Chapter 3

Early the next morning, when I woke up, Ezra was already dressed and ready.

Ezra was always cared about the way he dressed,

But the man before me now left me stunned,

His tailor-made suit of fine fabric looked even more luxurious than on our wedding day,

His beard and hair were clearly meticulously groomed,

But what stood out most was the watch on his wrist.

That watch was left to him by his late grandfather,

On our wedding day, I had suggested he wear it,

But he said that watch was the most precious gift from his grandfather,

Wearing it to an occasion like a wedding wasn't solemn enough and would be disrespectful to his grandfather,

Yet today was just the annual jewelry launch event for Mr. Winters' company.

Noticing the change in my expression,

Ezra looked a bit embarrassed,

He smoothed his already perfectly neat hair and said with an awkward smile,

"Autumn, I've been preparing for today's launch for a long time. I didn't want to treat it casually. Besides, I feel this is even more meaningful than our wedding."

As I got myself ready, I replied,

"I know, whatever you find meaningful, I naturally feel the same way."

Ezra seemed satisfied with my response,

embracing me with a sigh,

"Autumn, I'm truly blessed to have married you... I've already picked out your clothes. I'll go ahead, and you can have the driver bring you when you're ready."

With that, he left.

Since I'm still Ezra's wife, it wouldn't be appropriate to be late to such an event.

To avoid any issues before leaving,

I quickly got ready and headed to the launch venue.

The Winters Group's annual jewelry launch was naturally a hot topic for various media outlets,

but this year there were exceptionally more reporters.

The initial pieces showcased at the launch were just appetizers,

everyone was eagerly awaiting the final showstopper,

An hour later, it was finally time for the grand finale to be unveiled,

The host's cheeks flushed with excitement,

"It's said that this year's final masterpiece from the Winters Group holds special significance. It's a gift from CEO Ezra Winters to the woman he loves most. This piece was personally designed by Mr. Winters, symbolizing eternal love!"

"Next up, ladies and gentlemen, prepare to be amazed as I reveal its true form to you all."

The previously noisy venue fell silent in an instant.

A few seconds later, I saw on the big screen what Ezra had called a 'gift' prepared for me.

It was an exquisite pendant in the shape of a galaxy.

At the center of the pendant was set a sparkling ruby.

What I saw next made my blood run cold.

On the back of the pendant, in delicate script, were engraved three letters.

'Vivien'

Everyone present must have seen these three letters.

The previously quiet venue suddenly erupted into chatter.

"What do these three letters mean? Isn't Mrs. Winters' name Autumn? Why does it say Vivien?"

"Her name is Autumn, maybe they used her middle name! How could you understand the intimacies between a young couple?"

"You're the one who doesn't understand. There are rules to jewelry engraving. It's an unspoken rule in the industry to use the first name!"

"Oh my! Ezra's nephew just married a girl named Vivienne! It can't be?!"

"That Vivienne is here today too! Besides, the host just said it was for Ezra's most beloved woman, he didn't mention any names!"

Standing on the stage, the host froze momentarily upon seeing those letters.

But she quickly recovered her composure.

"It seems our Mr. Winters is as exceptional as always. These letters are taken from the middle of Mrs. Winters' name..."

I could no longer hear the host's attempts to smooth things over.

I finally understood why Vivienne had cut her honeymoon short and rushed back to the States after less than two weeks.

I also realized why Ezra had been so meticulous about his appearance this morning.

What appeared on the surface to be a gift prepared for me,

Was actually arranged for Vivienne all along.

Afraid of making a scene, I left the venue in a daze.

Just before exiting, my gaze collided with Vivienne's as she happened to look back.

Vivienne's eyes were brimming with the smugness of a victor.

As a woman myself, I knew exactly what that look meant.

The two men of the Winters family had now chosen to stand on her side.

Her triumph was well-founded. I just stepped out when I received a message from Ezra:

[Autumn, I'm sorry. I didn't think it through. I heard everything that was said at the event. Let's forget about this gift. I'll design something better for you in a little while.]

I couldn't help but smile bitterly at the message on my phone.

Ezra, who's usually so bold and decisive in business,

Is now putting so much thought into pleasing a woman.

The press conference was drawing to a close.

Looking at the throngs of reporters at the venue, I felt a surge of irritation.

I figured it'd be best to leave such an occasion quickly,

But after taking just a few steps, I saw Vivienne gliding towards me with her graceful figure.