Chapter 1

"Ms. Taylor, are you sure you want to change your name? If you do, you'll have to update your education records and passport," the staff member said.

I nodded. "Yes, I'm sure."

The staff member kept persuading me. "Changing your name as an adult is pretty troublesome, and your original name sounds really nice. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider?"

"No, I've made up my mind." I signed the name change consent form. "Thank you for your help."

"Okay, so the name you want is Dorothy Taylor, right?"

"Yes."

Now that I had taken the new name Dorothy, I was leaving this place behind for good. This was my plan for my future.

I asked the staff, "Can I update my passport with my new name now?"

"Yes, you can. Here's your name change confirmation. You can bring this to the counter downstairs to update your passport," the staff replied.

I got my passport updated as quickly as I could. But I didn't bother changing my diploma, driving license, or any of it.

I was leaving with my new passport in a week anyway. I would leave my old identity in the past forever, since I had no use for it anymore.

As I walked out of the county court with my new passport in hand, the landmark building of Hulirand stood right across the street.

On the massive screen outside the building, a special interview with Charles Wilson, the CEO of Halciyen Group, was playing.

The host, quick to notice his subtle gesture, smiled and asked, "Mr. Wilson, I can't help but notice you keep touching your ring. But honestly, it looks like a plain silver ring. Is there something special about it?"

Charles smiled gently and held up his hand for her to see. "This is my wedding ring."

"Oh? Sorry, I assumed with your status, your wedding ring would be a diamond, and a pretty big one at that."

"I crafted this wedding ring myself, carefully polishing it. I had my wife's name and mine engraved on the inside."

"Wow, there really are two sets of initials, CW and..."

"ET. My wife's name is Evelyn Taylor."

"Wow, Mrs. Wilson is one lucky woman. She must have hit the jackpot marrying you, Mr. Wilson."

"Actually, I'm the one who must have hit the jackpot marrying her."

The crowd around was full of envious remarks, yet only I, his wife, let out a sarcastic smile.

Charles and I really did love each other once. From school uniforms to wedding gowns, we spent fifteen years together.

To our classmates and teachers, we were the couple everyone thought was the most in love.

But that all changed two months ago.

I got a photo from a woman I didn't know.

The girl looked barely twenty, wearing sultry stockings and a nightgown, her neck and chest marked all over with hickeys. It was obvious she'd had a wild lovemaking.

She flashed a V sign at the camera. On her index finger was a silver ring, a size too large for her, clearly meant for a man. The ring was engraved with the initials, CW&ET.

Later, I came face-to-face with the girl from the photo in Charles's office.

Her name was Jessica Moore. She had graduated from college, only twenty-one, and was Charles's new lifestyle assistant.

At that moment, I was honestly stunned.

I wanted to barge into Charles's office and ask, "So, does being a lifestyle assistant mean you also take care of his needs in the bedroom?"

But I decided not to. The marks all over Jessica in that photo already said it all.

With everyone around me still gushing with envy, I turned away and headed straight to a jeweler's.

Taking off that ring from my left ring finger felt like a knife twisting in my heart.

"What can I do for you, ma'am?" the jeweler asked.

"I want this ring melted," I said.

"There are engravings on it. It looks pretty special. Are you sure you want it melted?"

"Yes, make it quick, thanks."

Half an hour later, I made my way home with a fancy jewelry box in hand.

Charles didn't get home until after ten that night.

He was holding a bouquet of flowers. "Sorry, Evelyn. Work's been nuts lately, and I barely had time for you. I got you your favorite freesias. Hope you like them?"

As he leaned in, I caught the scent of a woman's perfume on him.

I turned my head and saw a faint bite mark on his Adam's apple. Also, there was a lipstick stain on his shirt collar, bright red and impossible to miss.

I let out a cold laugh. Was he busy with work, or was he too busy fooling around with Jessica?

"Why so quiet?" Charles asked.

I pushed him away. "I'm a little tired."

"How about I carry you to bed?" He crouched down, getting ready to pick me up.

I pushed him away again. "I bet you're feeling tired, too. Go shower and get some sleep."

Charles reached out to take my hand, but suddenly he paused, his eyes catching on something. "Evelyn, where's your wedding ring?"