Isobel had been discharged when Anthony came home. She was reading a book by the window.

"I'm sorry, Belle! It was such a busy business trip. I didn't manage to make it back in time for your birthday and our anniversary…"

While speaking, he took off his suit jacket and walked over to give her a hug. "I promise this will be the last time. I'll be there for important occasions.

"Sweetheart, don't be mad at me. Okay?"

She sneered and closed her eyes. She was nauseated by the faint whiff of Sasha Green's perfume on him. Indeed, he was probably "occupied" on his business trip with Sasha. But none of that mattered anymore.

Isobel pushed him away. She stared directly at him and said calmly, "It's fine."

Visibly relieved, he pulled out a black velvet box and handed it to her. "Belle, I bought you a gift. I hope you like it."

He opened the box to reveal a watch. It was worth 31 million dollars. There were only seven of those in the whole world.

"These watches are the epitome of precision. Each and every single cog works harmoniously—just like my love for you."

He carefully put the watch on Isobel's wrist as she listened to his empty promises, her expression blank. Then, she turned around and took the gift box containing the surgery receipt and the break-up letter she had written.

She handed it to Anthony. "This is my birthday gift for you."

He took the gift box with delight and was eager to open it, but she stopped him.

The sunlight that dappled across her thin face made her appear fragile yet beautiful.

"Save it for your birthday next month."

He caressed her hair, a doting look in his eyes. "Sure. I'll listen to you and unbox it on my birthday. Thanks, sweetheart!"

Isobel took in his delighted expression with a fake smile. She thought, "Anthony Johnson, I hope by then, you'll still remember what you have done to me that night. Will you still be as happy when you recall it?"

…

The next day, the Johnsons invited all the prominent figures of Halthorne City to Isobel's belated birthday party, which was held at the largest manor in the city.

The manor was filled with her favorite red roses. Rose petals were scattered all across the event hall. The guests couldn't help but gush at Anthony's level of attentiveness and care for Isobel.

"Even if the Johnsons had taken in Isobel because of their friendship with the Suttons, they wouldn't have treated her like a princess. She must owe her comfortable life under their roof to Anthony."

"Ain't that right? He still looks at her the same way. It was the same as when he confessed his love at 18 years old!"

"My ship is still sailing after seven years!"

The jealous chatter reached Isobel's ears, but she said nothing. She simply smiled politely out of respect for the Johnson family.

Her love story with Anthony was akin to the rose petals scattered across the floor. It was gorgeous but would eventually wilt over time.

During the party, Anthony had taken many drinks on Isobel's behalf as he didn't want her to feel unwell from too much drinking. When someone approached her to talk, he would stand beside her and listen, occasionally chiming in.

His gaze never left Isobel, and he was more than willing to let her shine. Like a gentleman, he held her bag for her and helped her to cut her steak, among many other loving gestures.

She thought he was a natural actor, as his performance nearly confused her. For a second, she even wondered if his infidelity was merely an illusion.

"You are such a match made in heaven! What a great couple. When are you getting married?"

"That's true! Remember to invite us to the wedding! We watched you and Belle grow up, after all!"

Anthony held Isobel's hand. "We will invite you guys for sure. But before that, I will carry out the grandest wedding proposal ever for Belle."

Isobel stood beside him, smiling. But she was tired of it all. Suddenly, she recalled her first time attending an event as Anthony's girlfriend. It was hosted by the Johnsons. Everyone heaped praises on them, calling them a perfect couple.

Back then, Anthony smiled and put a hand around her shoulder. He proudly said, "Of course we are! How lucky am I to have Belle as my girlfriend? I'll marry no one but her."

She blushed and hid her face in his arms. She often fantasized about the moment he proposed. She was confident that she would say yes. But she decided not to wait for Anthony anymore.

At the end of the party, he led her onto the stage, produced a jewelry box, and opened it to reveal a luxurious and opulent necklace. He wore it around her neck for her.

"Happy birthday, Belle." With that, he kissed her forehead as applause erupted around them.

When Isobel checked out the necklace, she noticed Sasha sitting on one of the seats, looking grim and resentful. It was a stark contrast to everyone else.

Isobel smirked.

Sasha's face fell even more when she caught Isobel's mocking expression. She gritted her teeth and left the hall. No one had noticed the subtle exchange. They were busy singing praises.

Only Isobel was aware that her love for Anthony had come to an end.

The dancing started after dinner.

Anthony bowed slightly, inviting Isobel to share the first dance. After deliberating, she took his hand, not wanting to put the Johnsons in a tough spot.

At that moment, Sasha hurried over to Anthony. "Mr. Johnson, something urgent came up at work that needs your attention."

When he heard that, he immediately straightened up without bothering to ask for the details. He gave Isobel an apologetic look.

"Sorry, Belle. I will need to get back to work. How about I pick you up at night?"

Under the gaze of the guests, Isobel retracted her hand. "Go."

Her heart ached at the sight of Anthony and Sasha hurrying away.

Four months ago, Sasha had moved into the Johnson residence as Anthony's cousin-in-law with the excuse of being widowed and defenseless. The Johnsons allowed her to stay out of sympathy.

At first, Isobel had no suspicion about Sasha's sudden arrival. She even showered Sasha with care.

Isobel thought the Johnsons were just helping Sasha out when the latter was made Anthony's secretary. It wasn't until Anthony and Sasha grew so close that she noticed something was off.

She used to be everything to Anthony. He would always put her first.

Lately, she often noticed him deliberating as though he was struggling to make a decision. Now, he was long past the hesitating phase. He'd run to Sasha without thinking.

Isobel excused herself from the dance, saying that she was unwell. She retired to her bedroom.

At the same time, Anthony and Sasha hurried into his office.

"Tell me. What's the urgent matter?"

"I thought you could read my mind since you didn't ask me anything in the car." Sasha gave a seductive look as he adjusted his tie.

Frowning, he grabbed her hand. "I told you not to mess around! It's Belle's belated birthday party today!"

"Anthony, you're being too harsh on me. I'm three months into the pregnancy now. Don't you miss me at all?"

"Sasha…"

"Weren't you interested in trying it out at the office?" She took off her coat to reveal a skimpy business suit. "Tony, can Isobel even satisfy your needs?"

Anthony's aggressive gaze swept past her entire body. No longer holding back, he grabbed her by the waist and kissed her passionately. His desires were fulfilled.

When they were done, Anthony wiped Sasha's lipstick stains on him off. He checked his phone, but Isobel didn't text him.

His heart skipped a beat. An uneasy feeling arose within.

"Spend the night at my place, won't you?"

He buckled his seatbelt and swatted Sasha's hand away.

"James will send you home. I need to pick up Belle from the manor."

Then, he ignored Sasha's tearful expression and drove off. On his way to the manor, he even bought some famous local candies for Isobel.

...

"Belle, what's wrong? Mom said you were feeling sick."

Anthony had jogged up to the bedroom and expressed his concern for Isobel. She got up in bed and shook her head. "I'm fine."

He caressed her head like he was coaxing a child. "I bought you your favorite candy. Do you want to take a bite? I'll send you home after that."

He had bought the candy from her favorite place—a century-old local store. When they were young, he'd line up to buy some candy and other treats just to cheer her up.

She lowered her gaze. Immediately, she smelled Sasha's overpowering fragrance that made her feel sick.

Why did Anthony not bother to lie better in the final days of their relationship? Just why?

Pushing his hand away, she croaked, "I don't want it. Please leave." She had only eaten the candy in the past because he had bought it for her. But now, she no longer wanted it.

She thought, "Don't bother taking me home either. I lost my only home the moment you betrayed me."

Isobel stayed quiet during the ride home. Anthony immediately sensed that she was feeling blue. He asked, "Belle, are you upset because I left you behind to work? I'm really sorry. When I'm done with this project, I promise I'll never cast you aside for work again.

"Did someone upset you when I wasn't around? Sweetheart, please don't ignore me."

Anthony might be a ruthless CEO, but he was just a loyal canine in front of Isobel. However, a leopard could not change its spots.

"I'm just tired," she replied flatly.

…

After that, Anthony cautiously kept an eye on her mood. One night, he sat on her bed. "My project will end in a month. Belle, do you want to travel anywhere? Let's go on a vacation!"

Little did he know that she would have left him by then. She shook her head.

"What's wrong with you, Belle? Tell me what's bothering you. You're worrying me." He clasped her cold hand.

How worried was he? She peered into his eyes. His feelings seemed genuine.

He loved and cared for her, even risking his life for her. Yet, he did not even notice she had undergone surgery. Not only that, but he boldly cheated on her.

She pulled her hand away. "It's nothing. I heard that Mason Cullen has a few mistresses and is in the middle of a divorce. Still, he was known to be crazy about his wife.

"People can be very different from how they appear. That got me thinking for a bit."

"Don't worry, Belle. I'll never be like him," Anthony promised without hesitation. He held her to offer her comfort.

He even expressed his loyalty, saying, "Let me be cursed if I fall for anyone other than you, Isobel."

She closed her eyes as tears fell. She had never questioned his promise, but it turned out to be a lie he was so used to making.

…

After that day, Anthony rarely came home. He often stayed out for the so-called project at work.

But that didn't bother Isobel too much. Now, she had the time and space to slowly plan out her eventual departure.

One day, she decided to return to the Sutton residence before leaving Halthorne City for good.

The Sutton residence was located on the west side of the city. After the deaths of Isobel's parents, the Johnson family bought the house and put her name on the title deed, but she rarely visited the place because it made her sad.

Many years later, she was surprised to find the residence neither dilapidated nor unkempt. The landscape—including the pond and the greenery—was well cared for.

She figured that Anthony must have arranged for people to work on the upkeep of the Sutton residence. The thought made her feel a little touched.

Perhaps they could still be family even if they were not fated to be lovers.

She ran her fingers across the familiar bricks and tiles at the residence. Then, she decided to go to the second floor and clean her childhood bedroom.

As she reached the staircase by the windows, she caught sight of two figures in the garden out of the corner of her eye.

Anthony and Sasha's presence on the grounds made Isobel freeze. Her mind went blank.

The two of them were completely undressed as they made out in the garden. She could even hear their dirty talk.

Sasha, who was wearing Isobel's childhood clothes, purred, "Tony, do you like it? If you refuse to comment on it, I won't put this on for you anymore!"

"Can't you tell how much I like it? Guess I'll have to work harder."

"You little rascal! I just wanted to hear it straight from your mouth…"

Their words sent a stabbing pain through Isobel's heart, rendering her breathless.

Five minutes ago, she entertained the silly possibility of ending things on a good note with Anthony.

She put a hand over her mouth and helplessly crouched under the windows, crying silently. Tears rolled down her cheeks and dripped onto the wooden floor, forming a tiny puddle.

She couldn't help but wonder if Anthony had ever been serious during their seven years of dating and if she had ever truly known the real him.

He gave her the impression of an earnest man even during their first kiss.

That day, he had rubbed his hands nervously many times before mustering the courage to hold her hand. Then, he looked at her affectionately before asking, "Belle, can I kiss you?"

She nodded, her smile wide. They kissed under the spectacular fireworks display. At the end of it, he kissed her on the tip of her nose and her ears. It felt like he wanted to be one with her.

"Oh, my Belle…"

Back then, she had naively thought that she was at the top of the world. To her, Anthony felt like home. However, the man before her was nothing but a stranger.

A promise only mattered when two people were in love. And only the person who took the vows seriously would believe in it.