Chapter 1
On our anniversary, Ethan Anderson brought his parents from the countryside to our home.
The next day, he told me his company was sending him abroad for training for five years.
He held my hand, his eyes full of affection. "Honey, I'm leaving the family in your hands."
I nodded through my tears and sent him off at the airport.
The moment Ethan was out the door, I headed straight to the bank. I froze every single joint account we had and canceled all the supplementary cards I'd given him, no hesitation, just business.
*****
It was our anniversary.
Ethan Anderson, my husband, gave me one hell of a "surprise."
He brought his parents from the countryside to our home.
At the dinner table, Jade Anderson, Ethan's mother, prodded at the braised pork I'd made with her fork.
"Too sweet. Did you dump sugar in like it's free?" Jade complained.
"City oil just doesn't cut it. No aroma at all," she added.
Vincent Anderson, Ethan's dad, quietly puffed on his cigarette, flicking ash all over the floor.
I smiled, refilled their bowls and poured tea, playing the dutiful daughter-in-law just like I had for the past three years.
Ethan took my hand, his eyes full of guilt and affection.
"Sorry you had to go through this, babe," he said.
I shook my head, smiling gently.
"It's only right, your parents don't come by often," I replied.
He looked at me, his gaze growing even softer.
After dinner, he led me into the bedroom and closed the door.
The TV was blaring outside, his parents were glued to their favorite country soap opera.
"Honey, there's something I need to tell you," Ethan said.
He looked dead serious.
I felt a jolt inside, but kept my cool.
"Tell me," I replied, keeping my voice steady.
"There's an overseas assignment, Silvania, headquarters training. Five years," Ethan said, looking at me seriously.
Five years.
My heart hit rock bottom.
Ethan gripped my hand so tight, like he was afraid I'd slip away.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. When I get back, I'll move up to director," he said.
"Honey, I know it's not fair to you. My parents just got here, and now I'm about to leave," he added, sounding guilty.
He looked at me, his eyes getting misty, honestly, he could win an Oscar for this act.
"But it's all for us, for a better life," Ethan said.
Ethan squeezed my hand, his eyes full of fake tenderness. "Honey, I'm counting on you to take care of everything here."
I looked at him, at the face I'd loved for five years.
Every spark I'd ever felt for him had turned to cold ashes.
I could see the scheming in his eyes.
He wanted me to be his free housekeeper, babysit his parents for five years, hold down the fort while he chased his dreams, and maybe, when he finally made it, he'd come back with some other woman by his side.
I laughed coldly inside, but forced a sad expression onto my face.
Tears rolled down my cheeks, perfectly timed.
"Five years... that's way too long," I whispered.
Ethan instantly pulled me into his arms.
"Honey, trust me. I'll call you every single day, and whenever I get a break, I'll come back to see you," he promised.
"Just look after Mom and Dad for me, and wait for me," Ethan said.
I trembled in his arms, crying uncontrollably.
"Alright, I'll be here waiting for you," I whispered.
The next day, I saw him off at the airport myself.
We hugged and kissed, holding on like we were saying goodbye forever.
Jade stood nearby, wiping her tears.
"Ethan, don't worry. Sophia will take care of everything," she said.
I nodded through my tears and watched him board the plane.
Until that silver plane vanished into the clouds.
My tears were still wet on my cheeks.
But my gaze had already turned cold and razor-sharp.
Ethan had nailed his performance.
It was my turn to step into the spotlight.
After leaving the airport, I didn't go home.
I headed straight to the biggest bank downtown.
This was where all our joint assets were stored.
I took a number and sat in silence in the waiting area.
People flowed in and out, the air thick with noise and movement.
My mind was eerily quiet.
Ethan's words from yesterday kept replaying in my head.
"Honey, I'm leaving the family in your hands."
What a beautiful lie.
Ethan and I had been married for three years. His family was broke, so my parents covered the down payment for our house.
We paid the mortgage together.
My salary was higher than his, so I ended up footing almost all the bills, utilities and property fees.
He always claimed he was putting his money away for a better future for us.
I bought it. Hook, line, and sinker.
I even got him a supplementary credit card so he could handle his social obligations without any trouble.
Thinking about it now, it was honestly a joke.