(Cassie's POV)

Violet let out a little laugh as she waved her hand to show off an expensive bracelet.

“Isn’t it gorgeous?” she gushed, turning her wrist for everyone to admire.

The group of women surrounding her erupted into excited murmurs, their eyes filled with fascination.

“You’re so lucky,” one of them said with admiration. “Everything about you screams elegance.”

Violet smiled coyly.

“Max and Violet they do make such a beautiful pair,” someone whispered.

“I always thought she and Max would end up together,” another said softly.

Their chatter paused abruptly when they noticed me standing at the edge of the circle.

I simply smiled and without a word, I turned on my heel and walked away, the sound of my heels clicking against the marble floor.

But Violet wasn’t done.

“Cassie,” she called out, following me into a quieter hallway. Her tone was light.

I stopped, turning to face her.

“You know,” Violet said with a soft laugh, “Not trying to make you jealous.” She smiled and leaned closer, her red lips curving into a smug smile. “I’m heading out on a date tonight. My boyfriend actually makes time for me something you wouldn’t really understand, right?”

I tilted my head slightly, studying her. For a moment, I felt nothing but a dull ache where there used to be anger or pain.

“That’s nice, Violet,” I said, my voice calm. “I hope you have a great date.”

Her smile faltered, just slightly, as though she had expected more of a reaction.

Without waiting for her to respond, I turned and walked away. Let her have her moment, I thought to myself.

As I re-entered the party, the vibrant laughter and clinking glasses seemed to lift the ache in my chest. I wore a fake smile on my face and walked through the party making my way to Max, who was standing among his friends, effortlessly charming the crowd.

When his eyes met mine, his expression softened.

“Cassie, are you okay?” he asked, concern in his voice as he stepped closer.

“I’m not feeling well,” I murmured, casting my gaze downward.

Without hesitation, Max turned to the room. “I’m sorry, everyone, but we’ll have to cut the evening short. Cassie isn’t feeling her best, and I want to take her home.”

The guests murmured polite condolences, and some even wished me a speedy recovery. For a brief moment, I felt warmth toward Max. Perhaps he still cared, in his own way.

As we made our way outside, the cool night air brushed against my skin. Max placed his hand gently on my back, guiding me toward the car.

“Do you have work tonight?” I asked softly, the question slipping out before I could stop myself.

Max hesitated, just for a split second, but it was enough for me to notice. “Of course not,” he said quickly, flashing me a reassuring smile. “I’m going to make time for you tonight, Cassie.”

His words surprised me but I nodded anyway.

Then, his phone buzzed.

Max pulled it from his pocket, his face had an unreadable expression as he read the message.

“Cassie, I—” He said looking up at me. “It’s work. I have to handle this. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Before I could respond, he turned on his heel and walked away. He got into his car left me there.

I looked around for a taxi, but none came. I tightened my coat around me and began walking 15 km home, my heart filled with disappointment.

I finally reached home, my whole body aching as I unlocked the door and stepped inside. Exhaustion draped over me like a heavy blanket, but sleep was far from my mind.

Instead, I opened the small wooden chest tucked in the corner of our bedroom. It was a chest filled with handcrafted gifts Max had given me over the past ten years.

My fingers grazed over the rough edges of a necklace he had made during one of our early vacations.

Max had promised to come back early. That promise, like so many others, had been broken. It was already until three in the morning that I heard the sound of his car in the driveway.

The door creaked open, and he stumbled in, his tie loose, then he ruffled his hair to make it seem like he was around all night.

I watched from the shadows as he peeled off his dress shirt and flopped onto the bed. His arms reached out instinctively, pulling a pillow close.

“Cassie…” he murmured, his voice filled with surprise as his arms reached out instinctively, pulling a pillow close to him thinking it was me.

A dry, sarcastic laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it.

Max froze. His head snapped up. Flustered, his bleary eyes darting around until they landed on me, sitting calmly on the couch.

“Cassie? What are you doing awake?” He sat up, raking a hand through his hair. “Didn’t I tell you not to stay up for me?”

I smiled faintly, rising from the couch and walking over to turn on the lights. The warm glow illuminated the room.

“I was awake for you,” I said simply, gesturing toward the table.

Max’s gaze followed my hand, his brows knitting together in confusion.

“These,” I said, pointing at the handcrafted gifts. “Do you remember them? You made all of these for me. Back when you didn’t need a reason to make me smile.”

His eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. His fingers brushed over the clay vase, the scrapbook, the handwritten notes tied with ribbon.

“I can’t believe you kept all of this,” he murmured, his voice low. A nostalgic smile tugged at his lips. “I made these so long ago. I thought you would’ve thrown them out by now.”

I laughed, a soft, hollow sound. “Why would I? Since you became the president you always showered me with expensive gifts but they were the most precious gifts you ever gave me. They meant everything.”

His grin faltered, his gaze flicking back to the table. He was stunned for a moment and became nostalgic, “I remember when I made them for you to smile back then.” He said as his face lit in remembrance.

Max chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “Cassie, those were just silly little things. Look at what I give you now jewelry, designer clothes, everything you could ever want. Surely, these don’t compare.”

I smiled at him, but it didn’t reach my eyes. “You’re right, Max,” I said softly. “They don’t compare.”

I thought to myself, “It’s time to throw them away forever. Just like the feelings I had for him.”

(Cassie's POV)

Max reached for me suddenly, pulling me into an embrace. “I love you so much, Cassie,” he whispered, his voice soft against my ear. “You don’t even know how deeply I love you. Even when you rejected me multiple times, when you didn’t believe me, I just…” He trailed off, the faintest trace of vulnerability in his tone. “I only fell for you deeper.”

I stiffened in his arms, but I said nothing.

Max pulled back slightly and, from the table, picked up a small fabric—a handkerchief. He held it up as a smile brightened his face. “This,” he said, “is the most precious gift you ever gave me.”

“A gift?” I asked, looking at it surprised. I didn't remember giving him that.

Max chuckled, “It wasn't a gift but this was something Igot from you the first time we met.” He said as his expression shifted like he was recalling a memory.

“Do you remember? I got injured while riding my bike, I had fallen off the bike.” He chuckled, his face filled with nostalgia.

I stayed silent as he continued.

“You saved me that day,” Max said softly. “You didn’t say much, but you wrapped my wounds with this handkerchief. You were so worried about me. Showing concern to some reckless guy you barely knew. I remember feeling so comfortable with a stranger around.”

I bit my lip, hard. For the smallest of moments, doubt crept into my mind. Could a man who held so much love for me who remembered moments like these—really betray me?

But then, the faint smell reached me again. That nauseous, cloying smell that wasn’t mine, wasn’t his.

I straightened up before asking, “Max…” I hesitated, locking eyes with him. “Why do you smell so strange?”

Max froze. The change in him was immediate. His smile faltered and instantly he was flustered.

“What?” he asked, a little too quickly, feigning confusion. “What smell?”

I narrowed my eyes, my voice firm. “I don’t know. Something… off. It’s not yours.”

Max’s flustered laugh sounded forced, brittle. He pushed himself off the couch, running a hand through his hair. “Oh, that. It’s probably because I haven’t freshened up yet. I’ve been out all day. Meetings, you know.”

He was rambling.

I watched him.

“I’ll go shower, okay? You’re right. I must smell like… everything.” He smiled weakly, avoiding my gaze. “Give me a minute.”

And then he was gone, leaving the door half-open behind him.

My eyebrows narrowed wondering what if I was thinking can really be true. Did Max betray me?

Just then I heard the sound of the front door unlocking. Someone was in the house. I could hear sounds of someone in the house.

“That can't be Max,” I said standing up to quickly check it.

I made my way through the hallway and then I saw her.

“Violet?” I said, my voice low. Violet knew the passcode to our home? I scoffed in disbelief.

She smiled, as if we were old friends, and brushed a perfectly manicured hand through her hair. “Oh, Cassie. You’re awake,” She said sweetly. “I’m here because of an urgent matter, work-related, of course.”

“I even brought food for him “I even brought him something to eat because he couldn't eat” She added as held up a neatly packed bag of takeout.

I stared at her in silence, my gaze shifting to the bag in her hand. I recognized the brand immediately. It was from that restaurant—the one where Max proposed to me. The one he took me to every anniversary… except this year.

My chest tightened, It felt as if her memories were being tarnished.

“You brought him food,” I said, forcing the words through clenched teeth.

Violet’s smile widened, her tone syrupy sweet. “Oh, Max didn’t eat today. I thought I’d bring him something from his favorite place. He works so hard, you know. Someone has to look after him.”

I scoffed softly, unable to hold back my disbelief. “You knew the passcode to my house?”

Her smile didn’t waver. “Oh, he gave it to me. For emergencies.”

“Emergencies.” I bit my lip, my fists tightening at my sides.

Violet placed the bag on the counter, glancing over her shoulder at me as she adjusted her coat.

“By the way,” she said, her voice light, “what do you think of my dress?” She spun slightly, showing off the expensive fabric.

“Max bought it for me on my birthday. Isn’t it gorgeous? And oh…” She leaned forward and pulled the necklace out from beneath the collar of her coat. “This is my favorite piece.”

I froze, my eyes landing on the gold chain and pendant resting just above her collarbone.

I knew that necklace.

The design was unmistakable it. It meant ‘Secret Love.’ I had loved that necklace but since the meaning was different I had refused it. I’d told him I didn’t need a love that was hidden, a love that had to be a secret. Back then, he had laughed and promised to find something better.

And now, here it was, around Violet’s neck.

I was surprised but in the past, this would have devastated me. I would have felt the earth shift beneath my feet, my heart shattering into irreparable pieces.

But now? Now, I felt numb of words.

Violet, oblivious to my thoughts, ran her fingers across the pendant with a smug little smile. “Max gave it to me on my birthday. It’s so thoughtful, isn’t it? He really does have the best taste.”

I let out a light laugh.

Violet blinked, as if unsure what to make of it.

“Something funny?” she asked, tilting her head.

I shook my head, my smile hard and unyielding. “Nothing,” I said softly. “It’s just… fitting.”

Violet narrowed her eyes slightly trying to read my expression but I just scoffed.

Max voice interupted us from within. “Cassie,” he called casually and I left Violet in the living room to go meet him inside his room.

“Cassie,” he called casually, glancing over his shoulder as I walked towards him.

He was slipping into his shirt and adjusting his tie,“I noticed some of the gifts I gave you are missing. The watch, the earrings… What happened to them?”

I didn’t even blink as I looked at him. “Oh, I’m donating them.”

Max paused, only for a second, before beaming a smile—the one that used to make my heart flutter but now only made my stomach turn. “You’re always so kind,” he said, almost fondly. “It’s just like you to give to others. You're the kindest woman I know ever.”

I chuckled, I always donated many things so it wasn't a surprise that she'd be donating.

Yes, I was the kindest woman ever. I was generously donating all his expensive gifts to his beloved Violet. The jewelry, the designer bags, even the man himself. I was giving everything away. After all, wasn’t charity about helping those in need? And Violet clearly needed Max more than I ever did.

“Violet is here,” I said to him and his eyes lit up.

He hastily went to the living and I followed after him. Violet was standing thete her face lit with a practiced sweetness that made me sick.

“Max,” she said softly, her tone laced with false concern.

Max’s eyes widened, his gaze darting nervously between me and her. “Violet,” he said hastily. “We can go back to the office now.”

Violet glanced at me briefly, almost smug, before turning on her heels.

I watched go, then turned to Max. He cleared his throat awkwardly, avoiding my eyes as he ran a hand through his hair.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. “Don’t wait for me tonight, okay? We’re going to be working late.”

“Of course,” I said gently, my smile unwavering. “You work so hard, Max. I’ll head to bed.”

He gave me a relieved smile, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead before disappearing out the door.

As soon as the lock clicked shut, my smile vanished. The calm mask I wore so carefully shattered, leaving only the cold satisfaction burning beneath.

“Can’t hide it anymore, can you?” I murmured to myself as I let out a laugh.

I turned toward the small drawer in the living room, opening it and pulling out my tablet. With a few swipes, the screen came to life, displaying real-time footage from the hidden cameras I had installed everywhere. The living room. The bedroom. His car. Even the office.

The truth was, I had known for a long time. Max’s secrets weren’t secrets anymore, not to me.

I chuckled, my heart throbbed with pain.

My stomach churned as I watched the scene unfold through the camera feed.