Chapter 1

My boyfriend of seven years called off our wedding in front of everyone and went on an overseas trip with my best friend.

I sat alone all night, only to receive a text the next day from my best friend's uncle, Solomon Johnson.

[Come with me to the city hall.]

Six years into our marriage, Solomon always loved me and even spoiled me.

Everyone said he'd had his eye on me from the start and finally got what he wanted.

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

"Solomon, is this really worth it? You spent all your money helping Yvonne chase her dreams and forced yourself to marry her best friend. If you liked Yvonne so much, why not marry her instead?" asked his friend.

There was faint bitterness in Solomon's voice.

He said, "I'm her uncle. Even without blood ties, I can't stand to see her hurt by gossip.

"As long as she's happy, what does it matter who I marry?"

So all those rumors about his plans and undying love for me were lies.

In that case, I'd let go and set him free.

*****

I stumbled out of the party hall.

On the way home, I couldn't stop shaking, and scenes from the past kept replaying in my head.

For six years, Solomon had treated me like I was precious, and he was always attentive and gentle.

Turned out, I'd been played from the very beginning.

When I got home, I just sat there, staring blankly at the ledger in front of me. I'd kept track of every single expense, big or small.

Five years ago, Solomon went bankrupt.

When I found out, I threw myself into work even harder, hoping to help him bounce back.

But it was all just a lie.

Lost in thought, I felt Solomon slip his arms around my waist from behind. His voice was soft as he asked, "Hey Jane, what are you doing?"

I closed the ledger and answered calmly, "Just doing the books."

Solomon's brow barely furrowed before he shook his head with that same resigned look he always had.

"You're exhausted. I told you before. Don't push yourself so hard. You can leave it to me," he said.

Solomon gently cupped my cheek, his eyes brimming with concern.

"You should get out more, like Yvonne. Enjoy life a bit, you know?" Solomon said.

Back then, I really thought he cared about me.

After all, before we got married, I used to love traveling.

But now, it just felt like a cruel joke.

He was basically saying I'd never measure up to Yvonne.

But he forgot that I was the one who took care of every single meal he ever ate.

Every bit of housework, big or small, was on me.

He'd never dragged himself to the farmer's market at five in the morning, never scrambled for deals during a supermarket sale.

Of course he'd have no clue. Life's endless chores had already burned out any wanderlust I ever had.

I clenched my fists, pretending nothing was up as I looked at him.

"Did you forget? Today's kind of a big deal," I said.

Solomon racked his brain, his expression shifting.

I figured he was panicking because he'd forgotten our anniversary.

But instead, he just shot me a look, grabbed his phone, and started dialing.

"Yvonne, you said you'd be free to talk today. I almost forgot," Solomon said.

As I listened to their conversation, I started to feel gloomier.

Solomon never really managed to hide how he felt about Yvonne.

Whenever he spoke to her, there was always affection in his words.

It was nothing like the distant, indifferent way he treated me.

I glanced at the watch on his wrist. It was already worn and faded.

He always said it was a priceless gift from Yvonne.

Back then, I just thought it was a simple token of family affection.

So I pinched every penny, hoping to buy him a watch that matched his status.

But now, I finally understood what "priceless" truly meant.

I let out a bitter laugh and carried the gift bag into the study, planning to put it away for good.

Solomon hung up the phone, looking at me with confusion.

"What's that you're holding?" Solomon asked.

I shook my head and hid the bag behind my back.

Solomon frowned and snatched the gift bag from me.

As we both reached for the bag, the box slipped out and hit the floor. I scrambled to pick it up, but Solomon beat me to it. He opened the box and stared at the watch inside, his face full of confusion.

"Why did you buy this?" he asked.

I forced a smile.

"Today's our sixth anniversary. This was supposed to be your gift," I said.

Solomon looked a little guilty and kissed my forehead.

"It slipped my mind. I've just been so busy. I love the gift. Go get some rest, okay?" he said.

And with that, he headed straight for his own room.

The moment Solomon's bedroom door closed, I started to cry softly, unable to hold back anymore.

Maybe I should just get a divorce.

But if I left Solomon, where would I even go? Back to my "home" littered with empty bottles?