Chapter 1

On our tenth wedding anniversary, my husband Killian Barnes was not there.

He and his assistant had a secret meeting in a hot spring hotel under the pretext of a business trip.

After he came back, he gave me an extremely precious pink diamond pendant to apologize.

"Honey, I'm just too busy with work."

But the next day, I saw an even more precious jadeite on his assistant's neck.

They became more and more unscrupulous, and even secretly made love in the next room while I was sleeping.

In order to reassure me, Killian gave me a lot of luxury goods.

The gorgeous clothes and handbags were ridiculous in my eyes.

I looked at the calendar and decided to leave in two weeks.

Before leaving, I gave Killian a big gift and asked him to open it in two weeks...

——

"Congratulations, Miss Ward. Your permanent Canadian residency is confirmed. Do you wish to retain your original citizenship?" the official inquired, their tone courteous yet curious.

I firmly declined. "Terminate my account."

The official hesitated, visibly startled. "Cancellation means complete erasure of your records. No history, no trace—you'll be entirely untraceable."

I offered a faint smile. "That's the intention."

"Very well, Miss Ward. I'll initiate the account termination. The process takes fifteen days. Please note the timeline."

Exiting the office, I felt unburdened by my decision. A one-way ticket to Canada nestled in my bag, signaling impending freedom.

In the adjacent mall, a colossal screen broadcast news that halted passersby.

"Breaking: Killian Barnes, Barnes Group CEO, acquires a ten-carat pink diamond necklace for $800 million at an elite auction. Sources confirm it's among the rarest pieces, formerly part of a royal collection. Mr. Barnes commented, 'My wife adores pink.'"

The announcement elicited excited gasps from nearby young women.

"Wow! Killian and Penelope's romance is straight out of a fairy tale!" one exclaimed.

"Absolutely! Remember when Penelope joked about wanting stars for her birthday, and Killian bought naming rights to an entire constellation? It's surreal!" the other added.

"And they've been together since college! From campus sweethearts to wedded bliss... I'm so envious. Where can I find a husband like Killian?"

Their animated chatter persisted, but I felt only bitter irony.

Indeed, Killian and I were college peers. He was captivated by my performance at the freshman welcome event. The Barnes Group heir pursued me relentlessly, determined to win my affection.

I, however, resisted his opulent world, rejecting his advances countless times.

Yet Killian's persistence never waned. He pursued me tirelessly for four years, undeterred by my refusals. On his final night as a senior, he appeared at my doorstep, inebriated and vulnerable.

"Penelope," he implored, his voice breaking as tears streamed down, "please give us a chance. Let me remain by your side, loving you as you deserve. I swear, you'll be my only love, my most cherished."

Despite his disheveled state—teary-eyed and alcohol-scented—his gaze held an undeniable sincerity that gave me pause. His eyes radiated a love so pure, I found myself nodding in agreement.

At our wedding, he recounted this tale proudly. "From this day, Penelope and I are not just life partners—we're husband and wife, united by love and law! I vow we'll cherish each other eternally!"

Thunderous applause filled the grand hall as family and friends celebrated our union.

In the early years of our marriage, Killian honored his promises. He showered me with affection and lavish gifts—rare treasures only someone of his stature could provide.