Chapter 2

Matthew let out a sigh of relief and leaned toward Danielle, a teasing pout on his face. "We haven't been intimate since you finished your postpartum recovery. Tonight—"

A wave of nausea hit Danielle, and just as she was about to speak, his phone rang.

Matthew shot her a guilty look and turned away to answer. After hanging up, he sounded anxious. "Honey, there's an emergency at the office. I need to head over right now."

He grabbed his coat and rushed out. Danielle's chest tightened, and she quietly followed him in her car.

Matthew's car slowly stopped in front of the secluded villa. Minutes later, Meghan walked out and climbed into the passenger seat, swaying her hips with every step. The car began to rock violently, leaving no doubt of what occurred inside.

Danielle opened the surveillance app on her phone. The irony hit her sharply.

She had originally installed the listening device to ensure his safety during business outings. Now it served as a tool to witness his betrayal.

Matthew's voice drifted through, low and breathless. "Good thing you faked a stomachache to lure me here, or I'd still be stuck at home putting on an act. You've kept yourself in much better shape. Danielle has so many stretch marks now. It actually makes my stomach turn."

Meghan whimpered softly. "Then don't go back tonight. Stay here with me."

Matthew grew more frantic in his movements. Before long, he carried Meghan into the villa, clearly unsatisfied by the confines of the car.

Danielle sat motionless behind the wheel all night, unable to comprehend how the man who once said he loved her more than anything could stoop this low.

…

The next morning, Danielle pretended to just wake up as Matthew returned with damp hair, clearly fresh from a shower.

"Wake up, Danielle. I'm taking you to an auction today. They have some antiques you'll love."

He leaned down, kissed her forehead, and spoke in the same gentle tone he had always used. Danielle hesitated for a moment but decided to go along.

Inside the auction house, Meghan approached them in a red dress with a high slit, drawing every eye to her flawless legs. "Mr. Gardner, let me take your coat for you."

Matthew sidestepped her with visible disgust, his voice cold. "I'm here with my wife today. Why are you here?"

The guests' attention instantly shifted toward them.

Meghan bit her lip and looked at Danielle with a wounded expression. "But someone needs to attend to you…"

Everyone knew how much Matthew adored Danielle. Their wedding had been a legendary affair, attended by every notable figure in the city.

Whispers erupted around them at once.

Matthew tightened his grip on Danielle's waist and frowned. "Ms. Landry, you're not needed here. Go back to the office."

Meghan ran off in tears under the judgmental glares of the guests.

Matthew gave Danielle a gentle kiss on her forehead and guided her to their seats, but she could clearly sense his irritation. As several items went under the hammer, his gaze drifted, and his leg bounced restlessly beneath the table.

When the gem known as Radiant Heart appeared, Matthew raised his paddle and placed an aggressive bid. He then stood up to excuse himself. "Danielle, I'm going to the restroom. If there's anything you like, just bid on it."

All eyes turned to Danielle with envy.

"Mr. Gardner really spoils his wife. He even placed a high bid for her."

"Well, she is the heiress of the Bradford family. She probably wouldn't settle for anything less."

Danielle ignored the chatter. As soon as Matthew left, she went after him. When she reached the door of the women's restroom, scandalous noises drifted from one of the stalls.

Matthew's voice was breathless. "You little minx, who told you to come dressed like this? Weren't three times this morning enough?"

"You're the one who was mean to me first," Meghan said, pouting seductively. "Didn't it occur to you when you kicked me out earlier?"

He sighed. "Be good. After all, she's my wife in name, and the influential people here all respect the Bradford family. You know that."

She let out a soft whimper, her voice trembling. "But I'm your legal wife. When will I finally be able to stand by your side in public?"

Matthew's voice turned stern. "Stop it. We agreed to keep our marriage hidden. Don't cross the line."

He paused for a moment, his tone softened. "That gem I just bought is for you. Consider it a peace offering."

"I want a wedding too! One even bigger than Danielle's!"

Meghan's remaining words were drowned out by the sound of wet kisses.

Danielle's stomach lurched. She stumbled out of the auction house and pressed herself against a wall, retching violently.

She finally saw Matthew for who he truly was. He called her his wife in public, but his heart belonged to Meghan and Taylor.

The carefully maintained public facade of their love had been nothing but him playing her for a fool. That fake marriage certificate and the grand wedding now seemed like a pathetic joke.

Danielle closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and comforted herself. "Six more days. Just get through these six days, and it'll be over."

She immediately called her assistant, Cindy Brown. "Audit all my shares and projects within Gardner Group as soon as possible and prepare the transfer agreements."

The next second, Cindy's words made her blood run cold. "Ms. Bradford, the Escort Project you were in charge of was transferred to Ms. Landry last month!"