A Love Without Anchor

"Sir, the divorce agreement from the safe."On their fifth wedding anniversary, in a dimly-lit restaurant, Xavier Hampton's secretary placed the divorce papers in front of him.Five years ago, on the day Elizabeth Eaton and he registered their marriage—She had loved him deeply. So deeply that she had prepared the divorce agreement in advance, signed her name, and locked it away in the safe. If she ever betrayed him, all he had to do was sign.Xavier picked up the pen and swiftly signed his name.Across from him, the empty seat seemed heavier than any presence. His gaze dimmed."Send the divorce papers to Attorney Harvey," he said, his voice calm, almost detached. "Then book a hotel and have the wedding venue set up in advance."The secretary hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, "Whose names should I write as the bride and groom?""Elizabeth Eaton and Connor Walker."A brief silence followed. Connor Walker was Elizabeth's first love.The secretary's voice wavered.

Elizabeth looked at Xavier, her face tinged with shyness."Let's take it as it comes. Hopefully by the end of the year. I'd like to have a little Xavier too."Xavier lowered his gaze to the skewers in front of him. He remained silent for a few seconds, then said nothing.Elizabeth, ever considerate, handed him a skewer. Just then, a man walked into the barbecue shop."Your car got scraped by another vehicle. You should come take a look."Elizabeth frowned, her face darkening."I'll go check. Honey, eat first. I'll be back as soon as I sort it out."She turned to leave but added, "Order whatever you want, but nothing cold. Your stomach isn't good."Her thoughtful words sent a wave of admiration through the shop."Goodness me, Elizabeth is so attentive. She even remembers that her husband's stomach is weak. That's real care.""Unbelievable. If I were him, I'd be the happiest man alive."The shop owner, observing Xavier's silence, chuckled."Mr. Hampton, you have great fortune

Connor's eyes were red. He nodded eagerly, his voice trembling with excitement. "I do! I swear, I'd marry you a hundred times over!"The film crew erupted in cheers. "Congratulations!"Inside a car parked nearby, Xavier watched the scene unfold, his face frozen in an expressionless mask. A chill spread through his body.Five years ago, Elizabeth had proposed to him with the same deep affection. She had worn a beautiful white wedding dress, held a bouquet of bright red roses, and carried a meticulously prepared engagement ring.That day, she had choked on her own words, tears brimming in her eyes."Xavier, I love you. You are the only man for me in this lifetime. No other man will ever enter my heart. Please, marry me. I'm begging you. I swear, if I ever betray you, I'll die."Xavier let out a hollow laugh. It started as a chuckle, but before he knew it, tears were rolling down his face.Everything had been a lie. The vows, the tears, even the so-called sincerity. In the end, eve

The next day marked the third day of the countdown.Early in the morning, Elizabeth arrived at the hospital with a steaming bowl of soup. "I had our housekeeper make this just for you," she said, placing it on the bedside table. "It's your favorite. Try it."Xavier didn't refuse. He took small sips.After Elizabeth left, he waited another thirty minutes before switching on the surveillance footage.In the living room, Connor was sitting beside Elizabeth, watching prenatal education videos with her. He rested his palm gently on her belly, his face soft with tenderness. "Babe, your big eyes are beautiful. Our baby should inherit them."Elizabeth smiled, lips curling slightly. "But your facial structure is better. I hope the baby looks like you."That evening, Attorney Harvey arrived at the hospital."Sir, your divorce agreement with Ms. Eaton is now in effect.""Thank you." Xavier glanced at the papers, then turned to his secretary. "Make a copy and put it in the 'Second Marriage

Elizabeth finally turned her gaze back to the gift box before her. Her mind felt muddled, almost numb, as she reached out and lifted the lid.Inside, torn fabric lay in disarray. They were pieces of a couple's matching shirts, shredded beyond recognition. On top, a small scrap of fabric bore a word stitched in careful handwriting—'husband.' The stitches were unmistakably Xavier's.Elizabeth picked up the fragment with trembling hands. Her legs wobbled, and she nearly lost her balance."This was supposed to be his gift for me today? No, that's impossible. Someone must be playing a cruel joke. He would never cut up our matching shirts…"A year ago, on their fourth wedding anniversary, Xavier had gifted her the custom-made women's version of the same shirt. That night, he had looked at her with eyes full of warmth."Elizabeth, in my heart, you are my wife, and I am your husband. I cherish every day with you."Then he had added, "But if the day ever comes when you betray me, when I l