At the dinner celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary, I held the pregnancy test report in my pocket, planning to surprise my CEO husband.

However, the moment the doors opened, I froze.

A stunning woman stood there with her arm intimately linked through my husband's. She clung to Charles Lawrence with the ease and confidence of someone who clearly belonged at his side, carrying herself like the lady of the house.

Neither Charles nor the guests found it strange. If anything, they seemed entertained.

Someone even joked,

"Mr. Lawrence and Ms. Cooper aren't just ideal partners at work. Their chemistry is something to admire as well. I've personally reserved the presidential suite at Jubilee City's finest resort for Mr. Lawrence tonight. You can be sure no one will disturb you."

Fiona blushed and slipped shyly into Charles's arms. He lowered his head and kissed her hard.

They fit together so naturally, so intimately, that the sight was unbearably glaring.

My thoughts flashed back to the night before, when Charles had pressed me into the bed. In that moment, I had caught sight of a strange message sent by someone named Fiona:

[Everyone in the company thinks we've slept together.]

Charles had explained that Fiona was only his assistant, a forty-year-old woman, and that the message was nothing more than a punishment from a lost game, a foolish dare.

That explanation had dissolved my suspicion and anger.

Then, I finally saw the truth. I was the one who had lost everything.

Inside my pocket, the pregnancy report was crushed into a tight ball. I forced the tears back, stepped away, and opened the invitation from the National Aerospace Research Institute on my phone.

Without hesitation, I tapped Accept.

Three days later, I would vanish completely from Charles's world.

Five years into our marriage, Charles Lawrence was a force to be reckoned with in the outside world. At home, he was the epitome of kindness and thoughtfulness, never pressuring me into anything I did not want to do.

However, when I showed up at the party, pregnancy test report in hand, ready to drop a happy bombshell on him, I was the one who got the shock of a lifetime: he had already trashed our vows.

Well, if that was how it was going to be, I was done for good.

From then on, I lived for myself, and only myself.

...

I pocketed my phone, my hands shaking so hard that I could barely grip it. I felt like I had been dunked in a tub of ice, frozen from the inside out.

There was Charles, not even trying to hide it, cozying up to Fiona Cooper for all to see. The crowd was eating it up, chanting Fiona's name, some even daring them to seal the show with a kiss.

The room was a roar of voices.

I stared at the man who had been all sweet whispers and cuddles with me just last night, then doting on another woman. It felt like my heart was being crushed under the weight of a truck.

I needed to get out of there, but the swarm of guests was like a wall, blocking my escape.

Charles scanned the room, eyes narrowing. "Let's keep the party rolling, but remember the golden rule: don't let any of this get back to Mrs. Lawrence.

"If Mrs. Lawrence blows a fuse, I get cranky, and trust me–nobody wants to see me cranky," he said with a smile that did not reach his eyes, his words dripping with an unspoken threat.

The crowd was quick to reassure him, "Mr. Lawrence, we've got your back. Our lips are sealed."

They were all too good at this game.

I could not help but snort at the irony. Five years of what I thought was a rock-solid marriage, my pride in our loyalty and love, all just a sham.

I felt like I was suffocating, the weight of betrayal heavy on my chest. I leaned against the wall, struggling to breathe, and just as Charles's gaze started to sweep my way, I pushed off the wall and slipped out of the banquet hall, my steps heavy but determined.

I have always been the kind of person who would rather curl up with a book than hit a party, so as I made my way there, it was no surprise that I flew under the radar. However, I could not help overhearing a few whispers about Charles and me. Some folks felt sorry for me, while others seemed green with envy that I was the one married to him.

Charles had been cool with me skipping out on the social whirlwind and even ran interference with the press for me. I used to think it was because he was super thoughtful and respected my space. I was patting myself on the back for snagging such a considerate guy. As it turned out, he was just clearing the field for his shady side hustles.

The betrayal had been brewing for who knew how long, and it had sunk deep, like a spreading rot.

Every sweet moment we shared then felt like a big fat lie. Just thinking about it made my stomach turn, and it was like those memories were laughing in my face, calling me naive and clueless.

I could not shake the question: was it all worth it?

Five years back, I went against my mentor, Tracy Gilbert, and my parents. I stayed put in Jubilee City, ditched a sweet gig at the aerospace research institute, and married Charles. I was all in on helping him build up the Lawrence family biz.

What did I get in return? I was the last to know I was the fool in the room.

If I had not stumbled on the truth today, how much longer would Charles have kept up the charade?

Was he planning on fooling me for life? That thought sent a shiver down my spine, and I nearly dropped my phone.

In a scramble, I hit the answer button, and Tracy's voice came through, sounding pretty pumped.

"Sienna, did you really say 'yes' to the invite?" she asked.

I bit my lip. "Yeah, Ms. Gilbert, I did. Just half an hour ago, I told the National Aerospace Research Institute I'm in. However, I made it clear I've got one condition: they've got to keep my identity under wraps, top secret style."

Tracy paused, her voice heavy with concern. "Sienna, it's great you're diving back into your work, but let's be real: saying 'yes' to this gig means you're all in on the satellite project, top-secret stuff. It's like you'll vanish off the face of the earth. Only a handful of folks will even know you're still around.

"After everything you gave up for Charles, is he cool with you just disappearing?"

I could not help but snort, a bitter edge to my laughter. "Ms. Gilbert, Charles lost the right to have a say in my choices after his betrayal."

"Well then, Sienna, welcome back to the fold."

I ended the call, and a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Clutching my phone, I shot a text back to Charles, who had been wondering where I had gotten to, [Feeling sick. Skipping the party.]

I pushed open the front door, and there was the butler, all smiles, telling me how he had stuffed my closet with the latest fashion, just like Charles wanted. The staff around the house shot me those 'you're so lucky' looks.

Once upon a time, I would have been swept off my feet by Charles's sweet gestures, ready to do anything for him.

After finding out the truth, though, it all just felt like a bad joke. I brushed past the butler with a half-hearted wave and headed upstairs.

Charles's call came through just as I reached my room. "The party's in full swing, and the star of the show is nowhere to be found. Sienna, you always have an excuse."

He let out a weary sigh. "Ah, well, what can I do? You're my girl. I'll handle the snooze-fest of a party for both of us."

For me? As if. He probably never expected me to show up. Playing the doting husband, huh?

I took a deep breath, fighting back the urge to snap at him. "I wish I could be there, but I'm really not up for it. Got a headache."

"Caught a chill, huh? See, you're a mess without me to look after you."

Charles's voice was urgent on the other end of the line. "I've still got a crowd to handle before I can head home. I'll tell the butler to call our doctor right away..."

"No need, I'm feeling better now."

I really was not in the mood to deal with a bunch of people, so I cut him off, "Took some meds. I'll just sleep it off."

There was a racket in the background as Charles told me not to wait up for him, then he rushed off the call.

He's probably eager to get back to Fiona, I thought, my grip tightening on the phone as a bitter laugh escaped me.

I flicked through the social media app to Fiona's profile, and there it was, a fresh post.

A selfie of the two of them, Fiona looking alluring and Charles, my very own husband, with his arms around her, his smile soft and adoring.

The caption hit me like a punch. [Today, you're all mine.]

I could not tear my eyes away from Charles's grin, that grin I knew better than anyone. At this point, it seemed miles away, like it belonged to a stranger.

The dam burst, and the tears I had been holding back all night came flooding out.

The ping of a text message cut through my sobs, sounding more annoying than ever. I wiped my face in a mess and checked the screen.

It was from a number that seemed vaguely familiar, with a picture of Charles, bare-chested and asleep.

The caption twisted the knife. [He said I'll be the real Mrs. Lawrence soon.]

I did not need to guess; it was Fiona's doing.

There, on Charles's chest, was my name in initials, a tattoo he once said meant I was the only one in his heart. All that, yet he was sound asleep in another woman's bed, my name marked up with love bites. The irony was not lost on me.

I took shallow breaths, trying to steady myself with the thought that in just three days, I would be done with Charles for good. It was a small comfort against the sting in my heart.

I typed back with a shaky hand, [Congrats, your dream's about to come true.]

I tossed my phone aside and collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion washing over me. Sleep claimed me almost instantly.

My dreams were a jumbled mess: Charles on bended knee, proposing, and then, in stark contrast, him cozying up to Fiona.

In that hazy state between sleep and wakefulness, I felt a sticky suffocation. My eyes snapped open to Charles's gaze, dripping with feigned emotion.

I shoved him away, taking in deep breaths, unable to mask my revulsion.

Unprepared, Charles staggered back. His eyes, a blend of skepticism and concern, probed me. "I came back right after the party ended and found you trapped in a nightmare, looking furious. Who's gotten under your skin?"

I regained my composure, realizing dawn had broken. "I watched a movie last night," I murmured, "about a husband, a childhood friend, who betrays his wife. After more than twenty years together, he finally shows his true face. It was pretty awful."

If he was putting on an act, I would play my part.

I cocked my head. "And then, I actually dreamed you cheated on me..."

Charles quickly covered my mouth, his voice steady, "Even if the entire world turns against you, I won't. Sienna, did you forget? You're the only one for me."

He took my hand, like he always did when we were close, and placed it over his heart.

"If I ever betray you, may I lose you forever."

He pulled out a sheaf of papers. "This is the anniversary surprise I've been planning for you: ninety-nine asteroids named after you, orbiting in a heart shape. Here's the certificate.

"Sienna, I love you."

His eyes were brimming with sincerity, as if the previous night's events were just a figment of my imagination, and he was still the devoted lover I knew.

Tears welled up in my eyes, as if I was touched beyond words. Inside, I was a barren wasteland, a knot in my throat keeping me silent.

Charles studied my face with an intensity that made me feel like he was looking for something hidden. Once he seemed satisfied that I was just my usual self, he leaned in close. Fresh from a shower, he still carried a trace of perfume that definitely was not mine. I fought the urge to shove him away, holding it in until I thought I might actually get sick. That was when his phone rang.

He scowled at the disruption, muttering, "Seriously, who's ruining the moment now?"

However, his irritation melted away when he saw the name on the screen. "Got to handle something at work, babe. I'll be back," he said, slipping into his jacket and heading out the door.

I did not miss that the caller was 'Fiona.'

I quickly wiped the tears from my eyes and followed him, stone-faced, ready to uncover whatever secrets he was keeping.

I trailed behind Charles until he pulled up at a swanky, members-only club on the outskirts of town. Fiona was there, waiting. She practically leaped into his arms the moment he stepped out.

He caught her with ease, cooing, "What's wrong? Was last night not enough for you, my greedy little bunny?"

Fiona clung to him, all soft curves and longing. "I just missed you when I woke up, and I can't help but be jealous of those lucky enough to have stars named after them."

He laughed, a low, warm sound, and handed her a set of keys. "Wasn't the drone show I put on for you the other night spectacular? How about I sweeten the deal with this exclusive sports car?"

I remembered the drone show that had lit up the skies over Jubilee City, spelling out Fiona's initials for all to see. At the time, I had no idea the man behind the grand gesture was my own husband, cheating on me with the woman whose name danced among the stars.

Fiona's face lit up as she eagerly took the car keys from Charles, stood on her tiptoes, and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. Charles could not help but bask in the moment, then leaned in and whispered, "Just keep this between us, okay? I promise you, the power and riches you'll get will dwarf Sienna's."

Her smile grew wider, and with a playful twinkle in her eye, she teased open her coat a bit and said with a shy giggle, "Actually, I wanted you to come over to unwrap a special gift..."

Charles's gaze turned intense, his hands boldly claiming her with a firm squeeze before lifting her into his arms. "Well then, let's not wait any longer," he said with a grin.

I watched from the car, every detail etched into my memory, as they walked away, their closeness fading into the night. A wave of weariness washed over me, too deep for words.

Charles's words cut through me like a knife, leaving me torn and bleeding inside. I could not tell if it was pain or numbness anymore.

If I could have written off yesterday's drama as Charles just putting on a show, today's private words and actions showed his true colors, snuffing out the last flicker of hope I had.

I drove aimlessly around Jubilee City, letting the night air whip through the open window, drying my tears only for them to be replaced by fresh ones, over and over, until the night grew old.

When I finally got back to the villa and opened the door, a loud thud echoed through the hall.

Charles's voice thundered, "Where's Mrs. Lawrence? Where the heck is Mrs. Lawrence?!"

The living room was a disaster zone, with broken vases and sculptures scattered everywhere.

I tiptoed around the debris and stepped forward. "I'm right here."

Charles spun, his eyes locking onto mine. After a long, tense moment, he pulled me into a tight embrace.

"Where have you been, honey? I've been looking everywhere for you. I was so worried you might've left me. It scared the heck out of me."

After being chilled to the bone all day, the instant I sank into Charles's wide, toasty embrace, I almost did not want to let go.

However, I snapped out of it fast. This was just another one of his Oscar-worthy performances.

I gave Charles a light pat on the back. "I just went for a little walk. My phone died, so I missed your calls."

He let out a huge sigh of relief. "Sienna, you know I'd rather lose everything than lose you. Promise me you'll never leave, okay?"

Oh, the sweet talk.

It used to make my heart flutter.

Not anymore.

I managed a half-hearted smile. "Sure."

'As if I'd make it that easy for you to find me once I'm gone,' I mused.

Charles must have been really spooked about losing me, because he stuck to me like glue all night.

I handed him a box. "Surprise for our anniversary. Wait two days before you open it."

Inside was my getaway kit: divorce papers, a pregnancy test, and the pile of love letters from when he was still trying to win me over.

He promised a love letter every year. This year was overdue. Not that it mattered anymore.

Charles froze as he reached for the box, then nodded eagerly. "Do you like the stars I sent you, darling?"

I smiled, playing along. "Of course. You always said you knew me best. How could I not?"

Charles was clever, alright. He knew I loved the night sky, so he gave me stars. Fiona, with her love for all things flashy, got showered with cash.

He seemed pleased with my answer.

The next day, he was all about spoiling me, dragging me to every fancy store in town. "You didn't find anything you liked yesterday. Let me make it up to you today. We'll take home anything you want."

The employees and other shoppers could not help but stare at me with envy. As their eyes bore into me, I could not help but scoff to myself over and over.

However, it was fine. In just two days, I would be out of here, heading to a place where Charles did not exist.

Just two more days, I reminded myself.

I flashed a smile and said cheerfully, "Sure thing."

My bodyguard was quick to load up with bags. I signaled for him to head to the car with them. In that moment, Charles shot a look toward the stairwell, his face clouding over.

He turned back to me with a grin. "I'll just make a quick call and be right back. Stay right here for me, okay?"

Yeah, right. Like I was going to just stand there and wait. I tiptoed after him.

The mall's stairwell was empty and echoed with silence, except for Charles, who was gripping Fiona's arm in a corner.

Charles's voice was a harsh whisper, "What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you that Sienna can't find out about you?"

Fiona's shoulders were shaking, her face the picture of misery. "Charles, I... I just didn't know what else to do.

"I'm pregnant."

Her words hit me like a tidal wave, nearly knocking me off my feet.

She was pregnant, too!

As I touched my own stomach, feeling the life inside, guilt washed over me. I had not protected him, had not secured the happy, whole family life he deserved.

Charles's brow was furrowed as he flipped through Fiona's pregnancy report. His voice was grave. "Didn't we always use protection? How could you be pregnant?"

Fiona was trembling, tears in her voice. "I don't know what went wrong, but this is the Lawrence family's first child. I was so scared you wouldn't want him, Charles. I don't know what to do. It's all my fault..."

Charles was quiet for what felt like an eternity before he wrapped Fiona in a tight hug. "What are you saying? You're practically a hero to the Lawrence family."