Chapter 1

On my birthday, my superstar husband did something totally unexpected. He posted an update on Instagram: [Besides the designer bag, should I get her a million-dollar sports car too?]

I was absolutely thrilled. I thought he was finally going to announce us to the world.

So I replied in the comments: [Anything from you is perfect.]

The next second, my Instagram DMs were flooded with angry messages from his fans.

One texted: [Matthew's gifts are for Jessica. Who do you think you are, trying to get in on this? So gross.]

I was left totally confused by all the hate. When I clicked on the trending news pics, there was Matthew, strolling side by side with his assistant, Jessica.

I called Matthew to confront him, but as soon as the call connected, Jessica's sweet voice came through.

Jessica said, "Lillian, Matthew's with me right now, taking a new car for a spin. He's not available to talk at the moment.

"He just had to buy me the newest Porsche. I didn't even want it, but he said it's his way of thanking me for sticking by his side for four years, so what could I do?"

Matthew and I had been married for eight years, and he'd never once given me a gift.

That was it. I was done. I hung up without another word.

After I finally calmed down, I shot a message to my dad's assistant: [Sam, pull all the resources and projects the company has been funneling to Matthew. Do it now.]

After sending that message, I treated myself to my all-time favorite mango cake.

When I got back, I sat alone in the living room that felt emptier than ever, taking my time with every bite.

Just then, Matthew walked in. The second he spotted me with the cake, his face soured.

He said, "Why didn't you cook? Seriously? You know I'm allergic to mango, right? How am I supposed to eat this?"

I didn't even look up as I replied, "Lunch leftovers are in the fridge. Heat them if you want. Or just get takeout."

Matthew's temper flared, his eyes shooting daggers at me.

He snapped, "I rushed all the way back from out of town just to celebrate your birthday, and this is how you treat me? I was only a little late. Do you really have to make such a big deal out of it?"

I shot back, "So you really came all the way back just for my birthday?" I couldn't help the sarcasm in my voice.

I stared him down, lips curled in a mocking smile. I said, "I saw the pictures, Matthew. You and Jessica were taking a stroll in the park this afternoon."

While I was here, all excited and putting together a special birthday dinner, Matthew was out enjoying the sunshine with his assistant.

Anyone who saw those photos would swear they were made for each other.

Matthew's face froze for a moment, but he quickly went back to frowning. He said, "Yeah, I got back this morning. Jessica was in a bad mood this afternoon, so I took her for a walk in the park.

"I'm her boss. It's totally normal to cheer up my staff, right?"

He sat down next to me, still as cold as ever, not even a trace of guilt in his voice.

He said, "Lillian, I know you're upset, but don't drag Jessica into our problems. I've told you before: my career isn't like everyone else's. I can't give you a normal life, let alone promise you kids.

"Back when you married me, you said none of that mattered, you just wanted to be with me. Well, now my career's finally stable, but have you looked at yourself lately?

"You're thirty now. Do you really think you're still young, or that you can even have kids?"

His words cut me deep, like a knife straight to the heart.

I was thirty now, but I was only twenty-two when I married him.

For eight long years, I dreamed of having a child, but he always said we couldn't until he was successful.

I'd always had his back, supported him, respected his choices. I was the supportive wife in the background.

Matthew got a huge ego, so I secretly used my family's resources to help him, gave him all my youth and devotion, just to help him become who he was now.

Now that he was successful, he thought I was too old, like I was not even worthy to be the mother of his children.

Matthew noticed how distant I was. He wrapped his arms around me, his voice carrying a touch of coaxing warmth.

He said, "We've been married for so long. Isn't it good, just the two of us together? You're thirty now. Having a baby at your age isn't exactly safe. I'm only thinking about what's best for you."

That hint of rose cologne on him just made my stomach churn. The nausea rose inside me.