That night, I came home to find Zachary pacing the living room, totally on edge.

The second he saw me, he rushed over and grabbed my hand.

"Baby, where were you? You didn't answer your phone or text—I was losing my mind."

I stared at him, heart a mess. His panic felt real.

It reminded me of that college trip—my phone died, and he showed up hours away, frantic.

Back then, he loved me like I was his whole world.

But now? That love wasn't mine alone.

If I once had all of his heart, 90% was already gone.

The ache hit hard—every breath burned.

But I held it in.

I dropped my gaze, shoved everything down, and shrugged.

"Just went shopping. Phone was on silent."

Truth was, I just didn't want to pick up. My head was a mess.

He visibly relaxed and pulled me in.

"You scared me. I thought something happened. Just check your phone next time, okay?"

I nodded.

He kissed my neck, voice low.

"Come try the strawberries I got you—and the glazed ribs I made."

Then he let go and led me to the table.

I sat down and watched him pile ribs into a plate and set it in front of me.

I took a bite.

It was really good.

I used to be super picky, so he—once a hotshot CEO who'd never touched a spatula—spent half a month learning from a private chef just for me.

He picked up a strawberry, held it to my lips, face soft in the glow.

I opened my mouth and took it.

Every move was so gentle, so full of love.

Then his phone buzzed.

One glance, and his face changed. He stepped back.

"Baby, something urgent came up at work. Gotta handle it. Don't wait up, okay?"

I nodded.

Watched him rush out the door, and let out a quiet laugh.

I'd seen the screen.

It was Cathryn.

He lied—to go see her.

All those late nights at the office?

They were never about work.

After a pause, I followed him.

He didn't head to the office. He went to the hospital.

Outside the room, I peeked through the window.

He was holding Cathryn in his arms.

Furious, he snapped at the doctors.

"How do you treat my wife like this? You give her meds and she ends up vomiting?"

The doctor bowed, shaking.

"I'm so sorry, Mr. Jurg. It's a side effect. We'll be more careful next time."

Zachary's voice cut like ice.

"If it happens again, this hospital's done."

They scattered.

My chest tightened.

He'd rented out an entire hospital for her over a stomach issue.

He really cared.

I waited in the shadows till the hallway cleared, then stepped closer.

Cathryn looked so fragile, face streaked with tears, curled into his chest.

He gently rubbed her stomach.

"Feeling better?"

She winced, full of guilt.

"I'm sorry, Zachary. My body's such a mess. Now you missed time with Ms. Arden because of me. I must be a curse."

"Don't say that," he said softly, even as he scolded her. "If you're sick, I should be here."

"But... what about Ms. Arden?"

His voice went cold. "Don't mention her. Just get better. I'll handle it."

Then came the dagger.

"She's only my partner in name. You and I... we're the real thing. Of course I should be with you."

I froze. Every drop of blood turned to ice.

My heart sank like it was full of lead.

Zachary had said it.

Cathryn was his wife.

I was just... a game.

Disposable.

For the first time, I was scared. Too scared to keep watching.

I ran.

Later, he texted.

[Baby, I have to go on a business trip for a few days. Don't be mad—I'll make it up to you when I'm back.]

I stared at the screen, tears falling, hands shaking as I typed—

[Are you really on a business trip? Or just spending time with your wife?]

But I didn't send it.

I just cried.

Then deleted it.

One word at a time.

What was the point in exposing him?

Could I really take back someone who betrayed me?

No.

I couldn't.

But still...

My heart was wrecked.

And I'd never felt so alone.

***

Four days later, Zachary showed up with a massive bouquet and that fake-soft smile. "Baby, I'm home."

I stared at him, blank.

He stalled, then shoved the flowers into my arms. "Don't be mad. Work's been insane. I wouldn't have bailed otherwise."

I dropped the bouquet on the table. "Not mad. If you've got work, go do it."

He blinked, thrown off by how chill I sounded. Then he brushed my cheek and grabbed my hand. "I've got a surprise. Let's go."

Didn't wait for an answer—just pulled me straight to the car.

Ten minutes later, we pulled up at a theater.

The second I stepped inside, it hit me—the whole place was reserved. And every face there? Familiar.

Whispers kicked in fast.

"There she is. Perfect couple, huh?"

"Mr. Jurg really went big—rented out the whole theater for Mrs. Jurg."

"She's into plays, so he flew in some international troupe just for her."

"Everyone knows he spoils his wife. Classic Jurg move."

The room buzzed with envy. Zachary clutched my hand like he was the dream husband.

All I could do was laugh inside.

My chest felt iced over. Frozen solid.

This grand public love story? Total act. Behind the scenes, the real title belonged to someone else.

He gave me a fake name, a fake life—while legally tying himself to another woman.

What a sick joke.

As soon as I sat down, a sharp cramp hit my lower stomach. I pressed a hand there.

Zachary clocked it. "Period? Hurting bad?"

I nodded. "Need some stuff."

He didn't miss a beat—hand on my stomach, rubbing gently, then pulling out his phone to order painkillers and hygiene stuff.

The whole time, he kept massaging, handed me warm water, acting like I was still his world.

Then someone came rushing up behind us.

We both turned.

Cathryn.

She was smiling, but she looked like a wreck—soaked clothes, pale face. "Mr. Jurg, I brought what you asked for."

Zachary frowned. "Why you? I told someone else. It's pouring out—and you're not well. Why push yourself?"

She bit her lip, all soft and wounded. "Everyone else was busy. I didn't want you and Ms. Arden waiting too long... so I came."

Then she handed me the bag, tone icy, eyes throwing shade.

"Ms. Arden, maybe next time bring your own stuff. Kinda overkill to send the company scrambling for something so minor."

Zachary shot her a light warning. "Cathryn, tone it down."

I stared at her, blank. Hesitated. Then said nothing and headed to the restroom.

Zachary trailed after me. "I'll go with you."

But when I came out, he was gone.

I turned to leave—and then I heard soft moans coming from the lounge next door.

Something in me just knew.

I eased the door open.

Zachary had Cathryn pinned on the couch, kissing her like he couldn't breathe without it. Neither of them noticed me.

"Stop... Ms. Arden's still waiting," Cathryn whispered, barely resisting, voice all breathy.

"Forget her," Zachary said.

His eyes were wild with want, hands all over her.

"But she'll worry if you're gone too long," Cathryn said, pushing him off—barely.

He cupped her face. "You ran through the rain just to see me. You're drenched... I hate seeing you like this."

Her eyes shimmered. "I just wanted a glimpse. That's enough for me."

His face softened. He pulled her into a hug. "I missed you too."

Then he unclasped the pendant from his neck and slipped it around hers. "It's been blessed. I've worn it for years. Now it's yours—to keep you safe."

Cathryn lit up. She tilted her head and kissed him.

He kissed her back, deep and full of feeling.

My fists clenched so tight, my nails dug into my palms.

Nausea rolled through me. Everything blurred. My chest burned like a storm was ripping it apart. I had to grab the wall to stay upright.

That pendant wasn't just some gift.

It was a talisman. I'd climbed Mount St. Helena for it—fought through freezing wind just to reach that old chapel.

Hours of hiking. Hands torn up, knees scraped raw. I barely made it before sunset.

The priest said it needed a real prayer to work.

I gave it blood, breath, everything I had.

When I handed it to Zachary, he saw my busted-up fingers. His voice shook. "Sierra... why would you do this for me?"

I smiled and looped it around his neck. "Because it'll keep you safe. That's all I want."

He'd held me close, kissed me like I meant something. "I'll wear it forever."

And he did—until now.

Now he handed it off like it was nothing.

He gave her the safety I bled for.

He never saw the weight behind my gifts.

The pain in my chest was suffocating—like something had its hand wrapped around my heart, squeezing harder with every second.

So much for Zachary's promise of forever. Guess "forever" meant a few years, max.

His love? Never real.

They were still tangled up, kissing like they couldn't get enough. His hands were under her shirt, all over her.

She let out a soft moan.

"Feel good?" he smirked, speeding up.

She blushed, voice teasing. "Mm... I want you to touch me."

Then she reached down, grabbed him—and he lit up.

"You little minx," he murmured, slipping his hand deeper.

Kisses weren't cutting it anymore. Clothes hit the floor. They didn't stop.

Zachary's voice dropped low, almost tender. "Be good... give me a baby."