The courier accepted the package. I met his eyes briefly, “Leave now.”

As the door closed, I answered lightly, “Nothing. Just decluttering.”

Sheldon frowned. “You should leave that to the maid. Don’t tire yourself.”

“I’m not made of glass,” I replied evenly. “This won’t break me.”

He sighed. “Always stubborn. Fine—leave it to me if you don’t trust the maid. Oh, right.”

He nudged Lizzie forward.

My daughter held out a flower bouquet she brought.

“Mommy must’ve felt lonely last night,” Lizzie said softly. “When we got home, I saw this flower and thought of you. Do you like it, Mom?”

Her eyes were full of apologies.

Then Sheldon stepped closer and opened a box.

“I didn’t mean to miss our anniversary,” he said earnestly. “It was an urgent business trip.”

He held up the diamond ring. “This is my apology. If it’s not enough, say the word. I’ll buy you anything.”

The diamond caught the light, painfully bright.

“I rushed back the moment I was done,” he added. “Let’s reschedule the anniversary next week—on your birthday.”

I looked at the flower in Lizzie’s hand. Then at the ring.

My heart was silent.

How strange—how love always arrived late, carrying apologies instead of presence.

Our wedding had been a week before my birthday.

From Sheldon’s secretary, I knew he was preparing a new product named after me as a birthday gift.

I was close to her. She liked telling me everything. Sheldon never knew.

That was how I learned the truth, if his meetings and business trips were all lies.

What hurt me so bad was even Lizzie defended him.

“Dad is super busy,” she once said earnestly. “After picking me up from school, he didn’t even take me home. He had to bring me out of town.”

I studied Sheldon’s face now. Calm and spotless of guilt.

I smiled gently.

As for rescheduling the anniversary—I didn’t care. By next week, we would no longer be a family.

“It’s fine,” I said softly. “Thank you for the gift. Let’s go inside. Lizzie is freezing.”

In the past, I would’ve wrapped Lizzie in warm clothes and hugged Sheldon the moment he came home.

This time, I didn’t.

It was only an excuse—to change the subject, to stop myself from remembering last night’s betrayal.

When we entered the house, both Sheldon and Lizzie froze.

The place was almost empty.

I loved ceramics. Every corner had once held one. Now, the tables were bare.

Most striking of all—the family painting lay turned over on the floor.

Sheldon frowned. “Why are the ceramics gone?”

Lizzie ran over. “And why did you take down my painting, Mom?”

“Oh,” I said casually. “I sold the ceramics to a collector. I wanted to declutter and replace them. The painting was worn out too.”

Relief flashed across Sheldon’s face. He thought I knew nothing.

He pinched Lizzie’s cheek. “Don’t worry. You can paint a new one, baby. Remember—clear away the old to welcome the new.”

Lizzie beamed. “Okay! I’ll make lots of new ones!”

I watched them quietly, mockery settling deep in my eyes.

Welcome the new one, huh?

Did it mean they would clear away the old mother and welcome a new woman?

What a tragic story.

As we walked inside, the smell of food still lingered in the house. Sheldon followed it until he found that the prepared meal lay discarded in the trash bin.

“Did you cook dinner last night?” he asked in curiosity.

“Oh,” I replied lightly. “It’s been a while since I cooked. It tasted awful, so I threw it away.”

He frowned. “You’re tiring yourself again. You could’ve asked the chef to cook for us. Don’t do this anymore, alright?”

He reached out and patted my head, the gesture gentle and distant.

Lizzie ran over and hugged my waist. “Yes, Mom. Your health matters most. I want Mommy to see me get married someday.”

My heart tightened, but my smile didn’t falter.

“Alright,” I said softly. “Go take a bath. You both stink so much I might throw up.”

I brushed them off and walked into the bedroom.

The moment the door closed, my phone vibrated.

A message from Stacey.

I opened it.

A photo of the four of them together smiling beneath the same flower bouquet Lizzie had just given me.

Another photo, taken at my favorite restaurant.

And the last one was an opened diamond set, the one I was clearly familiar with.

Then came another message from Stacey, [There are two rings in the set, so I gave one to you. I assume Sheldon made it as your anniversary gift, right?]

The words pierced my chest.

So everything Sheldon and Lizzie gave me was never meant to be mine alone. It was Stacey’s excess.

I stared at the screen, fingers trembling. Had I really been foolish enough to believe I was treasured?

I thought his love was genuine, I never knew that Sheldon already had a first love back in high school. A girl he could never forget.

A girl who left after graduation and came back years later to destroy everything I believed in.

From the very beginning, my place had never been the first.

I lowered my phone and laughed soundlessly while packing my things.

In the evening, the door opened, Sheldon and Lizzie insisted on sleeping beside me.

“The anniversary isn’t about the date,” Sheldon said gently. “It’s about celebrating. Don’t overthink it, okay?”

Lizzie hugged my arm tightly. “We celebrate every year anyway. Mommy, don’t be sad about last night. Today, Lizzie will sleep with Mommy and Daddy.”

I didn’t answer. I was afraid that if I spoke, I would cry.

Soon, Lizzie’s breathing softened in my arms. But I remained awake.

Then Sheldon’s phone vibrated. A message from Stacey. [Come, Diego has been sleeping.]

Later, a photo filled the screen, it was Stacey in red lingerie. [I prepared this just for you.]

My fingers clenched beneath the blanket.

As Sheldon glanced to the side, I pretended to be asleep, closing my eyes.

Perhaps because there was no reply, a video call came through.

Stacey’s face appeared, lips curved in a teasing smile. Slowly, deliberately, she began untying the lingerie.

As an actress, she was really great at making expressions, even her gestures were so intoxicating.

Sheldon swallowed hard.

He rose from the bed, movements careful, silent—as if no one would notice.

But as he reached for the door, I asked quietly, “Where are you going?”

He froze for half a second. Then smiled.

“Urgent meeting,” he said softly. “I’ll be right back.”

He returned, kissed my forehead and left.

The door closed and something inside me died without a sound.

But the door closed too hard, so Lizzie stirred, half-awake, mumbling, “Ah… Dad snuck out to meet my second mommy again. Next time, I’ll follow him and play with Diego too.”

I froze. “What did you say, darling?”

She realized her mistake instantly and hugged me tight.

“I mean—Daddy went to work again, late at night,” she said quickly. “Leaving you alone. But it’s okay, Mom. I’m here. You won’t be lonely.”

I didn’t hug her back, only pulled the blanket higher and turned away.

Moments later, from outside, the roar of Sheldon’s car engine cut through the night.

He was speeding.

Sheldon never came back that night. Nor the next morning.

At breakfast, I sat alone at the table. My phone’s chimed.

[I’ve instructed Judy to prepare warming chicken broth for you. Make sure to drink it. Let her take Lizzie to school. You should rest more and avoid tiring yourself.]

Every detail was arranged. The perfect image of a caring husband.

But that care only felt like salt rubbed into an open wound. Since I knew better, this care was nothing but guilt.

Every time Sheldon cheated, he buried me in attention—as if flowers and gentle words could erase the scent of another woman from his skin.

Those late-night messages always arrived at strange hours. Perhaps sent right after he finished with her—while buttoning his shirt, straightening his collar, and pretending to still be my husband.

I had not had time to close the message as the new email came.

Inside, attached a DNA Test file from the hospital.

My vision blurred as the document opened on my screen, [Diego Middleton is 99% compatible with Sheldon Carter.]

My hand trembled as a voice note followed. “I’m pregnant too. You lose this time. I can give Sheldon two children now. And I’ll have more if he wants.”

Before I could breathe, another line appeared. “Oh, I almost forgot. Even your daughter seems to love me more than you. Reba, what do you have left?”

The phone slipped from my fingers and suddenly I heard Lizzie laughing, as if laughing at my suffering.

So I descended the staircase and stopped as I saw her sit before the TV, stuffing her mouth with sweets I was never allowed to touch.

Only a few days had passed, yet her cheeks were already puffed from sugar.

When Lizzie saw me, she panicked, hiding the cream-filled pastry behind her back. Guilt was written all over her small face.

But I didn’t scold her.

Instead, I knelt down until they were eye to eye, studying the child who carried half of Sheldon’s blood.

“If your father and I separate,” I asked quietly, “would you be okay with Stacey raising you instead?”

Lizzie didn’t even process the first part. Her eyes lit up.

“Really?” she asked excitedly. “If Stacey comes to live with me, I will be happier if she brings Diego around, so that I can play more with him!”

My heart didn’t sink. It went numb on that innocent’s answer.

Of course, the child took after her father.

Seeing me about to leave, Lizzie hurried over and grabbed my hand instinctively. “Mommy, when will you take me to school? I’ll be late.”

I pulled her hand away, voice flat. “Judy will take you. I’m tired.”

“I want you, Mommy.” Lizzie’s eyes widened, pleading. “Please.”

“No,” I said coldly. “I’m tired.”

“I won’t be taking you to your full week courses anymore. From now on, you are free to do everything you want.”

Lizzie froze.

Confusion and hurt flickered across her face.

I had never said coldly to her before. She bit her lip, forcing back tears.

Judy sensed the tension and quietly ushered Lizzie out of the house.

I didn’t stop them.

I couldn’t. Not today.

In the afternoon, I went straight to the city center.

“Once you sign, there’s no turning back,” the agent said. “Five days from now, Reba Carter will cease to exist.”

I nodded.

My hand didn’t shake as I signed my name.

Then I removed the infinity bracelet from my wrist—the one thing I had never taken off.

“If I’m going to die,” I murmured, “make it convincing.”

That bracelet meant everything.

After Lizzie's birth, I had fallen into a coma. As soon as I woke up, he put me on a bracelet with an infinity charm as a wish that I would live longer with him.

His devotion had moved me so deeply that I vowed never to remove the bracelet. Not even in death.

And now, I was keeping that promise in the cruelest way possible.

As I walked out, whispers drifted from the front desk.

“They say Mr. Sheldon treats his wife like she’s his whole world. Yet she just signed up for a fake death service.”

“So even the most beautiful marriages rot behind closed doors.”

“I used to root for their love story. Turns out it was all a lie.”

I didn’t stay to hear more.

Maybe Sheldon had loved me once—during those five years. But his love always burned too fast… and died even faster.

Needing a distraction, I went to the mall.

To my surprise, I saw Lizzie and Diego—who should have been in school—playing in the playground inside the mall.

Not far from the scene, there were Sheldon and Stacey arms in arms and smiling at the kids. They looked like a perfect family.

For a moment, the world blurred.

Just like Sheldon wanted, having lots of kids and playing with them, enjoying time together. Something I could never give him.

Perhaps because I'd been standing there too long, Stacey noticed me.

“Reba?” Stacey gasped, covering her mouth as she clicked over in high heels. “Why are you here?”

Her face showed perfect surprise—no guilt at all.

“Please don’t misunderstand,” she said gently. “Diego wanted to play on the playground but was too scared to be alone, so I took Lizzie with me.”

“But Sheldon thought I’d be overwhelmed taking care of them alone, so he came to help me.”

“If you’re upset, blame me. It’s my fault. Sheldon and Lizzie are completely innocent.”

Stacey played the fragile maiden flawlessly—soft eyes, trembling voice.

Yet as she leaned closer, tilted her collar just enough. Faint bite marks peeked out.

She made sure I could see them clearly.

“That’s fine,” Sheldon muttered, rubbing his temples. Irritation crept into his voice. “Reba is not the type to indulge petty jealousy.”

Then he talked to me, “I also have an event to attend here, I intend to invite you and Lizzie to come together.”

Stacey shocked to hear that and cut off, “But you said we—”

Before she could finish, Sheldon’s voice dropped, cold and sharp. “Stacey, go pick Diego or you will be late to come to the event.”

I stood there quietly.

Stacey shot me a concealed glare before picking up Diego—reluctance etched into every step.

As Diego and Lizzie waved goodbye, Lizzie bounced to my side, clinging to my arm.

“Mom, please don’t be upset with the second… I mean, Auntie Stacey. I’m so happy to play with Diego, too.”

Last night, when she was dreaming, she called her second mommy. It seemed she was used to calling Stacey that.

“I’m not upset,” I replied calmly. “It’s just… unexpected to run into the four of you here.”

My tone turned distant. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to the house.”

“Reba, are you not hearing what I said before?” Sheldon said softly. “There’s a charity event here, come with me.”

I didn’t answer. But he thought my silence meant that I agreed.

He slipped an arm around my waist without hesitation.

“You’ve gotten fuller,” he murmured absentmindedly, then corrected himself, “That’s good. You used to be too thin. No matter how you look, I love you all the same.”

A cold, faint smile touched my lips.

After all, my body hadn’t changed in years. The comment came only because his hands had grown used to Stacey’s narrow waist.

That afternoon, he brought me to a high-end store, asked me to pick whatever I wanted.

But at checkout, I sent everything to Stacey.

“Why don’t you just take it?” I asked quietly.

“We didn’t bring bodyguards,” he replied. “Your arms will be full carrying the bags.”

“Then at least pick one outfit for tonight,” he added. “We’ll go to the salon after. Should I choose one for you?”

In the end, I wore the dress Sheldon chose. The makeup Sheldon chose.

When I stepped out, I barely recognized herself. I looked like a second Stacey.

Lizzie clapped happily. “Mom, you’re so beautiful!”

I turned toward the mall’s giant screen.

Stacey appeared on it, wearing the same red dress.

Red was Stacey’s favorite color. The one Sheldon always chose.

In the past, I would have confronted him—demanded answers, threatened separation within the relationship.

But now… I couldn’t afford mistakes.

With less than one week left, I let him do as he pleased.

At the event, I wasn’t surprised to see Stacey again—wearing the same color dress as mine.

This time, she stood on stage as the host. Her words were sharp and charming, her laughter drawing applause from the entire hall.

When she stepped down, she walked straight toward us.

She deliberately took the seat beside Sheldon. With practiced intimacy, she pinched Lizzie’s cheek and waved for her assistant. Soon, Diego was placed beside Lizzie.

In the end, I sat trapped between them.

Lizzie and Diego played happily, while Sheldon and Stacey chatted animatedly, voices low, smiles familiar.

Stacey kept provoking me with glances and small gestures. I gave her nothing. I simply sat still, quiet and detached.

Until the final item appeared. A familiar blue pendant.

It was my family’s, something that passed down through generations. I had given it to Sheldon on our wedding day.

Sheldon promised to pass it to our daughter one day, for her to give to her husband. But two years ago, he said it was lost.

My fingers trembled as I reached for the bidding card, but someone had called first, “Five thousand dollars.”

Stacey pouted theatrically. “I want it so badly. It’s perfect for Diego. His birthday is coming up.” She sighed. “But it’s too expensive for just a pendant.”

Diego tugged her hand. “It’s okay, Mom. As long as you’re there, that’s enough.”

Sheldon smiled.

“I’ll buy it for you,” he said casually. “A gift for Diego.”

“Ten thousand dollars.”

My chest tightened.

How could he bid it easily for others when he knew how precious it was for me?

Could it be he already forgot about it?

Or perhaps—he had never taken anything of mine seriously to begin with.

In frustration, I bid higher, “Twenty thousand dollars.”

Stacey’s face darkened. Displeasure flickered across Sheldon’s eyes at her recklessness.

Yet Stacey quickly masked it with sweetness.

“Reba,” she said lightly, “You live such a blessed life now. Sheldon and Lizzie adore you endlessly. You wouldn’t mind letting me have this pendant, would you?”

Lizzie tugged at her cloak. “Mom… why don’t we let second… Auntie Stacey took it? We already have so many treasures at the Manor.”

My lips curved into a strained smile. “What if this is the only one your first mother refuses to yield?”

I deliberately emphasized the word “first,” making Lizzie a little scared.

After all, I had never cared for blessed adornments. But this time, I would not retreat.

Sheldon squeezed Stacey’s hand reassuringly, then flicked Lizzie’s forehead gently. “That’s enough.”

“In this family,” Sheldon said coldly, “we honor what your mother wants. How could you even suggest giving away something she desires?”

Stacey’s smile shattered. She stood abruptly and left the auction hall, heels striking the floor in sharp, furious beats.

Sheldon exhaled deeply and rose, clearly tempted to follow.

Before leaving, he bent and pressed a kiss to my forehead.

“I’ll collect the pendant,” he said gently, “Take care of Lizzie and Diego for me.”

I was about to follow him, but Lizzie tugged at my dress, saying she needed me.

For years, Sheldon had used Lizzie as his shield, a perfect excuse to slip away unnoticed, indulging forbidden desires under the cover of night.

But a child was still a child. I saw through it easily.

Feigning the need for fresh air, I said, “You stay here with Diego.”

Lizzie sensed my mood and didn’t stop me.

I followed Sheldon’s scent through the corridors. It led me to a secluded washroom hall.

Stacey stood there, crying into Sheldon’s chest.

Hidden behind a door, every word reached me clearly.

“If I hadn’t moved away during school,” Stacey sobbed, “we would’ve gone to college together. You would’ve married me. It’s all your fault—for marrying that doctor!”

She cried for a long time.

Sheldon didn’t interrupt. Not once.

When her sobs finally softened, he chuckled quietly.

“Look at you,” he murmured. “Crying like a newborn baby. What a mess.”

His teasing only fueled her resentment.

“I don’t care!” Stacey snapped, fists clenched. “Your wife took the treasure I wanted. You owe me tonight!”

The air between them shifted—tight, dangerous, charged with unspoken hunger.

Sheldon’s voice dropped, rough and low.

“You said it yourself,” he warned. “Don’t beg me to stop later.”

That night, behind closed doors, the man chose desire over loyalty—and the sound of my heart breaking was far louder than any cry Stacey made.

What I didn’t witness came moments later.

Stacey’s voice trembled. “Do you love me?”

Sheldon didn’t hesitate. Lust still clouded his gaze. “If I didn’t, why would I keep you by my side?”

Encouraged, Stacey pressed closer, voice coy. “If you had to choose—me, or that woman… who would it be?”

“Obviously you.”

The word struck like a blade.

“Then divorce her for me.”