Chapter 2

Jairo carefully placed the earrings back in the box. I could still feel the warmth of his love in his eyes—deeper than ever before.

Yet suddenly, he seemed like a stranger to me.

Seven years ago, Jairo was a household name and a movie superstar. He was the most promising new talent in the film group, once expected to become the company's star figure.

But I was an orphan and couldn't bring any resources to the company. He refused a marriage tied to corporate interests, gave up his chance to become the company's icon, and married me instead.

Now, he was always icy and distant in public, making people hesitant to approach him.

But at home, he leaned his head on my shoulder, whispering close, soft and tender.

Everyone around said his love for me was deep-rooted.

He still seemed to love me deeply, but I could no longer reach his heart.

Seeing me silent, Jairo gently pinched my cheek and said, "Don't want to go to Maplewhisper Grove? Then shall we pick another place?"

I stared into his eyes, noticing a flicker stirring.

"Let's go to Maplewhisper Grove," I said.

I would be leaving in three days. I fell in love with him at Maplewhisper Grove, and I hoped the grove could become our last cherished memory.

The next day, the three of us got in the car together.

I hadn't slept at all, so I felt a bit worn out and leaned back to rest with my eyes closed.

As soon as the car started, Morgan excitedly shouted, "Mom, the weather's so nice today. Can we invite Gloria to come along? She's nothing like you, Mom, always so quiet, not talking, not letting me make noise or run. I'm so bored!"

Jairo's face immediately darkened as he glared at Morgan sternly.

"Morgan, don't say such things. Today is your mom's and my wedding anniversary. It's very important," he said.

After being reprimanded, Morgan realized he had said the wrong thing. He pouted and hunched his neck, then turned to me and cautiously said, "Mom, I'm sorry. Don't be angry."

He must often spend time with Gloria.

I no longer tried to ease the atmosphere as I used to; I just silently gazed out the window.

Jairo put his arm around my shoulder and said, "Morgan is still young and doesn't understand things yet. Don't take it to heart."

As soon as he touched me, a sharp pain shot through my shoulder, and my body trembled involuntarily. I gently moved his hand away and quietly said, "I know."

After arriving at Maplewhisper Grove, we got out of the car.

Maplewhisper Grove was known for its natural ecology, with fallen branches, dead leaves, and stones everywhere. Dense foliage blocked out the sky.

Worried about my condition, Jairo insisted on holding my arm and walking with me.

Never mind, there were only three days left after all. I leaned into him obediently.

Suddenly, urgent cries for help came from ahead. I looked toward the sound and saw a beautiful woman lying on the ground, confronted by a vicious wild dog.

Hearing her distinctive voice, I realized it was Gloria.

She was the wife of Jairo's late cousin.

After hearing the commotion, she turned to look, and the moment she saw Jairo, tears immediately streamed down her face. In a hoarse voice, she shouted, "Jairo, I'm so afraid of dogs!"

Jairo, shocked, shoved me aside and rushed toward Gloria; I was flung away from him by the force.

"Holy shit! Don't be afraid, I'm coming to save you!" he said.

I was very weak and relying almost entirely on his support, but he suddenly pushed me away, and I crashed heavily to the ground.

A protruding branch scraped across my leg, leaving an ugly wound with torn skin and continuous bleeding; my arm was also abraded by gravel, leaving flesh raw and bloodied.

Cold sweat broke out on my forehead instantly, and the intense pain made me groan uncontrollably.

As I staggered to my feet, I saw Jairo had just rescued her

Gloria, pale and clutching Jairo tightly, sobbed as she spoke. "That dog was so scary! I honestly thought it was going to bite me badly and I'd never see you again…"

She suddenly fainted mid-sentence.

My husband, eyes red, picked her up and rushed to the car without looking back.

Morgan clambered into the car in a panic, tears welling in her eyes.

"To the hospital now! Gloria must have been seriously hurt!" Morgan said.

The driver glanced at me, seeming hesitant. "But..."

But before he finished, Jairo interrupted, "What are you waiting for? If you keep stalling, your pay gets docked. Go to the hospital now!"

So the driver swallowed his words, stopped looking at me, floored the accelerator, and the car sped off.

I remained silent the entire time.