Chapter 1

On the day Charlotte Frost cut her MBA short and flew home to surprise her husband for his birthday, she was blocked at the door by Olivia Quinn, a rising star in showbiz.

"Stop right there. This is my boyfriend's birthday party. No outsiders allowed," Olivia said.

Charlotte frowned, then double-checked the name on the guest list at the entrance. "You mean Richard Ford?"

Olivia let out a haughty little snort. "Of course. Who else but Richard, CEO of Ford Group, could book out this hotel for a birthday bash?"

Charlotte felt a chill run down her spine. "Isn't that a coincidence? My husband's name is Richard Ford, too."

Over the years, while she was abroad, she'd occasionally heard rumors about Richard getting involved with young actresses back home.

But she never doubted him. Every act of love was something she could see for herself.

Back then, she'd casually mentioned liking a penthouse, and the very next day, Richard handed her the deed with her name listed as the sole owner.

When she wanted to be recognized as his wife, and the Ford family refused to let an actress like her into their circle.

Richard went all out, burning the midnight oil, hustling harder than anyone, until he became the one and only boss of the Ford family. Only then did he marry her.

While all the other wives in their circle were happy being housewives, Richard was the one who pushed her to chase her dreams, insisting she go abroad for her master's degree.

Richard loved her and he treated her like a queen, giving her respect that no one else ever could.

Every guy out there might cheat, but Richard? Not a chance. He was the one man she could trust, no matter what.

But in the next second, reality hit her like a slap in the face.

Richard strolled out, hands in his pockets, smiling with that soft, doting gaze he used to reserve for her. Only now, it was for Olivia. "Olivia, the party's about to start. Aren't you going in to show everyone who's boss tonight?"

That familiar voice, the face she knew so well; Charlotte's heart shattered.

Even the matching tattoo on his arm, the one they'd gotten when they were crazy about each other, was still there.

Olivia giggled, slipping her arm through his like it was the most natural thing in the world.

"I'm busy staking my claim here. Maybe you're too irresistible. Anyone and everyone wants a piece of you. This random lady popped up out of nowhere, insisting the guy inside is her husband. Isn't that ridiculous?" Olivia teased.

Richard finally looked up and noticed Charlotte.

But the flicker of panic in his eyes vanished in an instant, replaced by a calm, almost indifferent look.

Charlotte felt like her heart was being ripped out, the pain making her whole body tremble. She forced herself not to cry, her voice shaky with humiliation. "Mr. Ford, do you think I'm some joke, too?"

Richard's expression turned icy, his jaw tightening as he stayed silent.

Seeing that, Charlotte's heart dropped even further.

Back then, no matter the situation or who was involved, Richard would always stand up for her without hesitation.

But now, he said nothing.

Just then, Emily Lane, Charlotte's best friend and manager, came out, looking flustered. "Charlotte, why did you come back all of a sudden? You didn't even give us a heads-up."

She pulled Charlotte aside and whispered, "It's Mr. Ford's birthday party today. Whatever's going on, let's talk about it after the party. There are tons of media here, and this really isn't the right place for you right now."

Charlotte's face went completely pale, and she could barely stand on her own.

"Emily, so you knew he was with another woman, too?" Charlotte asked, her voice trembling.

Everyone froze.

Olivia marched over and yanked Emily back, her face full of annoyance. "Emily, why are you getting so close to her? Do you two know each other? Wait, is she that washed-up actress you told me about before?

"Didn't you say she couldn't hack it in showbiz, so she went abroad to study? Her name was Charlotte Frost, right?"

Emily hurriedly stepped in, reaching out to stop Olivia. "Alright, that's enough."

Olivia gave an annoyed little snort, then snuggled right into Richard's arms, acting all coy. "Why can't I say it? It's the truth, isn't it?"

Charlotte's vision seemed to blur with darkness, and she almost stumbled, barely keeping herself upright.