me to return home. Ever."

"And another thing—leaving the group chat? That's disrespectful to my friends. I'll address that with you later. You chose to wed me. You knew what that entailed. This is what you agreed to."

The call ended abruptly.

I glanced at the red mark spreading on my blouse. The sharp pain in my chest paled in comparison to the agony in my heart. Ethan always knew precisely how to wound me.

He wasn't like my Ethan.

The Ethan I once knew would never have addressed me in this manner.

I lowered my gaze, secured the flower, and reflected on the choice Ethan had mentioned—the decision that had led me to this life.