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.

Half an hour later, Xavier sat in a taxi, staring at the black G-Wagon parked not far away.

Elizabeth opened the sunroof. In less than a minute, the black G-Wagon began to shake violently.

People nearby stopped to watch, murmuring in astonishment.

"Wow, outdoor action, huh? That must be thrilling."

"Tsk tsk, that pretty lady sure knows how to have fun. Lakeside, a G-Wagon, a man dressed as a butler—seems like someone's in for an unforgettable night."

Xavier's eyes burned red as he watched the swaying G-Wagon. A chill spread through his body. His hands trembled as he recorded a five-minute video.

Then he sent it to his secretary, his voice hoarse as he instructed, "Play this video on the wedding day."

After sending the message, he called his mother.

"Mom, I'm coming to Neirway in seven days to see you and Dad."

On the other end of the line, his mother immediately sensed something was off. Her brows furrowed tightly.

"Is Elizabeth coming with you?"

"I'm coming alone."

"Alright, don't be sad."

She already had an idea of what had happened. With a sigh, she reassured him, "I'll be at the airport to pick you up."

It was past midnight when Elizabeth returned, making enough noise to wake Xavier.

She was drunk, her breath heavy with alcohol. Wrapping her arms around his face, she kissed him over and over again.

Maybe she sensed his anger from earlier in the night. She whispered anxiously, "Honey, I love you so much. You can be mad at me, you can yell at me, even hit me, but don't ever leave me, alright? Don't worry, I'd never cheat on you."

Lying on the big bed, Xavier stared at her coldly.

She must have forgotten to cover the marks on her neck before coming home.

Yet, there was no deception in her eyes—only genuine affection.

The next morning, Xavier woke in a daze.

Elizabeth had already squeezed toothpaste onto his brush, poured warm mouthwash, and picked out his clothes for the day.

Once he finished getting ready, she walked downstairs with him.

At the dining table, her phone vibrated. She glanced at the message, then looked at Xavier with an apologetic smile.

"Honey, I won't be home tonight. There's a gathering I need to attend."

Xavier paused mid-bite. He knew she was meeting Connor tonight but didn't bother exposing her.

"Alright."

After Elizabeth left, he hailed a taxi and followed her.

Twenty minutes later, she drove into an upscale residential complex.

From a distance, Connor stood waiting, wrapped in a gray trench coat with a matching scarf, exuding effortless charm.

Seeing Elizabeth's Bentley, he smirked and waved before slipping into the car.

They stayed inside for a while before the Bentley pulled out of the complex.

Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a bridal photography studio.

Connor stepped out of the passenger seat. As Elizabeth approached, he naturally took her arm and walked inside with her.

The receptionist greeted them with enthusiasm. "Ms. Eaton, Mr. Walker, welcome! We've cleared the venue for you. Let me take you to see the styles of wedding photos we'll be shooting today."

From inside his car, Xavier watched the scene unfold, his expression unreadable as a cold wave engulfed him.

His phone rang suddenly.

He glanced at the screen. It was his friend, Vincent Mallark.

He picked up. Vincent's cheerful voice came through. "Where are you? Let's grab a drink."

Xavier gave him the address.

There was a brief silence before Vincent groaned in mock envy. "You and Elizabeth have been married five years, and now you're taking wedding photos again? Damn, growing more in love, huh? Every day, you make us single guys jealous."

Xavier stared ahead blankly, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Vincent, she's not taking them with me."

Vincent paused. Then his voice sharpened. "With another man? Elizabeth is cheating? Hold on, I'll be there in twenty minutes!"

Twenty minutes later, Xavier slid into Vincent's car.

Xavier explained how Connor had returned a month ago and how Elizabeth had betrayed him.

Then, he played the taunting voice message Connor had sent from Elizabeth's phone.

Finally, he pointed toward the bridal shop with a bitter smile. "As you can see, it's Connor's birthday today. Elizabeth is celebrating by taking wedding photos with him."

Vincent followed his gaze.

Inside the shop, Elizabeth adjusted Connor's suit collar, her expression gentle, her touch careful, as if handling a priceless gem.

Vincent clenched his fists. "I can't take this. I'm going in to beat them up for you."

He rolled up his sleeves, ready to charge in, but Xavier stopped him first.

"Wait. I want to see what else they'll do."

Half an hour later, Elizabeth and Connor walked out of the bridal shop.

He was dressed in a crisp black suit, she in a snow-white, form-fitting wedding gown. Hand in hand, they climbed into the Bentley.

They drove to the lake.

To prevent paparazzi, the area had been cordoned off in advance. The photographers were already waiting.

As the couple arrived, one of them grinned obsequiously. "Ms. Eaton, Mr. Walker, you two look perfect together. In fact, you're the most attractive couple I've ever photographed."

Connor wrapped an arm around Elizabeth's waist, chuckling. "I have good taste in women. My wife is drop-dead gorgeous."

Over the next half hour, they changed into three different wedding outfits.

The winter air was cold. During breaks, Elizabeth draped a thick coat over Connor's shoulders.

When his poses weren't coming out right, she encouraged him patiently, helping him find the right mood.

The shoot ended, but Elizabeth didn't leave immediately.

Instead, she suddenly dropped to one knee.

Connor's eyes widened in surprise as she pulled out a bouquet of roses and a ring.

"You once said you envied Xavier because I was the one who proposed to him first. I told you I could do the same for you, but you kept saying I didn't have to. But I can't let you feel like you're second best. Connor, will you marry me?"