The Ivanovas and the Vitales are well-known aristocratic families who have maintained everlasting friendship through generations.

My name is Anastasia Ivanova.

I have been the daughter of the Ivanovas for twenty years, only to discover just now that I was switched at birth.

When I was swept out of the Ivanova’s mansion like rubbish, Lorenzo, the youngest son of the Vitale family, firmly picked me up in spite of all objections.

Lorenzo always acted cold and distant toward me. I didn’t know why he came to take me into his car at that time.

He whispered in my ear again and again, ‌"I’ve wanted you for a long time."‌ He pinned me against the leather seat, making me cry until my voice was hoarse. At that moment, I finally understood his coldness over the years was not indifference but restraint.

Soon after, Lorenzo overrode all objections to marry me.

His parents were vehemently against me, but Lorenzo directly stripped them of power and became the youngest godfather. Scarlett Montgomery tried to stop us from getting married, but Lorenzo canceled all her credit cards and threatened to send her away.

I thought we would have a happy life.

Three days before our wedding ceremony, he planned to send me abroad, claiming enemies might retaliate. But, I accidentally overheard him talking to Scarlett in the hallway at night.

"Thank goodness. You tricked her into leaving until after I give birth. You’re so good to me!"‌

He kissed her cheek, ‌"I don’t want Anastasia know our affair. You must keep it secret."‌

Their dialogue made me devastated.

But I didn’t confront him immediately. Instead, I quietly completed my immigration paperwork as a way to make a clean break with him.

Half an hour later, I returned home carrying a beautifully packaged jewelry box. When Lorenzo returned, it was already past ten o'clock in the evening.

He was still holding a bouquet of fresh flowers in his hands, “Honey, I’ve been swamped with work and haven’t had time to spend with you. I brought some freesia. It’s your favorite. Do you like it?”

As he leaned in for a kiss, I caught a whiff of perfume on him. I glanced sideways and noticed a tiny tooth mark on his throat, along with a bright, eye-catching lipstick stain on his collar. That was eye-catching red.

I gave a cold laugh, “You must be busy with Scarlett.”

Lorenzo sniffed the air, “Why are you so mad again?‌”

I pushed him away, “I’m just a bit tired.”

“Let me carry you to bed.” He crouched down, preparing to scoop me up into his arms.

I pushed him away again, “You must be tired too. Go take a shower and get some rest early.”

Lorenzo reached for my hand, but his eyes suddenly locked onto my bare finger. “Anastasia, where is your wedding ring?”

“I took it off.”

“Why? I made that with my own hands. It is a testament to our love.”

I said dismissively, “I’ve gained weight recently. It was cutting into my finger.”

Only then did Lorenzo’s expression soften slightly, and he resumed his smile, “I’ll take it to have the size adjusted some other day.”

“We’ll talk about it later.”

“By the way, what’s that on the table?”Lorenzo pointed at the jewelry box resting on the table. He was pleasantly surprised, “Anastasia, is that a gift for me?”

I nodded, “Yes.”

“What’s it?” Lorenzo intended to open the box, but I snatched it away.

“Why?” Lorenzo puzzled, shrugging and spreading his hands.

I replied, “Not yet.”

Lorenzo was delighted, “What’s the occasion? Why are you getting me a gift?”

My heart ached, “For our wedding anniversary…two weeks from now.”

Lorenzo’s face instantly turned extremely grim. He immediately coaxed me in an ingratiating tone, “I remember it. I’ve been really busy with work lately. How about we go out for dinner tonight? I’ll book the restaurant right now…”

“I’ve already eaten.”

“How about I take you out to see the night view? Let’s go for a stroll along the river?”

“I’m tired. I just want to sleep.”

Lorenzo slightly wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, “It’s been ages since we’ve taken a walk together. Give me a chance to have a walk with you, please!”

I felt nothing but boredom, “Lorenzo…I…”

Lorenzo directly cut me off, “I’ve been feeling that you’ve been a bit distant with me. I’m wondering if my honey has fallen for someone else if you keep saying no.”

I felt a wave of confusion and disgust.

He had the nerve to accuse me of being unfaithful, yet he never admitted that he had left me alone and had an affair with Scarlett. This time, I would take back all my love for good.

On the drive, Lorenzo chatted about his recent experiences. I sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, completely tuning him out.

As I buckled my seatbelt, my fingers brushed against something in the gap beneath the seat. I pulled out a pair of women’s silk stockings. They had clearly been worn. I simply stuffed them back and pretended nothing had happened.

I have made up my mind to leave Lorenzo. I didn’t want to argue with him anymore because I knew I won't get anything but lies.

When we reached the riverbank, Lorenzo got out first and opened my door, “Anastasia, we’re here.”

I hadn’t wanted to come. This was the place where we had our first date. Maybe this was fate. I thought it might be the perfect place to finally put an end to my affection.

Just then, Lorenzo's phone rang. He moved to silence it, but hesitated at the sight of the caller ID. I could clearly see the embarrassment and worry on his face.

I offered a generous smile, "Go ahead. It must be something important."

"I'll be back soon. Just give me five minutes." Lorenzo scuttled away.

"Wait."

As Lorenzo tried to distance himself, I called him back, "Why not take a call here? I don't understand family affairs anyway. You don't need to worry about me leaking any business secrets."

Lorenzo stopped awkwardly. He hesitated for a moment and finally answered, his brow furrowed in anger, "Didn't I tell you not to call me today? What’s up?"

I couldn't make out the words on the other end, but faintly heard a woman crying.

Lorenzo spoke with cautious care. "Alright, I got it. Just wait a moment."

Hanging up, he turned to me with an apologetic look. "Anastasia, I'm so sorry. There's an important document. The manager has brought it to the company downstairs. I'll sign it and come back soon. I’ll be back half an hour."

I nodded. As Lorenzo rushed into the car, I knew he wouldn't be coming back. I immediately hailed a taxi to follow him.

Lorenzo stopped at the hospital. He couldn't even wait for the elevator and sprinted down the stairs. He looked frantic and impatient, eventually arriving at the Obstetrics and Gynecology department.

My phone vibrated.

[Scarlett]: Anastasia, I'm so sorry. It seems that Lorenzo can’t stay with you today. I really can’t stop him from running to my side.]

Messages from Scarlett kept pouring in.

[Scarlett]: Oh, here is an image for you. It's my ultrasound report. I'm pregnant.]

Anastasia zoomed in on the picture and made out the first line on the report clearly. It read: Embryo of 8 weeks. It is the early signs of miscarriage.

[Scarlett]: I had sex with Lorenzo on the rooftop yesterday, trying every position imaginable. Maybe we went a bit too hard, so the baby has a slight risk of miscarriage. Ouch! It's all his fault. He complained you are as boring as a dead fish and can’t satisfy him.

I had no reason to stay with Lorenzo.

[Scarlett]: Don’t blame me. The doctor asked Lorenzo to sign the consent form and I have no choice but to call him. You know he cares about his baby. I can’t stop him.”

I knew Lorenzo didn’t love me, but I still felt heartbroken. After a while, I took a taxi away from the hospital on my own.

The next morning, I went straight to a law firm, "I would like to commission your firm to draft a divorce agreement for me."

I didn't ask for any assets, and the lawyer was very reliable. In half an hour, I had the complete divorce agreement in hand.

The lawyer told me, "You don’t have to get your husband’s signature immediately. As long as you have been separated for two full years, this divorce agreement will automatically take effect."

Just as I walked out with the divorce agreement, Lorenzo called, "Anastasia, I have to go on a business trip for a few days. Take good care of yourself at home. I will be back next week. I promise I'll cancel all my work to stay with you then."

I let out a heavy sigh. When a lie is told a thousand times, no one believes it anymore. I hardly felt emotional now.

"Okay. I got it. Go ahead."

"Honey, you’re so understanding. Wait for me. I will bring you some freesias when I come back."

"Understanding?" I sniffed, "Lorenzo, don’t you prefer someone who act spoiled and cling to you? Will I be boring?”

Lorenzo paused for a moment. "How could that be? I like you the most. I like you exactly the way you are."

"Lorenzo, will you ever fall in love with another woman?"

"Of course not."

"If you love someone else, I will leave you forever."

Lorenzo chuckled. "Just have a try. I can lock down the airport and the train stations. As long as your name is still Anastasia, I will find you out."

I stressed again, "I'm serious. I can find a way to stay away from you forever."

Lorenzo still laughed, as if he teasing a pet, "Alright, you can run first. I'll give you a three-day head start, and then I'll come find you out. As long as you're still called Anastasia, I can find you. You have no chance to shake me off."

I smirked, “We’ll see.”

Three days before the flight took off, Scarlett sent a photo of Lorenzo having a barbecue by the seaside.

[Scarlett]: To celebrate me carrying his baby, Lorenzo rewarded me with a vacation in the Maldives. He can’t bear me working so hard.‌

I didn't reply because I didn’t care about what they did anymore. Instead, I met up with a few close friends for one last get-together and enjoyed a wonderful time. Deep down, I knew we probably wouldn't be able to see each other again in the future.

Two days before the flight, Scarlett sent another photo. It was Lorenzo reading a book titled A Guide to Early Childhood Education.

[Scarlett]: Lorenzo is concerned about the baby's education. Even though it's just a little bean in my tummy, Daddy keeps talking through my belly every single day.

I still didn't reply. I went to the bank, exchanged all my money for cash in Euros, and then canceled all my bank cards.

One day before the flight, Scarlett sent a video that showed a beautiful and romantic fireworks display over the sea. Scarlett was crying with emotion, and Lorenzo was holding her gently, comforting her: "Why are you crying? There will be more surprises in the future."

[Scarlett]: Lorenzo booked the entire island for me. He bought out every single firework in the Maldives, just to celebrate my birthday.

I just offered a faint smile. Today was Scarlett's birthday. It must be a double celebration for her birthday and pregnancy.

When Lorenzo was away, I had packed everything up early. I donated all five large bags of clothes and shoes to charity, not leaving a single piece behind. As for all my daily necessities in the house, I took them directly to the funeral home and paid the staff to burn them all.

In the house I had lived in for five years, I felt a strange sense of unfamiliarity. The house had been cleaned out completely. There wasn't a single trace of mine. I only had one carry-on backpack, containing my passport. The only old belonging was the phone in my hand.

I used the phone to hail a taxi to the airport. The driver stopped at the terminal. Just as I was about to get off the car, I happened to spot Lorenzo in the crowd. He was pushing a luggage cart with two suitcases, one blue and one pink. Scarlett was holding his arm, leaning against his shoulder like a little bird relying on him. They were talking something but I couldn’t hear. Lorenzo lowered his head and kissed her on the lips, seemingly to soothe her. They gradually disappeared into the sea of people.

My phone rang. It was Lorenzo, "Anastasia, I'm back from my business trip. I'm coming to pick you up now, and let's go out for dinner together."

"Are you tired?"

"Not too bad. By the way, I remember you said I could open the box you gave me today, right?"

"Yes."

"I can't wait. You made me wait two week! I've been guessing every day what you got me. It must be something meaningful for our wedding anniversary, isn’t it?"

"Yes, it’s meaningful. You'll know as soon as you see it." I knew Lorenzo would later find a small silver ingot in the box. That was the melted wedding ring.

"Okay, wait for me. I should be home in about two hours."

Two hours was more than enough. By then, I should have already crossed the border.

"Okay."

"See you in a bit. Love you, Anastasia."

Hanging up, the taxi driver reminded her, "Miss, you haven't paid the fare yet." I paid and immediately turned off her phone, took out the SIM card, tossed it casually into a trash can, and then handed the phone to a little kid nearby.

The kid was delighted: "Thank you, sister!"

I smiled and patted his hair. "You're welcome."

The kid’s mother felt embarrassed, "We can't take it. It’s valuable."

I asked, "Are you guys going abroad?"

"Yes, we're going to Africa to find his dad."

I smiled and said, "Just take it. You might find it useful when you get to Africa."

"Alright then, thank you so much."

I waved hands and said goodbye to them. "I wish you a pleasant journey."

The airport broadcast sounded, "Please proceed to Gate H23 for boarding as soon as possible. Your flight is about to depart..."

Looking back at the terminal, I resolutely walked towards the boarding gate.