Chapter 1

My boyfriend of seven years publicly called off our wedding, running off with my best friend to travel abroad. I sat in despair all night, only to receive a message from my best friend's uncle, Marshall, the next day.

"Join me at the courthouse."

Marshall loved me deeply during the six years we were married, treating me like no other. People said he had been plotting all along, finally achieving his dream of marrying me.

But at the anniversary party, I accidentally overheard a conversation between him and his friends in the restroom.

"Marshall, is it really worth it? Not only are you spending all your money to help Lily fulfill her dreams, but you've married her best friend without really wanting to. You love Lily so much; why didn’t you marry her back then?"

Marshall's voice had a note of bitterness.

"I'm her uncle, and even if we're not related by blood, I didn't want her to suffer from public gossip. As long as she's happy, it doesn't matter who I marry."

Turns out, the idea of his scheming and loving me passionately was just a facade. Knowing the truth, I decided to set him free.

...

I fled the party hall in disarray. On the way home, my body trembled uncontrollably, as fragmented memories flashed through my mind.

During our six years of marriage, Marshall was always considerate, treating me with great kindness. But it was all a setup.

Once home, I stared blankly at the diary in front of me, filled with records of household expenses.

Five years ago, Marshall went bankrupt. Upon finding this out, I worked even harder, hoping to help him get back on his feet. But it was all for nothing—it was all an act.

Lost in thought, he embraced me from behind, his voice gently inquiring:

"Rosalina, what are you doing?"

I closed the diary, responding calmly.

"Just sorting out the finances."

Marshall’s brow furrowed briefly before shaking his head, appearing helpless as usual.

"Look at how exhausted you are. I've always told you not to overwork yourself; otherwise, what am I here for as your husband?"

Marshall caressed my cheek, his eyes overflowing with concern.

"Go out more often, enjoy life like Lily does."

When he said those words before, I thought he was being considerate. After all, before we married, I was someone who loved to travel. But now, it felt like an insult—as if he was implying I was inferior to Lily.

He seemed to forget, though, that I managed all his meals and handled all the household chores. He never went to the market early in the morning nor hurried for sales at the grocery store, so he couldn't possibly understand how daily life had drained my desire for the outside world.

I clenched my fists, pretending to be nonchalant as I looked at him.

"Have you forgotten that today is a big day?"

Marshall thought for a moment; his expression changed, and I assumed he remembered the anniversary. Unexpectedly, he glanced at me and immediately dialed his phone.

"Lily, you mentioned you had time to chat today. I almost forgot..."

Listening to their conversation, my heart sank deeply.

Marshall didn’t hide his love for Lily at all. His words for her were filled with indescribable emotion, unlike his cold indifference toward me.

I glanced at the watch on his wrist; it was now slightly faded. He once said it was a priceless gift from Lily. At the time, I thought it was just a token of affection, so I saved up to buy him a watch that matched his stature.

Only now did I understand the true meaning of "priceless."

I laughed bitterly, taking the gift bag into the study, intending to hide it away.

Marshall hung up the phone, looking puzzled at me.

"What are you holding?"

I shook my head, trying to hide the bag behind me. Marshall frowned slightly and took the gift bag from me.

As we struggled, the box fell to the ground. I hurriedly bent down to pick it up, but Marshall was faster. He opened the box, his face showing confusion as he looked at the watch inside.

"Why did you buy this?"

Forcing a smile, I replied, "Today is our sixth anniversary. I had planned this as a gift for you."

Marshall seemed a bit guilty and kissed my forehead.

"I got busy and forgot. I love the gift. Now, go get some rest."

Without further ado, he walked into his bedroom.

As the bedroom door closed, I could no longer hold back, softly sobbing. The thought of divorce now lingered in my mind.

But if I left Marshall, where would I go? Back to an empty home filled with the stink of discarded bottles?