Chapter 1

After seven years of marriage to Alec, he had always played the role of the perfect husband in everyone's eyes.

When he found out I was pregnant, he excitedly bought an entire island as a gift for me.

"Melody, I feel like this is all a dream."

"I swear, I will love you and our sweetheart with all my heart for the rest of my life."

But the next day, when I went to Alec's office to deliver some documents, I caught him in a passionate embrace with Vivienne.

"Alec, do you love me?"

Alec's eyes burned with desire as he pinned Vivienne beneath him, seeming ready to devour her whole.

"Of course, I want to make love to you until the end of time."

I understood then that our seven years together were nothing but a passing illusion.

————

After walking out of the hospital following my abortion, I wandered aimlessly down the street.

On the giant billboard screens lining the avenue, Alec's lovey-dovey video montage dedicated to me was still playing.

It cycled through scenes of our romantic moments together over the past seven years.

A young girl nearby clasped her hands together, her face filled with envy.

"Wow, Mrs. Carlisle is so lucky!"

"I heard Mr. Carlisle bought her a whole private island. When will I find a husband that handsome, rich and devoted?"

Another girl pursed her lips.

"Apparently Mr. Carlisle fell head over heels for Mrs. Carlisle the moment he first saw her. Whatever Mrs. Carlisle wants, Mr. Carlisle will move heaven and earth to make it happen. Dream on girl - you're better off hitting the sack early tonight!"

Yes, in everyone else's eyes, Alec was madly in love with me.

Not only that, but he was fiercely loyal too.

I love fireworks, so on my birthday he'd buy out the entire city's supply just to put on a spectacular show for me, all to see me smile.

If I so much as mentioned missing him, he'd drop everything to rush to my side, even if he was in the middle of closing a multi-million dollar deal.

After learning of my pregnancy, he bought a small island near the Maldives as my pregnancy gift.

But Alec, who loved me so much, got involved with the company's new female assistant.

Just thinking about it, a sharp pain suddenly pierced my heart.

When Alec came back, it was already night.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, and immediately showered me with kisses.

"Darling, has our sweetheart been good today?"

"You're our family's MVP. In three months, I'll be able to take you and sweetheart snorkeling on the island, watching sunsets, and sunbathing."

"I'd like a daughter, so she can grow up to be as beautiful as you..."

"But a son would be nice too, he could help me protect mommy..."

I listened to Alec's words with disinterest, indifferently looking away.

Seeming to notice my low spirits, Alec leaned down and gently nibbled on my earlobe.

"Melody, are you upset that I haven't had time for you lately?"

"My sweet darling, tonight I'm all yours."

Hearing this, I felt a wave of nausea wash over me. I forcefully shoved him aside.

These days, every second I spend with him feels like torture.

"I'm not feeling well today. Don't touch me."

Alec didn't seem bothered. He turned around and skillfully tied on his apron.

"Alright, whatever you say. After all, darling's word is law!"

"You must be hungry, right? I'll go make you some porridge now. How about I add some jumbo shrimp and a couple of sea cucumbers?"

Ever since marrying Alec, he's taken charge of all my meals.

I've told him more than once that I can handle these trivial matters myself, or leave them to our housekeeper, Aunt Verona.

But Alec insists on doing these things for me.

"Melody, I love you. That's why I want to do this for you."

Everyone envies me for having such a good husband.

But people change.

Sometimes Alec doesn't even notice it himself, but lately, he's been increasingly distracted when cooking.

When he makes braised fish, he'll mistake vinegar for soy sauce.

Or when making sweet and sour pork, he mistook salt for sugar again.