"Sir, the divorce agreement from the safe."

On their fifth wedding anniversary, in a dimly-lit restaurant, Xavier Hampton's secretary placed the divorce papers in front of him.

Five years ago, on the day Elizabeth Eaton and he registered their marriage—

She had loved him deeply. So deeply that she had prepared the divorce agreement in advance, signed her name, and locked it away in the safe. If she ever betrayed him, all he had to do was sign.

Xavier picked up the pen and swiftly signed his name.

Across from him, the empty seat seemed heavier than any presence. His gaze dimmed.

"Send the divorce papers to Attorney Harvey," he said, his voice calm, almost detached. "Then book a hotel and have the wedding venue set up in advance."

The secretary hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, "Whose names should I write as the bride and groom?"

"Elizabeth Eaton and Connor Walker."

"Sir, the divorce agreement from the safe."

On their fifth wedding anniversary, in a dimly-lit restaurant, Xavier Hampton's secretary placed the divorce papers in front of him.

Five years ago, on the day Elizabeth Eaton and he registered their marriage—

She had loved him deeply. So deeply that she had prepared the divorce agreement in advance, signed her name, and locked it away in the safe. If she ever betrayed him, all he had to do was sign.

Xavier picked up the pen and swiftly signed his name.

Across from him, the empty seat seemed heavier than any presence. His gaze dimmed.

"Send the divorce papers to Attorney Harvey," he said, his voice calm, almost detached. "Then book a hotel and have the wedding venue set up in advance."

The secretary hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, "Whose names should I write as the bride and groom?"

"Elizabeth Eaton and Connor Walker."

A brief silence followed. Connor Walker was Elizabeth's first love.

The secretary's voice wavered. "Sir, when should the wedding take place?"

Xavier turned his gaze to the window. For an hour, blue fireworks had been lighting up the night sky. Now, the final sparks faded, leaving behind a message in midair.

"Elizabeth & Xavier, Happy Fifth Wedding Anniversary."

He withdrew his gaze, pressed his lips together, and said, "Seven days from now. Also, book me a flight to Neirway for that day."

"Neirway?" The secretary was startled, hesitated, then urged, "Sir, perhaps you should reconsider?"

Five years ago, on the day of their marriage, aside from the divorce agreement Elizabeth willingly signed, his parents—who had settled in Neirway—had added a condition.

They offered a sum of fifty million, but only if she signed a prenuptial agreement: If Xavier ever left the marriage wounded, returning to Neirway alone, Elizabeth would be barred from stepping foot in Neirway for the rest of her life.

She would have no chance to make amends.

"No need to reconsider." Xavier shook his head.

Seven days later, on his birthday, he would leave Elizabeth behind and fly to Neirway. At the same time, he would arrange for her and Connor's wedding, fulfilling their love story.

After his secretary left, Xavier's phone vibrated.

A notification popped up.

Elizabeth had used the company's official account to post a photo of blue fireworks, tagging him in the caption.

[My dear husband, happy fifth wedding anniversary. Love you forever.]

Within seconds, the post exploded, comments flooding in beyond count.

[Wow, I was wondering why there was an hour-long fireworks show tonight at Lieutt City. Turns out it was Elizabeth Eaton's gift to her husband!]

[Five years of marriage, and she still declares her love so boldly every year.]

[I heard that last year, after a major surgery, she wasn't fully conscious when she woke up. The first thing she asked was if her husband had eaten lunch on time. Even the nurses were moved to tears.]

Among the sea of comments, Elizabeth personally replied to one: [Xavier is my husband. Loving him and taking care of him is my duty as his wife.]

Instantly, admiration and envy surged through the replies.

But the man at the center of all this had no expression as he stared at the empty seat across from him.

There was a time when he and Elizabeth had truly been in love.

Seven years together, never a single argument.

For seven years, as a powerful CEO, Elizabeth had given him both wealth and unwavering affection.

And then, a month ago, the night she left for a business trip, everything shattered.

That night, she sent him a voice message. When he played it, he didn't hear her voice.

Instead, a man's low chuckle echoed through the speaker.

"I've been back for six months. One little gesture, and she fell for me again. She prepared blue fireworks for me tonight, but I don't like blue. Rather than waste them, I told her to give them to you for your anniversary."

Back then, Xavier hadn't known who the man was.

Two weeks later, at a gathering, Elizabeth walked into the private room with him.

With a bright, easygoing smile, she introduced the man. "This is Connor Walker, a distant cousin of mine."

Connor's elegant face held a warm expression as he greeted Xavier cheerfully.

"Hey, I've been back for over six months, and I finally get to meet you, cousin-in-law."

His voice—it was the same voice from the recording.

Xavier's mind went blank.

Later that night, unable to stay any longer, he left early.

That night, Elizabeth returned home drunk. His phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number.

[It got a little intense at the rooftop tonight. I lost control a little. Left some marks on her.]

[Not gonna lie, my ex is something else. She'll try any position.]

Xavier glanced at Elizabeth, passed out on their bed. Her blouse was unbuttoned, revealing fresh scratches across her bosom.

She was still wearing the white shirt—the custom-made couple's shirt he had gifted her for their anniversary last year.

On the collar, he had personally embroidered the word "Wife."

That night, when she received the shirt, she had held his hand and made a promise.

"Xavier, whenever I wear this, I'll remind myself to stay away from other men. I'll stay loyal to you forever."

Now, that same shirt carried a scent thick with passion.

Today marked five years of their marriage.

He arrived at the restaurant first. Five minutes later, his phone rang.

Elizabeth said, "I have a surprise for you. I won't make it in time for dinner, so enjoy the fireworks on your own."

She hung up quickly.

Two minutes later, she sent a photo.

When he opened it, she was sitting at a candlelit dinner table with Connor.

Fresh flowers, red wine, an atmosphere dripping with romance.

Now, as Xavier looked at her public anniversary post, he imagined her curled up in Connor's arms, typing out those words.

[My dear husband, happy fifth wedding anniversary. Love you forever.]

Xavier ignored Elizabeth's grand declaration of love from afar.

He stood up, grabbed his bag, and headed home.

Once inside his bedroom, he asked a servant for a pair of scissors.

He took out the custom-made men's couple's shirt, sliced it into thin strips, then did the same to the marriage certificate, reducing it to a pile of shredded paper.

He placed the scraps into a gift box and neatly wrote on the lid: "Second Marriage Gift."

Just as he finished, he turned and saw Elizabeth stepping into the room.

Her delicate face carried a gentle smile as she took his hand and led him downstairs. "I have a surprise for you. Come and see."

Outside, a large moving truck was parked in front of the house. On its platform sat an enormous deep blue gift box. As Elizabeth clapped her hands, the box automatically unfolded. Balloons and confetti floated into the air, revealing a sleek, ash-gray Maybach.

Two staff members quickly lifted a banner that said "Happy Anniversary, Xavier."

The sight drew envious gasps from the onlookers.

Elizabeth held out the car keys, her voice tender. "Honey, you casually mentioned wanting a new car, and I remembered. As your wife, it's only natural for me to buy you everything you desire."

Xavier reached out to take the keys, his gaze sharp. He noticed it immediately—the faint mark on the right side of her neck. A kiss. It had been covered with concealer, but up close, it was unmistakable.

A wave of nausea churned inside him. His brows furrowed tightly.

"What's wrong? You don't like the Maybach? Or is it the color?" Elizabeth, sensing his shift in mood, looked at him with worried eyes.

Xavier shook his head, his gaze reddening as he fixed it on her. "The car is fine."

It wasn't the Maybach he didn't want. It was her.

Hearing his response, Elizabeth let out a relieved breath.

As they returned to the bedroom, Elizabeth's sharp eyes landed on a gift box sitting on the dressing table. Just as she was about to check it, Xavier moved first, covering the words on top with his hand.

"Honey, is this a surprise for me?" A flicker of delight surfaced in her eyes.

Xavier's smile was cold and empty. "Yes, but not yet. I'm preparing a second gift as well. In seven days, I'll give them to you together."

"Two surprises in seven days?" Elizabeth's anticipation grew. She tilted her head, mumbling to herself, trying to recall what special occasion was coming up.

Suddenly, it hit her. She stepped out of the room and called her assistant. "I almost forgot, seven days from now is Xavier's birthday.

"Start preparing a grand birthday banquet. Make it as extravagant as possible. Every year, he throws me a huge celebration. I can't treat his birthday lightly."

As she spoke, she didn't notice Xavier standing at the bedroom door, his face terrifyingly cold.

Seven years together, and Elizabeth had never once forgotten his birthday. But this year, with Connor's return, she had completely erased it from her memory.

Fine. He was curious to see how she would react when the birthday celebration she so painstakingly arranged was missing its birthday star.

Xavier took out his phone and sent a message to his secretary: [Find out which hotel Elizabeth booked for my birthday celebration. Set up the wedding ceremony one floor above it.]

The reply came swiftly. [Yes, sir.]

Xavier turned, heading for the bathroom. Just as Elizabeth was about to re-enter the bedroom, her assistant called again.

"By the way, Ms. Eaton, don't forget—you promised to take your husband to the university barbecue stall tonight. If he doesn't get to eat there, he'll be really disappointed."

"Right, I almost forgot. Order the barbecue to match Xavier's usual taste, and I'll take him there."

Hanging up, she hurried back into the room.

Xavier had heard every word.

She took the bathrobe from his hands and placed it aside. "Xavier, let's go eat barbecue at the university. I already asked the owner to prepare it, so it'll be ready when we arrive."

That little stall outside the university—it had been his favorite place during their university years. A minor incident there had led to his first encounter with Elizabeth. Two years later, they married, and every anniversary, she would take him back to that same barbecue stall.

She used to plan ahead. Now, she needed a reminder.

An hour later, a black Bentley pulled up in front of the tiny stall, drawing everyone's attention.

A small-time influencer doing a livestream spotted them and rushed forward, phone in hand. "Oh my god, it's Elizabeth Eaton, the ultimate wife who spoils her husband!

"Look, everyone! My favorite couple! It's true—rumors say Elizabeth brings her husband here every anniversary, and now I've seen it with my own eyes!"

Elizabeth stepped out of the car and instinctively reached for Xavier's hand. As they walked toward the stall, she noticed his collar was slightly out of place. In front of the watching crowd, she tiptoed to fix it for him.

A group of female university students watching the scene squealed in delight. One bold girl stepped forward and called out, "A billionaire CEO fixing her husband's collar—so sweet! Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!"

Xavier remained expressionless as he gazed down at the woman on tiptoe. Then, he turned away and offered her a polite yet distant smile.

They entered the barbecue stall and sat at their usual window-side table. Elizabeth turned to the owner. "Is the food ready? Grilled chives, chicken wings, oysters, and roasted buns. Medium spice, with a bit of numbing heat. My husband likes it that way. Also, two bottles of room-temperature cola."

"Just finished grilling," the owner responded, beaming.

She had watched this couple over the years. Just earlier, she had told her husband, "It's past nine, but those two lovebirds will show up. They always do on their anniversary."

And here they were.

As she placed the food on the table, her face warmed with a kind smile. "It's been five years now. You two are still as in love as ever. So, Elizabeth, when are you planning to have a child?"

Elizabeth looked at Xavier, her face tinged with shyness.

"Let's take it as it comes. Hopefully by the end of the year. I'd like to have a little Xavier too."

Xavier lowered his gaze to the skewers in front of him. He remained silent for a few seconds, then said nothing.

Elizabeth, ever considerate, handed him a skewer. Just then, a man walked into the barbecue shop.

"Your car got scraped by another vehicle. You should come take a look."

Elizabeth frowned, her face darkening.

"I'll go check. Honey, eat first. I'll be back as soon as I sort it out."

She turned to leave but added, "Order whatever you want, but nothing cold. Your stomach isn't good."

Her thoughtful words sent a wave of admiration through the shop.

"Goodness me, Elizabeth is so attentive. She even remembers that her husband's stomach is weak. That's real care."

"Unbelievable. If I were him, I'd be the happiest man alive."

The shop owner, observing Xavier's silence, chuckled.

"Mr. Hampton, you have great fortune. Meeting a woman who's beautiful, gentle, and devoted in this life? That's rare."

Xavier forced a bitter smile.

"Yes. It's rare."

But the truth was, he hadn't met one at all.

Not wanting to continue the conversation, he turned his head toward the window. Outside, Elizabeth followed the man out of the shop. He lowered his head and whispered something to her. She nodded and strode toward a black G-Class parked beside her Bentley.

Xavier narrowed his eyes. The car looked familiar.

At the last gathering, Connor had arrived in a black G-Class, making a grand entrance. The license plate was identical to this one.

Rumor had it Elizabeth had given it to him as a welcome-home gift. It cost three million, give or take. About the same price as the gray Maybach she gifted him today.

Elizabeth was a master at balance.

Ex-boyfriend, current lover; first love, and husband—she kept the scales perfectly even.

Xavier couldn't see what was happening inside the car. He averted his gaze.

His phone rang, and an unfamiliar number flashed on the screen. He hesitated, then answered.

"You've gotten smarter. You knew to have someone call me out."

Elizabeth's voice was coy, dripping with affection.

"Did you ask my assistant for my location? Didn't I tell you, once Xavier falls asleep, I'll come over."

Connor's voice was hoarse, tinged with impatience and something deeper, darker. "It drives me crazy, knowing you're spending your anniversary with him. Thinking about what you two will do later—I can't stand it."

Elizabeth laughed softly. She knew he was jealous. She coaxed him.

"Haven't I been with you every night these past few days? I can't handle him tonight. Besides, didn't you just have me three times two hours ago? Still not enough?"

"I still want more. Send him home. Come to me."

"Hmph, jealous again? Follow me in your car later. We can do it inside."

"You little minx. You're tempting me again."

Then came the unmistakable sound of a deep, lingering kiss.

Xavier's hands trembled as he ended the call.

He stared at the skewers in front of him, suddenly feeling sick. Something coiled inside his heart, pulling tight, making him dizzy, making his whole body ache. He picked up his fork and stabbed at the plate of scallions until they were nothing but a mashed heap.

Half an hour later, Elizabeth returned.

She glanced at the barely touched food, then at Xavier's pale face. Her heart clenched.

"You don't look well. Are you feeling sick? I'll take you to the hospital."

Her concern was urgent. Xavier turned his head away, unwilling to see the false sincerity in her eyes.

"I heard something disgusting. Lost my appetite."

Elizabeth frowned.

"What did you hear?"

"You wouldn't want to know."

His eyes were dark, faintly bloodshot.

Elizabeth couldn't make sense of it. She reached out to hold him, but he dodged her touch.

Without another word, Xavier stood up and strode out of the shop. He got into the first taxi he saw and motioned for the driver to take him home.

"Xavier, wait!"

Elizabeth tried to stop the taxi, but it pulled away. Without hesitation, she got into her Bentley and followed.

Xavier sat in the back seat, watching through the rearview mirror.

The scene was almost comical.

The Bentley tailed the taxi. And behind it, the black G-Class followed close.

After arriving at the villa neighborhood, Xavier stepped out of the taxi.

Elizabeth hurried after him, grabbing his hand.

"Honey, why are you upset? Is it because I left to deal with the car and didn't stay to eat with you?"

Xavier lifted his head and stared at her.

Her delicate face was filled with worry and guilt—everything but fear.

Fear of being caught.

"Mm."

Elizabeth sighed.

"It's my fault. Next time, even if the car is totaled, I'll stay with you."

She paused, then gently took his hand.

"My assistant just called. An important client had a sudden accident and fell from a building. It's critical. I need to go. Will you let me?"

Xavier frowned.

There it was—an expression of helplessness on her face, but beneath it, a flicker of something else. Anticipation. Excitement.

She couldn't wait to leave.

She even went as far as making up a client's life-or-death accident.

Xavier's lips curled slightly. He couldn't even be bothered to expose her.

"Mm."

He walked away, not into the villa, but toward the parking lot.

Through the windshield of the black G-Class, he saw them. Locked in a deep, fervent kiss.

Inside the car, Connor's eyes burned with desire.

"I put on the butler outfit. Got the special spike condoms. After all these years, I know your tastes haven't changed."

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with unrestrained delight. Her hands roamed under his coat.

"How many times do you plan to take me tonight? Show me the butler outfit first."

Connor grabbed her hands, smirking at her eager expression.

"Let's take it somewhere else. Didn't you say you like excitement? How about the lakeside tonight?"

Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise.

"That intense?"

"Tomorrow's my birthday. Butler outfit, lakeside, the special condoms—all for you."

The black G-Class roared to life and sped out of the parking lot.

Xavier's phone vibrated. It was a message from Elizabeth.

He opened it.

It was a location pin of a lakeside.