Chapter 2

Luna ignored Simon's faraway high-profile public love declaration.

She got up, grabbed her bag, and went home. Once back in the bedroom, she asked the maid for a pair of scissors.

Luna took out her custom-made women's version of their matching shirts and cut it into strips. Then, she shredded their marriage certificate into pieces as well.

She packed everything into a gift box and wrote "Second Wedding Gift" on it.

Just as Luna finished, she turned around and ran into Simon, who had just returned.

Simon's handsome face was filled with tenderness as he took her hand and led her downstairs.

"Honey, I prepared a surprise for you. Come see."

When they got downstairs, Luna saw a large box truck parked outside.

On the truck was an enormous pink gift box.

As Simon clapped his hands, the gift box automatically opened. Balloons and confetti rose into the air, revealing a blush-pink Maybach.

Two staff members quickly raised a banner that read, "A Gift for Princess Lulu."

The scene instantly drew admiration and envy from the surrounding crowd.

Simon took out the Maybach's key and handed it to Luna before he said affectionately, "Lulu, I remembered you mentioning wanting a new car last time. As your husband, it's my duty to buy you everything you want."

When Luna reached out to take the car key, her sharp eyes caught a detail.

Around Simon's left wrist was a bracelet made from a bra strap.

A wave of disgust surged through her as she frowned deeply.

"What's wrong? Did you not want a Maybach? Or do you not like the color?"

Simon's dark eyes were full of concern when he noticed Luna's reaction.

Luna shook her head and fixated her reddened eyes on him. "It's a nice car," she said.

What she didn't want wasn't the Maybach—it was Simon.

Hearing this, Simon let out a sigh of relief.

When they returned to the bedroom, Simon's sharp eyes noticed a gift box on the vanity. Just as he was about to take a closer look, Luna stepped in, covering the writing on the box.

"Lulu, is this a surprise you got me?" Simon's dark eyes lit up with excitement.

Luna forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Yes, but you can't see it yet. I'm still working on a second gift. I'll give you both gifts in seven days. Knowing you, I think you'll really like them."

"Two surprises in seven days?" Simon murmured, visibly intrigued. But as he pondered aloud, he started trying to recall what special occasion it was in seven days.

Suddenly, realization dawned on him. Stepping out of the bedroom, he called his assistant, Luke Newman.

"I almost forgot that Lulu's birthday is in seven days. Start planning a grand birthday party for her right away. Yes, the bigger, the better. I can't let her down."

While Simon was on the phone, he didn't notice Luna standing silently at the bedroom door, her expression as cold as ice.

In the seven years they had been together, Simon had never once forgotten her birthday. This year, with Sophie back in town, he had completely erased Luna's birthday from his mind.

Fine by her. She was curious to see how he'd react if the birthday girl didn't show up to the extravagant birthday party he was preparing.

Luna took out her phone and sent a message to Susanna.

"Find out where Simon is hosting my birthday party. Book the wedding venue one floor above it."

"Yes, Mrs. Fulmer," Susanna replied promptly.

Luna turned to head to the bathroom when Simon, just about to re-enter the bedroom, received another call from Luke.

"By the way, Mr. Fulmer, please don't forget that you're supposed to take Mrs. Fulmer to the cake shop near her college today. If she doesn't get her cake, she'll probably be upset tonight."

"Ah, right, I almost forgot. Order a cake Lulu likes in advance. I'll take her there myself," Simon instructed before hurriedly pushing open the bedroom door.

Luna heard every word loud and clear.

Seeing her, Simon took the bathrobe from her hands and set it aside.

"Lulu, let's go to the cake shop near the college. I've already had the owner prepare your favorite cake. It'll be ready when we get there."

The cake shop near the college entrance was one Luna loved during her college years. It was there, in front of the shop, that she and Simon had their first encounter due to a small incident.

Two years into their relationship, they got married, and every year on their wedding anniversary, Simon would go there with her for cake.

In the past, Simon would always prepare ahead of time, but now he needed Luke's reminder to remember the occasion.

An hour later, a sleek black Bentley pulled up outside the quaint, small cake shop, instantly drawing attention.

When a small-time influencer doing a live stream spotted Simon and Luna, she excitedly held up her phone and approached them.

"Oh my gosh, it's the husband of the year, Mr. Fulmer!"

"Everyone in the live stream, look! The couple I ship so hard is so perfect together! There's a rumor that Mr. Fulmer brings Mrs. Fulmer here every year on their wedding anniversary. It's true after all!"

After stepping out of the car, Simon held Luna's hand as they walked toward the shop. He keenly noticed her right shoelace had come undone.

Amidst the stares of onlookers, Simon stopped in his tracks and respectfully bent down to tie her shoelace.

This act made the surrounding female college students envious, and one bold young woman stepped forward to offer her blessings.

"An ultra-rich CEO bending down to tie his wife's shoelace! I wouldn't even dare dream of such a thing. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!"

Luna stared blankly at the man crouching before her, her expression devoid of warmth. She looked up and responded with a polite yet distant smile.

Simon held Luna's hand as they entered the cake shop and headed straight to their usual spot by the window.

He turned to the shopkeeper behind the counter and asked, "Is the cake ready? The filling should be mango-flavored, and the cream should be strawberry-flavored. Lulu loves that combination. And make sure it says 'Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary' on top."

"Here's your freshly made cake!"

The shopkeeper had a deep impression of the Fulmers. Just earlier, she had told her husband, "Even though it's past nine, with how close they are, they'll definitely come in to celebrate their anniversary."

And sure enough, the Fulmers did come.

As the shopkeeper brought the cake over, her kind face glowed with a warm smile.

"Five years in, and you are still as devoted to Ms. Baxter as ever, Mr. Fulmer. When are you planning to have a baby?"

Chapter 3

Simon couldn't hold back his smile as he gazed lovingly at Luna.

"We'll go with the flow. Hopefully, we'll have one by the end of the year. Boy or girl, it doesn't matter. I'll love the child as long as Lulu's the mother."

Luna lowered her gaze to the cake before her, remaining silent for a few seconds.

Ever considerate, Simon began slicing the cake when a man entered the shop. The man informed Simon that another vehicle had scratched his car and told him to check.

Simon frowned, his expression darkening. "I'll go check it out. Lulu, go ahead and dig in. I'll take care of it quickly and come right back. And order yourself a drink, but nothing cold. You're due for your period in two days."

His thoughtful words once again drew envious murmurs from the other customers in the shop.

"Oh my goodness, he even remembers when her period is. Mr. Fulmer really is the perfect man. He's flawless!"

"I can't even imagine how happy I'd be if I were Ms. Baxter."

The shopkeeper glanced at the quiet Luna and smiled warmly. "Ms. Baxter, you're truly blessed. It's so rare for a woman to meet a loving and devoted man in her lifetime."

Luna forced a bitter smile. "Indeed, it's rare."

In truth, she hadn't met one either.

Not wanting to continue the conversation, Luna turned her head to look out the window.

Meanwhile, Simon followed the man out of the shop.

The man leaned in close and whispered something to Simon, in which Simon nodded and strode toward a pink G-Class parked beside the Bentley.

That pink G-Class looked oddly familiar to Luna.

At the last gathering, Sophie had driven up in a pink G-Class, making a grand entrance.

The license plate on that car was the same as the one Luna was seeing now.

The pink G-Class was said to be a welcome-back gift from Simon, costing nearly three million.

It was almost the same price as the blush-pink Maybach he gifted her today.

Simon truly was a master at keeping things balanced. He ensured his ex, also his first love, and his current partner, who was his wife, got equal attention.

Luna couldn't see what was happening inside the car. As she looked away, she received a call from a number she didn't know.

She answered after hesitating for a moment.

A familiar voice came through the receiver.

"You've gotten smarter, haven't you, Sophie baby? You even sent someone to get me." Simon's voice was hoarse, dripping with desire and affection. "You got my location from my assistant, huh? I told you I'd come to you once she was asleep."

Sophie's voice was delicate and coquettish as she purred, "But I'm upset! Just imagining you spending your anniversary with her and what you two will do later makes me sick."

Guessing Sophie was jealous, Simon chuckled lightly and coaxed her, "Be good. I've already given you every single drop in me. I won't touch her tonight. Besides, didn't we do it three rounds two hours ago? Are you still not satisfied?"

"Hmph, but I want more… Send her home quickly and come to me."

"You little minx. Follow me in your car later. We'll do it in the car."

"You're such a bad boy!"

Soon, the sounds of sticky, intimate kissing came through the line.

Luna's hands trembled as she ended the call abruptly.

She stared at the cake in front of her, a wave of nausea and revulsion washing over her.

It felt as if something was gripping her heart, twisting it until she was breathless, dizzy, and utterly uncomfortable.

Gripping the fork, she stabbed at the chocolate plaque that read "Happy 5th Anniversary," smashing it to pieces.

Simon returned half an hour later. When he noticed Luna had barely touched the cake and saw her pale face, his heart clenched with concern.

"You look pale! Are you feeling unwell? I'll take you to a doctor right now."

The urgency in his tone was palpable, but Luna turned her head away, refusing to look at that hypocritical face.

"I heard something disgusting. I don't feel like eating anymore," Luna snapped.

"What did you hear?" Simon's thick brows furrowed, his anxiety apparent.

"You wouldn't want to know." Luna's eyes were red.

Simon was at a loss. He stood and tried to hold her, but she dodged him.

Luna got up and strode out of the cake shop, immediately hailing a cab. She instructed the driver to take her straight home.

"Lulu, wait for me!"

Simon, unable to stop the cab, hurried back to his Bentley and started chasing after it.

Luna sat in the back seat, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror.

The scene playing out behind her was almost comical—the Bentley followed the cab closely while the pink G-Class trailed right behind the Bentley.

Once they entered the villa area, Luna stepped out of the cab. Simon got out of his car immediately and anxiously grabbed her hand.

"Lulu, why are you upset? Is it because I went to deal with the car issue instead of staying to eat cake with you?"

Luna tilted her head up, staring directly at him.

Simon's handsome face was full of concern and guilt, yet there wasn't the slightest hint of fear of being caught cheating.

"Yeah."

Simon sighed upon hearing that. "I'm at fault for handling things poorly. Next time something like this happens, I'll stay with you even if the car gets wrecked." He paused, then gently held Luna's hand and cautiously asked, "Luke called just now. An important client had an accidental fall and is in critical condition. I need to head over. Is it okay if I go, Lulu?"

Luna frowned, her sharp instincts catching the flicker of excitement and anticipation hidden in his otherwise helpless expression.

Simon sure was eager to rush to his rendezvous. He was even making up a lie about a client's accident.

Luna only put on a small smile. Not wanting to waste her energy on exposing him, she simply responded with a calm hum.

She walked toward the villa, but when she reached the front door, she didn't go inside.

Instead, she turned and headed toward the parking lot. There, she saw the two people passionately embracing and kissing inside the pink G-Class.

Inside the car, Sophie's sultry eyes sparkled.

"I wore these black stockings just for you. No underwear, of course. After all these years, I know your tastes haven't changed."

Simon's dark eyes were filled with unrestrained excitement. His hands eagerly reached under her skirt as his voice turned hoarse. "Are you planning to drain me tonight? I can't wait anymore. Let me put it in first."

Sophie stopped his hand. When she saw the frustrated look in Simon's eyes, her red lips curled in a smile. "Let's go somewhere else. You like the lakeside, don't you?"

Simon smirked, his Adam's apple bobbing as he replied, "Are we doing something so bold tonight?"

"You're spending tomorrow with me for my birthday, right? Think of this as your reward." Sophie winked playfully.

The pink G-Class quickly started and drove out of the underground parking lot.

Luna's phone suddenly vibrated. She received a WhatsApp message from Simon.

She opened it to find a location pin by the lakeside.

Chapter 4

Half an hour later, Luna sat in a cab, her eyes fixed on the pink Mercedes G-Class not far away.

Simon opened the sunroof, and within a minute, the pink G-Class started rocking rapidly.

A crowd began gathering nearby, some stopping to gawk, exclaiming in astonishment, "Wow, making out outdoors. How exciting."

"Tsk, tsk, rich people sure know how to have fun—lakeside, a G-Class, and a beautiful woman. It's going to be one heck of a night."

Luna's eyes reddened as she stared at the swaying vehicle. Her entire body felt cold to the bone. Hands trembling, she recorded a five-minute video.

Afterward, she sent the video to Susanna with a raspy voice note. "Play this during the wedding."

Once the message was sent, Luna dialed Maple Morgan, her mother.

"Mom, I'll come to Naavi in seven days to see you and Dad."

On the other end of the line, Maple sensed the slight quiver in Luna's voice and immediately frowned. "Is Simon coming with you?" she asked.

"I'm coming back alone," Luna replied.

"Alright, don't be upset," Maple said, her tone grim. She had a rough idea of what had happened, so she reassured her daughter, "I'll pick you up from the airport."

Late into the night, Simon returned home noisily, waking the sleeping Luna. Reeking of alcohol, he stumbled over to her, cupping her face in his hands as he began kissing her.

Perhaps uneasy over Luna's earlier outburst, he murmured drunkenly, "Darling, I love you so much. You can yell at me, curse me, even hit me, but don't ever leave me, okay? Baby, don't worry. I'll never cheat on you."

Luna, on the spacious bed, coldly stared at Simon.

Simon had clearly drunk too much last night. He even returned home without wiping the red lipstick marks on his neck.

Yet the love in his eyes seemed so genuine, without a hint of deceit.

The next morning, Luna woke up groggily to find that Simon had squeezed toothpaste onto her toothbrush, prepared warm mouthwash, and even laid out an outfit for her.

Once Luna was ready, Simon accompanied her downstairs.

Simon's phone at the breakfast table buzzed soon. He glanced at the message and then looked at Luna apologetically. "Lulu, I won't be home tonight. There's a gathering."

Luna paused mid-bite of her waffle. She knew very well that Simon was planning to spend the evening with Sophie, but she couldn't even muster the energy to expose him.

"Alright."

After Simon left, Luna hailed a cab and quietly followed him.

20 minutes later, Simon drove into a well-maintained residential area.

Sophie, dressed in an elegant white Chanel-inspired outfit and a matching scarf, looked stunning and refined.

When she spotted Simon's Bentley from a distance, she waved excitedly before running over to get into the car.

The two stayed in the car for a while, likely caught up in their intimate activities before Simon drove out of the neighborhood.

Half an hour later, the black Bentley stopped in front of a wedding photography studio.

Sophie stepped out from the passenger seat. As Simon joined her, she affectionately looped her arm through his, and they walked inside together.

A staff member at the entrance greeted them warmly. "Mr. Fulmer and Ms. Sutherland, welcome! We've cleared the studio for you. Let me show you the styles of wedding photos we'll be shooting today."

Luna sat expressionlessly inside the cab as she watched the scene unfold. A chilling numbness washed over her.

Her phone suddenly rang then.

She glanced at the caller ID—it was her best friend, Clover Lambert.

Swiping to answer, Luna held the phone to her ear.

Clover's cheerful voice quickly filled the line. "Lulu, where are you? Let's grab afternoon tea."

Luna directly gave Clover the address of the wedding photography studio.

On the other end, Clover went silent for a few seconds, then let out a dramatic wail. "You've been married to Simon for five years, and yet, you're taking wedding photos again now! My goodness, look at you two getting more in love as time goes by. Ugh, you're killing this single lady here with envy."

Luna seemed slightly out of it as she replied bitterly, "Clover, he's not taking wedding photos with me."

Clover was stunned for a few seconds before realizing something was wrong. "With another woman? Simon cheated? That's impossible! Hold on, I'll be there in 20 minutes!"

20 minutes later, Luna got into Clover's car.

As Clover anxiously questioned her, Luna explained how Simon had cheated on her with Sophie after Sophie's return to the country.

Then, she played a provocative voice message that Sophie had sent from Simon's phone a month ago. Pointing at the bridal shop, Luna smiled bitterly.

"Clover, as you can see, it's Sophie's birthday today. Simon brought her here to take some wedding photos."

Clover followed Luna's gaze.

Inside the bridal shop, Simon had his head down as he adjusted the neckline of Sophie's wedding gown. His expression was gentle, and his movements were cautious. It was as if he were handling a delicate piece of art.

"I can't take this anymore." Clover's eyebrows pulled together into a deep frown. "I'm going in there to beat them up and avenge you!"

Clover had a fiery temper. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to storm into the shop.

However, Luna stopped her.

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

Half an hour later, Simon and Sophie walked out of the bridal shop.

One was dressed in a sharp black suit, the other in a white fitted wedding gown. Hand in hand, they got into a Bentley.

After some time, they arrived at a lakeside.

The wedding photo shoot area had been cordoned off in advance to prevent any potential paparazzi.

When the two arrived, the photographer, who was already waiting, flattered them with a big smile. "Mr. Fulmer and Ms. Sutherland, you are such a perfect match. You're the most attractive couple I've ever photographed."

Sophie said with a playful smile as she held Simon's arm. "Well, I've got an eye for men. It's true that my husband is dashing."

Over the next half-hour, the two changed into three different sets of suits and wedding dresses.

With the winter temperature on the colder side, Simon thoughtfully picked up a thick shawl during breaks in the shoot and draped it over Sophie's shoulders.

Whenever Sophie struggled to find the right mood for the photos, Simon would coax and encourage her until she naturally eased into the right mood.

After the shoot was completed, Simon didn't rush to leave. Instead, he suddenly got down on one knee.

Under Sophie's surprised gaze, he brought out a bouquet of roses and an engagement ring he had prepared long ago.

"When you mentioned that you wanted to take wedding photos, I always felt we should have a proper proposal ceremony. You've been so understanding, constantly reassuring me that there's no need for a proposal.

"But I can't let you settle for less. Sophie, will you marry me?"

Heart in Ashes

Chapter 2
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