Chapter 2
"I love you, no matter who you are or what you become," he said.
"If I didn't have you, I'd be dead," he added.
"There will never be another Mrs. Gardner but you in this life," he declared.
When he stabbed the knife at his own heart to show he meant it, I finally gave in.
Just to get me treated, he spent 300 million dollars and hunted down the best doctors overseas.
After my surgery, this pampered heir actually learned to cook for me, just so he could take care of my every need.
His desires were like a raging sea, but for me, he endured things no other guy would ever put up with.
He even told the whole world he'd stay platonic with me forever.
For five years of marriage, he treated me like I was his whole world.
He loves me so much, there's no way he'd ever cheat on me, right?
Was I just being too sensitive?
Did I misunderstand something?
9 PM., Frankie walked through the door, his eyes brimming with love that couldn't be hidden.
"Babe, look what I got for you..." he started.
But before he could finish, he caught sight of my eyes, red from crying.
He paused for a moment, then quickly came over and wrapped me in his arms. "Why are your eyes so red? Have you been crying? What happened?" Frankie asked.
Seeing how worried he was, my mind was a mess, and a lump formed in my throat. I almost started crying right then and there.
My thoughts screamed at me to ask, 'Who is that woman?'
And what was that about a kid?
But it was like my throat was blocked. I couldn't get a single word out.
After what felt like forever, I finally pushed him away and forced a casual smile. "Just cutting onions. They got to my eyes."
Frankie let out a sigh of relief and followed me into the kitchen.
But when he saw the dinner laid out on the counter, he got all anxious again.
"Babe, I told you, let the staff handle this. What if you get tired?" he said.
He carried the dishes to the table, pulled out a chair for me and sat me down, then placed the gift he'd prepared right in my hand.
"This is the latest mermaid blue diamond ring, designed by Miffy. The moment I saw it, I just knew it was made for you. I even put in the order two months ago. Do you like it?" Frankie asked.
He took my left hand in his, then slipped the ring onto my finger with a tenderness that made my heart flutter.
Just like always, he was the picture of thoughtfulness.
If this were before, I would've been bawling my eyes out, totally touched by how much he cared.
But now, all I felt was a sour ache in my heart.
I forced a smile. "It's beautiful. I really like it."
Frankie's face lit up with a grin. He kissed my forehead, then walked over to the piano.
He knew I was into music, so back when he was trying to win me over, he took six months of lessons just for me.
After we got married, he dropped a million bucks on a piano. Every anniversary, he'd play a song just for me.
This year was no different.
As the music played, our maid, Riley White, rolled in a serving cart.
On it sat a cream cake and a bouquet of roses. "Mrs. Gardner, Mr. Gardner prepared these just for you," she announced.
Frankie came over, holding the blazing red roses, his gaze overflowing with affection.
"Happy fifth anniversary, babe," he murmured.
"Not just this year. may every year be as beautiful as this one," he added, his voice soft and full of warmth.
"Even when we're old and gray, I want us to still be together. Traveling the world, catching every sunrise and sunset by your side," he said.
Such a beautiful promise.
Looking at him, my heart gave a painful twist.
I clenched my jaw, forced a smile, and kissed him, holding back the turmoil inside.
His kiss was like a rose, romantic, but with an aggressive edge.
It just made my messy emotions even more of a whirlwind.
I couldn't help but get swept away by his deep kiss.
But then, Frankie's phone rang, and our kiss came to an abrupt halt.
He glanced down and hung up without a second thought.
Just as he leaned in again, the phone started ringing all over.
The harsh ringtone killed the mood and snapped me back to reality.
"Go ahead and take it. Maybe it's urgent," I said.
"It's just my assistant," Frankie said.
He picked up the call right in front of me, his voice icy with impatience.
"Didn't I tell you not to disturb me today?" he snapped.
I couldn't make out what was being said, but Frankie frowned at first, then his expression gradually eased.
After hanging up, he ran his fingers through my hair, acting like nothing was wrong, and helped me blow out the candles and slice the cake.
It wasn't until dinner was over that he finally spoke.
"Babe, there's a bit of a financial issue at the company. I need to go handle it now, but I'll be back in two hours tops," Frankie said.
"Be good and wait for me at home, okay? It's our anniversary. I promise I won't break my word," he added.
I nodded, forcing a smile.
"Go ahead. Be safe," I said.
Frankie kissed my cheek, pulled on his coat, and headed out the door.
I stood there for a few seconds, then, before I knew it, I found myself following him.