Chapter 1

The clerk processing my application looked concerned. She asked, "Ms. Bennett, you're sure about going to Westland with Doctors Without Borders?"

"I'm sure," I said, my voice even.

She handed me a form and said, "Return with this in a fortnight."

Then, recognition dawned on her face. She said, "You're Mrs. Carter! Why would you go to the middle of nowhere?"

Her words gave me pause. The whole city knew I was James Carter's beloved wife.

Only I knew the truth. He was cheating on me with my stepsister, Emily Bennett.

*****

On my way home from the office, every screen I passed was lit up with pink letters: [Happy anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Carter!]

The taxi driver saw the massive display and couldn't hide his envy.

He said, "Ms. Bennett sure hit the jackpot, being loved by a guy like James.

"It's just an anniversary, but they throw such a huge celebration every single year. Makes me so jealous."

I sat in the back seat, a bitter smile tugging at my lips.

Yeah, everyone in Riverside City thought I was the one James would give up everything for, even his life.

Back then, nobody thought we'd make it. Our families were worlds apart, and that gap felt impossible to cross.

His parents used to yell at him, threatening to kick him out and strip him of his inheritance if he dared to marry me.

But James was willing to give up his privileged life, just so he could stay with me.

After James was cut off financially and kicked out of his family, he took a regular office job and even picked up food delivery shifts after work, all for me.

He once held my hand, his eyes full of love, and said, "Claire, just wait for me. I promise I'll give you the wedding of your dreams."

And he really kept his promise. Three years after launching his own company, it outgrew the Carters' business. He made his parents accept me, and gave me the lavish wedding he'd always promised.

From then on, I became the most envied woman in Riverside City.

A few years back, I got really sick and needed a kidney transplant. James got tested and turned out to be a perfect match for me.

Against everyone's advice, he didn't even blink; he gave me one of his kidneys without a moment's hesitation.

His love was so fierce and unwavering that I never once doubted his devotion to me.

So when I found out he was cheating, my whole world just came crashing down.

When I got home, I typed up the divorce papers myself. Staring at those words on the screen, it felt like my heart was being ripped apart.

I sat there at my desk, completely spaced out, and before I knew it, night had fallen.

James walked in carrying a gift, opened the door, and wrapped me up in his strong arms.

He asked, "Claire, what are you daydreaming about? You didn't even notice I was back."

My eyelashes trembled as I sat quietly for a moment, my heart heavy.

Then I replied, "Just thinking about how we're going to spend our anniversary this year."

James could tell something was off with me. He gently lifted my chin, looking worried, and asked, "Claire, are you mad that I've been coming home late these past couple of days?

"It'll be fine once this project is finished."

I couldn't help but notice the faint red mark on his neck. I just nodded slightly in response, my mind swirling with doubts.

Funny how he'd forgotten he hated overtime. Ever since he started his own company, he has rarely stayed late at the office.

He took out a pale blue necklace and gently fastened it around my neck.

He said, "The moment I saw this necklace, I thought it'd suit you perfectly.

"Guess my taste never fails."

I glanced down at the necklace around my neck and felt sick to my stomach. Just a couple of days ago, Emily had texted me, bragging about this exact necklace.

She was the one who went out of her way to message me, rubbing it in my face and making sure I saw James cheating with my own eyes.

At the club, they were all over each other, whispering in each other's ears, looking way too close for comfort.

Seeing that scene, I nearly lost my balance. It felt like I was going to throw up right there, and I dug my nails into my palms until they bled.

Why?

James, didn't you love me?

Why did you have to betray me like this?

And with my own stepsister, seriously?

You know her mom is the reason my mother died; she's the one I hate more than anyone.

Seriously, James? Of all the people in the world, you just had to cheat with her?

Bitterness flickered in my eyes. All this time, I thought I was living in happiness, but it turns out it was broken long ago; I was just keeping up appearances, fooling myself.

James didn't notice the look in my eyes. He pulled me into his arms, let out a contented sigh, and said, "Claire, you're just as beautiful as ever; you still captivate my heart completely."

I handed him the envelope.

"Here's your anniversary gift. Don't you dare open it early; you have to wait until the big day," I said.

"Alright, I'll do whatever you say, Claire," James replied, his eyes lighting up as he tucked the envelope away like it was the most precious thing in the world, absolutely delighted.

As I watched him smile, I couldn't help thinking. Will he be devastated when he finally sees those divorce papers?